 it unnecessary
to the independence of his second son. He moreover observed, that, in
consequence of this information, he no sooner heard of Mr. Pickle's death, which
happened at the club, than he went directly, with a lawyer, to his house, before
any cabal or conspiracy could be formed against the rightful heir; and, in
presence of witnesses provided for the purpose, sealed up all the papers of the
deceased, after the widow had, in the first transports of her sorrow and
vexation, fairly owned, that her husband had died intestate.
    Peregrine was extremely well satisfied with this intelligence, by which all
his doubts were dispelled, and having chearfully supped with his friends on a
cold collation which his brother-in-law had brought in his chariot, they retired
to rest, in different chambers, after Julia had met with another repulse from
her capricious mother, whose overflowing rage had now subsided into the former
channel of calm inveteracy.
    Next morning the house was supplied with some servants from the garison, and
preparations made for the funeral of the deceased; and Gam having taken lodging
in the neighbourhood, came with a chaise and cart to demand his mother, together
with his own cloaths, and her personal effects.
    Our hero, tho' he would not suffer him to enter the door, allowed his
proposal to be communicated to the widow, who eagerly embraced the opportunity
of removing, and was, with her own baggage, and that of her beloved son,
conveyed to the place which he had prepared for her reception; whither she was
followed by her woman, who was desired by Peregrine to assure her mistress,
that, until a regular provision could be settled upon her, she might command
him, in point of money, or any other accommodation in his power.
 

                                 Chapter CXIII

He performs the last Offices to his Father, and returns to London, upon a very
interesting Design
 
Suits of mourning being provided for himself, his friends and adherents, and
every other previous measure taken, suitable to the occasion, his father was
interred, in a private manner, in the parish-church; and his papers being
examined, in presence of many persons of honour and integrity, invited for that
purpose, no will was found, or any other deed, in favour of the second son, tho'
it appeared by the marriage settlement, that the widow was intitled to a
jointure of five hundred pounds a year. The rest of his papers consisted of
East-India bonds, South-sea annuities, mortgages, notes and assignments, to the
amount of
