ames--Grimston, the attorney; for though he was not
employed about this will, he has been Mr. Ruthyn's solicitor a great many
years: we must have Grimston; for, as I suppose you know, though it is a
short will, it is a very strange one. I expostulated, but you know he was
very decided when he took a view. He read it to you, eh?'

'No, sir.'

'Oh, but he told you so much as relates to you and your uncle, Mr. Silas
Ruthyn, of Bartram-Haugh?'

'No, indeed, sir.'

'Ha! I wish he had.'

And with these words Doctor Bryerly's countenance darkened.

'Mr. Silas Ruthyn is a religious man?'

'Oh, _very_!' said I.

'You've seen a good deal of him?'

'No, I never saw him,' I answered.

'H'm? Odder and odder! But he's a good man, isn't he?'

'Very good, indeed, sir--a very religious man.'

Doctor Bryerly was watching my countenance as I spoke, with a sharp and
anxious eye; and then he looked down, and read the pattern of the carpet
like bad news, for a while, and looking again in my face, askance, he
said--

'He was very near joining _us_--on the point. He got into correspondence
with Henry Voerst, one of our best men. They call us Swedenborgians, you
know; but I dare say that won't go much further, now. I suppose, Miss
Ruthyn, one o'clock would be a good hour, and I am sure, under the
circumstances, the gentlemen will make a point of attending.'

'Yes, Dr. Bryerly, the notes shall be sent, and my cousin, Lady Knollys,
would I am sure attend with me while the will is being read--there would be
no objection to her presence?'

'None in the world. I can't be quite sure who are joined with me as
executors. I'm almost sorry I did not decline; but it is too late
regretting. One thing you must believe Miss Ruthyn: in framing the
provisions of the will I was never consulted--although I expostulated
against the only very unusual one it contains when I heard it. I did
so strenuously, but in vain. There was one other against which I
protested--having a right to do so--with better effect. In no other way
does the will in any respect owe anything to my advice or dissuasion. You
will please believe this; also that I am your friend. Yes, indeed, it is my
duty.'

The latter words he spoke looking down again, as it were in soliloquy; and
thanking him, I withdrew.

When I reached the hall, I regretted that I had not asked him to state
distinctly what arrangements the will made so nearly affecting, as it
seemed, my relations with