dy took a strange form, and one which much
puzzled his physicians. His feverish symptoms gradually disappeared, and
to his paroxysms of passion and excitement there now succeeded a sort of
dreary apathy, in which he scarcely uttered a word, nor was it easy to
say whether he heard or heeded the remarks around him. This state was
accompanied by a daily increasing debility, as though the powers of life
were being gradually exhausted, and that, having no more to strive for
or desire, he cared no more to live.

The whole interest of his existence now seemed to centre around the
hour when the post arrived. He had ordered that the letter-bag should be
opened in his presence, and as the letters were shown him one by one,
he locked them, unopened and unread, in a despatch-box, so far strictly
obedient to the dictates of the doctor, who had forbidden him all
species of excitement. His family had been too long accustomed to the
reserve and distance he observed towards them to feel surprised that
none were in this critical hour admitted to his confidence, and that
it was in presence of his valet, Dorose, the letters were sorted and
separated, and such as had no bearing on matters of business sent down
to be read by the family.

It was while he continued in this extraordinary state, intermediate, as
it seemed, between sleeping and waking, a telegram came from Sedley to
Augustus, saying, "Highly important to see your father. Could he confer
with me if I go over? Reply at once." The answer was, "Unlikely that you
can see him; but come on the chance."

Before sending off this reply, Augustus had taken the telegram up to
Marion's room, to ask her advice in the matter. "You are quite right,
Gusty," said she; "for if Sedley cannot see papa, he can certainly see
Lord Culduff."

"Lord Culduff," cried he, in amazement "Why, what could Lord Culduff
possibly know about my father's affairs? How could he be qualified to
give an opinion upon them?"

"Simply on the grounds of his great discrimination, his great acuteness,
joined to a general knowledge of life, in which he has admittedly few
rivals."

"Grant all that; but here are special questions, here are matters
essentially personal; and with all his Lordship's tact and readiness,
yet he is not one of us."

"He may be, though, and very soon, too," replied she, promptly.

"What do you mean?" asked he, in a voice of almost dismay.

"Just what I say, Augustus; and I am not aware it is a