afraid to do so now. This young man of
fortune has made her think differently. He would, of course, protect
you from slander, and expose her, if she attempted it. Then, good-bye."

We embraced, and then I ordered a hackney-coach to be called, and drove
with my luggage to Baker Street. The cook welcomed me, saying that she
expected my coming, as Mr Selwyn had called to tell her of Lady R--'s
death, and that when she asked to whom she was to look for her wages, he
had told her that I was the person who was to settle all her ladyship's
affairs, as everything was left on my hands. She showed me a letter
from Martha, Lady R--'s maid, by which I found that they would probably
arrive in Baker Street that very day, with all her ladyship's effects.

"I suppose you will sleep here, miss?" said the cook, "I have aired your
bed, and your room is all ready."

I replied that I wished to do so for a night or two, at all events, as I
had a good deal to attend to, but that Mr Selwyn would call at one
o'clock, and that I would speak to him on the subject.

I had requested Lionel to call at twelve, an hour previous to Mr
Selwyn, that I might make him acquainted with the contents of Lady R--'s
papers addressed to me. He was punctual to the time, and I shook hands
with him, saying, "Lionel, I congratulate you, at now having proofs of
your being the nephew of Lady R--, and also at her having left you
considerable property. You will be surprised to hear that she has
appointed me her executrix."

"I am not at all surprised," replied Lionel; "I am sure she has done a
wise thing at last."

"That is more than I am," replied I, "but I appreciate the compliment.
But, Lionel, there is no time to be lost, as Mr Selwyn, the lawyer, is
coming here at one o'clock, and before he comes I wish you to read over
Lady R--'s confession, if I may so call it, which will explain the
motives of her conduct towards you. I am afraid that it will not
extenuate her conduct, but recollect that she has now made all the
reparation in her power, and that we must forgive as we hope to be
forgiven. Sit down and read these papers, while I unpack one or two of
my boxes upstairs."

"The last time that we were here, I corded them up for you, Miss
Valerie; I hope that you will allow me to assist you again."

"Thank you, but you will have no time to read what Lady R--has said, and
the cook and I can manage without you."

I then left the room and went upstairs.