st clump of
evergreens, to await and prevent your coming--I, who knew all, before
whom that pettifogger, Romaine, has been conspiring in broad daylight to
supplant me--is simply this: that I had not made up my mind how I was to
take my revenge."

At that moment he was interrupted by the tolling of a bell. As we stood
surprised and listening, it was succeeded by the sound of many feet
trooping up the stairs and shuffling by the door of our room. Both, I
believe, had a great curiosity to set it open, which each, owing to the
presence of the other, resisted; and we waited instead in silence, and
without moving, until Romaine returned and bade us to my uncle's
presence.

He led the way by a little crooked passage, which brought us out in the
sick-room, and behind the bed. I believe I have forgotten to remark that
the Count's chamber was of considerable dimensions. We beheld it now
crowded with the servants and dependants of the house, from the doctor
and the priest to Mr. Dawson and the housekeeper, from Dawson down to
Rowley and the last footman in white calves, the last plump chambermaid
in her clean gown and cap, and the last ostler in a stable waistcoat.
This large congregation of persons (and I was surprised to see how large
it was) had the appearance, for the most part, of being ill at ease and
heartily bewildered, standing on one foot, gaping like zanies, and those
who were in the corners nudging each other and grinning aside. My uncle,
on the other hand, who was raised higher than I had yet seen him on his
pillows, wore an air of really imposing gravity. No sooner had we
appeared behind him than he lifted his voice to a good loudness, and
addressed the assemblage.

"I take you all to witness--can you hear me?--I take you all to witness
that I recognise as my heir and representative this gentleman, whom most
of you see for the first time, the Viscount Anne de Saint-Yves, my
nephew of the younger line. And I take you to witness at the same time
that, for very good reasons known to myself, I have discarded and
disinherited this other gentleman whom you all know, the Viscount de
Saint-Yves. I have also to explain the unusual trouble to which I have
put you all--and, since your supper was not over, I fear I may even say
annoyance. It has pleased M. Alain to make some threats of disputing my
will, and to pretend that there are among your number certain estimable
persons who may be trusted to swear as he shall direct th