will it
be possible for you to be served heir to English estates? I have no
idea: long as I have dwelt in England, I have never studied what they
call their laws. On the other hand, how if Romaine should come too late?
I have two pieces of business to be transacted--to die, and to make my
will; and, however desirous I may be to serve you, I cannot postpone the
first in favour of the second beyond a very few hours."

"Well, sir, I must then contrive to be doing as I did before," said I.

"Not so," said the Count. "I have an alternative. I have just drawn my
balance at my banker's, a considerable sum, and I am now to place it in
your hands. It will be so much for you and so much less----" he paused,
and smiled with an air of malignity that surprised me. "But it is
necessary it should be done before witnesses. Monsieur le Vicomte is of
a particular disposition, and an unwitnessed donation may very easily be
twisted into a theft."

He touched a bell, which was answered by a man having the appearance of
a confidential valet. To him he gave a key.

"Bring me the despatch-box that came yesterday, La Ferriere," said he.
"You will at the same time present my compliments to Dr. Hunter and M.
l'Abbe, and request them to step for a few moments to my room."

The despatch-box proved to be rather a bulky piece of baggage, covered
with Russia leather. Before the doctor and an excellent old smiling
priest it was passed over into my hands with a very clear statement of
the disposer's wishes; immediately after which, though the witnesses
remained behind to draw up and sign a joint note of the transaction,
Monsieur de Keroual dismissed me to my own room, La Ferriere following
with the invaluable box.

At my chamber door I took it from him with thanks, and entered alone.
Everything had been already disposed for the night, the curtains drawn
and the fire trimmed; and Rowley was still busy with my bed-clothes. He
turned round as I entered with a look of welcome that did my heart good.
Indeed, I had never a much greater need of human sympathy, however
trivial, than at that moment when I held a fortune in my arms. In my
uncle's room I had breathed the very atmosphere of disenchantment. He
had gorged my pockets; he had starved every dignified or affectionate
sentiment of a man. I had received so chilling an impression of age and
experience that the mere look of youth drew me to confide in Rowley: he
was only a boy, his heart must beat yet