e is small and gray, with a slight stoop, and a formal sort of
manner. I don't like him. I mean his manner checked and repelled me, and
I was glad to get away from him."

"My father thinks highly of his integrity, I know."

"Yes, I am aware of that. He is an excellent person, I believe; rather
non-attractive."

"Well," said he, with a half-sigh, "I'll go and see whether my
impression of him be the same as yours. Will you come in, Nelly?"

"Not unless you particularly wish it," said she, gravely.

"No; I make no point of it, Nelly. I 'll see you again by-and-by."

Augustus found Mr. Sedley over his wine He had despatched a hasty meal,
and was engaged looking over a mass of papers and letters with which a
black leather bag at his side seemed to be filled. After a few words
of greeting, received by the visitor with a formal politeness, Augustus
proceeded to explain how his father's state precluded all questions of
business, and that the injunctions of the doctor were positive on this
head.

"His mind is clear, however, isn't it?" asked Sedley.

"Perfectly. He has never wandered, except in the few moments after
sleep."

"I take it I shall be permitted to see him?"

"Certainly; if the doctor makes no objection, you shall."

"And possibly, too, I may be allowed to ask him a question or two?
Matters which I know he will be well prepared to answer me."

"I am not so confident about that. Within the last hour Doctor Belton
has declared perfect quiet, perfect repose, to be of the utmost
importance to my father."

"Is it not possible, Mr. Bramleigh, that I may be able to contribute to
this state by setting your father's mind at rest, with reference to what
may press very heavily on him?"

"That is more than I can answer," said Augustus, cautiously.

"Well," said Sedley, pushing back his chair from the table, "if I am not
permitted to see Colonel Bramleigh, I shall have made this journey for
nothing--without, sir, that you will consent to occupy your father's
position, and give your sanction to a line of action?"

"You know my father, Mr. Sedley, and I need not tell you how so
presumptuous a step on my part might be resented by him."

"Under ordinary circumstances, I am sure he would resent such
interference: but here, in the present critical emergency, he might
feel, and not without reason, perhaps, more displeased at your want of
decision."

"But when I tell you, Mr. Sedley, that I know nothing of business,