e steadily; then rising from his
seat he took the baronet's arm, and without saying a word walked slowly
towards the gates of the castle where he lodged, and which we have
before described. When he had reached the steps of the tower he withdrew
his arm, and saying, 'Let me be pioneer,' invited Sir Ratcliffe to
follow him. They accordingly entered his chamber.

It was a small room lined with shelves of books, except in one spot,
where was suspended a portrait of Lady Barbara, which she had bequeathed
him in her will. The floor was covered with so many boxes and cases
that it was not very easy to steer a course when you had entered.
Glastonbury, however, beckoned to his companion to seat himself in one
of his two chairs, while he unlocked a small cabinet, from a drawer of
which he brought forth a paper.

'It is my will,' said Glastonbury, handing it to Sir Ratcliffe, who laid
it down on the table.

'Nay, I wish you, my dear friend, to peruse it, for it concerns
yourself.'

'I would rather learn its contents from yourself, if you positively
desire me,' replied Sir Ratcliffe.

'I have left everything to our child,' said Glastonbury; for thus, when
speaking to the father alone, he would often style the son.

'May it be long before he enjoys the 'bequest,' said Sir Ratcliffe,
brushing away a tear; 'long, very long.'

'As the Almighty pleases,' said Glastonbury, crossing himself. 'But
living or dead, I look upon all as Ferdinand's, and hold myself but the
steward of his inheritance, which I will never abuse.'

'O! Glastonbury, no more of this I pray; you have wasted a precious life
upon our forlorn race. Alas! how often and how keenly do I feel, that
had it not been for the name of Armine your great talents and goodness
might have gained for you an enviable portion of earthly felicity; yes,
Glastonbury, you have sacrificed yourself to us.'

'Would that I could!' said the old man, with brightening eyes and an
unaccustomed energy of manner. 'Would that I could! would that any act
of mine, I care not what, could revive the fortunes of the house of
Armine. Honoured for ever be the name, which with me is associated with
all that is great and glorious in man, and [here his voice faltered, and
he turned away his face] exquisite and enchanting in woman!

'No, Ratcliffe,' he resumed, 'by the memory of one I cannot name, by
that blessed and saintly being from whom you derive your life, you will
not, you cannot deny this last