alarmed my imagination, as well as moved my reason. I
looked from one to the other--there was a silence. By this time the candles
had come, and we could see one another.

'I only wait your decision, Miss Ruthyn,' said the trustee, 'to see
your uncle. If his advantage was the chief object contemplated in this
arrangement, he will be the best judge whether his interest is really best
consulted by it or no; and I think he will clearly see that it is _not_ so,
and will answer accordingly.'

'I cannot answer now--you must allow me to think it over--I will do my
best. I am very much obliged, my dear Cousin Monica, you are so very good,
and you too, Doctor Bryerly.'

Doctor Bryerly by this time was looking into his pocket-book, and did not
acknowledge my thanks even by a nod.

'I must be in London the day after to-morrow. Bartram-Haugh is nearly sixty
miles from here, and only twenty of that by rail, I find. Forty miles of
posting over those Derbyshire mountains is slow work; but if you say _try_,
I'll see him to-morrow morning.'

'You must say try--you _must_, my dear Maud.'

'But how can I decide in a moment? Oh, dear Cousin Monica, I am so
distracted!'

'But _you_ need not decide at all; the decision rests with _him_. Come; he
is more competent than you. You _must_ say yes.'

Again I looked from her to Doctor Bryerly, and from him to her again. I
threw my arms about her neck, and hugging her closely to me, I cried--

'Oh, Cousin Monica, dear Cousin Monica, advise me. I am a wretched
creature. You must advise me.'

I did not know till now how irresolute a character was mine.

I knew somehow by the tone of her voice that she was smiling as she
answered--

'Why, dear, I have advised you; I _do_ advise you;' and then she added,
impetuously, 'I entreat and implore, if you really think I love you, that
you will _follow_ my advice. It is your duty to leave your uncle Silas,
whom you believe to be more competent than you are, to decide, after full
conference with Doctor Bryerly, who knows more of your poor father's views
and intentions in making that appointment than either you or I.'

'Shall I say, yes?' I cried, drawing her close, and kissing her
helplessly.' Oh, tell me--tell me to say, yes.'

'Yes, of course, _yes_. She agrees, Doctor Bryerly, to your kind proposal.'

'I am to understand so?' he asked.

'Very well--yes, Doctor Bryerly,' I replied.

'You have resolved wisely and well,' said he, briskly, like