w
entirely _de trop_--am spared to my sad place in a world where I can be no
longer useful, where I have but one business--prayer, but one hope--the
tomb; and he--apparently so robust--the centre of so much good--so
necessary to you--so necessary, alas! to me--is taken! He is gone to his
rest--for us, what remains but to bow our heads, and murmur, "His will be
done"? I trace these lines with a trembling hand, while tears dim my
old eyes. I did not think that any earthly event could have moved me so
profoundly. From the world I have long stood aloof. I once led a life of
pleasure--alas! of wickedness--as I now do one of austerity; but as I never
was rich, so my worst enemy will allow I never was avaricious. My sins, I
thank my Maker, have been of a more reducible kind, and have succumbed to
the discipline which Heaven has provided. To earth and its interests, as
well as to its pleasures, I have long been dead. For the few remaining
years of my life I ask but quiet--an exemption from the agitations and
distractions of struggle and care, and I trust to the Giver of all Good for
my deliverance--well knowing, at the same time, that whatever befalls will,
under His direction, prove best. Happy shall I be, my dearest niece, if in
your most interesting and, in some respects, forlorn situation, I can be
of any use to you. My present religious adviser--of whom I ventured to ask
counsel on your behalf--states that I ought to send some one to represent
me at the melancholy ceremony of reading the will which my beloved and now
happy brother has, no doubt, left behind; and the idea that the experience
and professional knowledge possessed by the gentleman whom I have selected
may possibly be of use to you, my dearest niece, determines me to place
him at your disposal. He is the junior partner in the firm of Archer and
Sleigh, who conduct any little business which I may have from time to time;
may I entreat your hospitality for him during a brief stay at Knowl? I
write, even for a moment, upon these small matters of business with
an effort--a painful one, but necessary. Alas! my brother! The cup of
bitterness is now full. Few and evil must the remainder of my old days be.
Yet, while they last, I remain always for my beloved niece, that which all
her wealth and splendour cannot purchase--a loving and faithful kinsman and
friend,

SILAS RUTHYN.'

'Is not it a kind letter?' I said, while tears stood in my eyes.

'Yes,' answered Lady Kno