housekeeper made her appearance, and
begged to learn my commands. I declined, however, giving any, saying
that we were but guests in the house of Lord Heatherly, and would trust
to her to act as she thought fit. I asked Mr Sedgwick whether he
wished to remain.

"Yes, Walter," he said; "I think it will be the best thing to do. If
his lordship publicly acknowledges you it will be nine-tenths of the law
in your favour; and, indeed, as I cannot learn who else claims to be the
heir, I trust that you will have no competitor."

I had never in my life seen a better entertainment than was in a short
time put before my uncle and me. I felt very shy when sitting down at
table with so many attendants, and was very glad when dinner was over
and they retired. My uncle and I then drew our chairs towards the fire,
and talked over my prospects. Certainly the change seemed very great,
when I reflected that not a year ago I was living a solitary being, cast
away on an island in the Eastern Seas, and that I was now heir to a
title and a large estate.

During the night I was awaked by hearing the sound of footsteps moving
along the passage, and soon afterwards there was a rap at the door. I
jumped out of bed, and asked who it was. It was the butler, who entered
the room and lighted the candles.

"His lordship is very much worse, sir," he said; "and if you wish to see
him alive, you should come immediately."

I hurried on my clothes, and, accompanied by Mr Sedgwick, who had also
been roused, repaired to Lord Heatherly's room. The doctor was by his
side. He made a sign to us to come forward. The dying man opened his
eyes and fixed them on me. "He is my heir," he said. "In a few minutes
he will be Lord Heatherly, and I shall be dust."

Scarcely had he uttered these words when I saw a fearful alteration take
place in his countenance. The medical man held his pulse, and presently
I saw him lean forward and close my cousin's eyes, whose last gaze had
been fixed on me.

"He is gone," said the doctor, "and I can be of no further service.
Probably the young Lord Heatherly and you, sir," he added, turning to
Mr Sedgwick, "will give such directions as you may think fit. You, I
conclude, are acquainted with the late Lord Heatherly's wishes."

Strange were the sensations which came over me. I had scarcely realised
till then my position. I felt, indeed, utterly unfit to think or act
for myself, and was very glad when I once mor