had I not heard it with my ears.'

'About my going to Bartram-Haugh?'

'Yes, exactly so, under Silas Ruthyn's guardianship, to spend
two--_three_--of the most important years of your education and your life
under that roof. Is _that_, my dear, what was in your mind when you were so
alarmed about what you were to be called upon to do, or undergo?'

'No, no, indeed. I had no notion what it might be. I was afraid of
something serious,' I answered.

'And, my dear Maud, did not your poor father speak to you as if it _was_
something serious?' said she. 'And so it _is_, I can tell you, something
serious, and _very_ serious; and I think it ought to be prevented, and I
certainly _will_ prevent it if I possibly can.'

I was puzzled utterly by the intensity of Lady Knollys' protest. I looked
at her, expecting an explanation of her meaning; but she was silent,
looking steadfastly on the jewels on her right-hand fingers, with which she
was drumming a staccato march on the table, very pale, with gleaming eyes,
evidently thinking deeply. I began to think she _had_ a prejudice against
my uncle Silas.

'He is not very rich,' I commenced.

'Who?' said Lady Knollys.

'Uncle Silas,' I replied.

'No, certainly; he's in debt,' she answered. 'But then, how very highly
Doctor Clay spoke of him!' I pursued.

'Don't talk of Doctor Clay. I do think that man is the greatest goose I
ever heard talk. I have no patience with such men,' she replied.

I tried to remember what particular nonsense Doctor Clay had uttered, and I
could recollect nothing, unless his eulogy upon my uncle were to be classed
with that sort of declamation.

'Danvers is a very proper man and a good accountant, I dare say; but he
is either a very deep person, or a fool--_I_ believe a fool. As for your
attorney, I suppose he knows his business, and also his interest, and I
have no doubt he will consult it. I begin to think he best man among them,
the shrewdest and the most reliable, is that vulgar visionary in the black
wig. I saw him look at you, Maud, and I liked his face, though it is
abominably ugly and vulgar, and cunning, too; but I think he's a just man,
and I dare say with right feelings--I'm _sure_ he has.'

I was quite at a loss to divine the gist of my cousin's criticism.

'I'll have some talk with Dr. Bryerly; I feel convinced he takes my view,
and we must really think what had best be done.'

'Is there anything in the will, Cousin Monica, that does no