wman found so distressful.

The great figure before the fire turned slowly about and, folding its
mighty arms, leaned against the mantelpiece.

"When it will happen," said the deep voice, "I have no idea. Sometimes
it seems very near; at others, as if it may never come. Yet I know it
will. So I must be prepared.... Mr. Plowman is here to assist me in
this preparation.

"I've tried to tell him, Lyveden, about the estate. I've tried to
explain what it means to me. I feel that I've failed." Mr. Plowman
was physically unable to utter the deprecative ejaculation which he
knew should have been here inserted. His lips framed it, but it was
never expressed. "I have, however, explained that I am engaged upon
its restoration, and that you are my second-in-command. I have told
him that when I--when my call comes, I wish the work to go on. This is
where you come in. I have given him certain instructions, all of which
depend upon you." The speaker unfolded his arms and stood upright.
"_When I'm gone, are you willing to carry on?_"

Before Anthony could answer, the other had lifted his hand.

"Wait. Don't answer till you know where you are.

"You'll have a Power of Attorney and absolute control. The moment I'm
certified, you'll stand in my shoes. Some of my income must be set
aside--I shall have to be looked after, you know--the rest you will
administer as if you were me. You'll be the master of the other men.
Your word will be law. The future of Gramarye will be in your hands.
You can follow the line I've taken, or you can strike off on your own.
You'll have absolute power. I'm ready to give it you, if you're ready
to take it. But you must wash sentiment out. The question of my
helplessness mustn't weigh with you. You mustn't consider anything
except yourself. If Gramarye means enough to you----"

"It does," said Lyveden.

"Are you sure?"

"There's nothing else in my life."

"Ah!"

His keen grey eyes glowing with the light of a visionary, Winchester
stepped forward, and Lyveden got upon his feet. For a moment the two
men looked one another in the face. Then Winchester shivered suddenly,
put a hand to his head, and turned away....

The pathos of the gesture loosened Anthony's tongue.

"You know best, sir, and it isn't my place to try to dissuade you. Let
the business go through. Once for all, whatever happens to you, I'll
carry on. I'll do everything exactly as if you were there. You can