on of desolation, be not unwelcome to remember that a substitute,
imperfect--unworthy--but most affectionately zealous, for the honoured
parent whom you have just lost, has been appointed, in me, your uncle, by
his will. I am aware that you were present during the reading of it, but
I think it will be for our mutual satisfaction that our new and more
affectionate relations should be forthwith entered upon. My conscience and
your safety, and I trust convenience, will thereby be consulted. You will,
my dear niece, remain at Knowl, until a few simple arrangements shall have
been completed for your reception at this place. I will then settle
the details of your little journey to us, which shall be performed as
comfortably and easily as possible. I humbly pray that this affliction may
be sanctified to us all, and that in our new duties we may be supported,
comforted, and directed. I need not remind you that I now stand to you _in
loco parentis_, which means in the relation of father, and you will not
forget that you are to remain at Knowl until you hear further from me.

'I remain, my dear niece, your most affectionate uncle and guardian,

SILAS RUTHYN.'

'P.S.--Pray present my respects to Lady Knollys, who, I understand, is
sojourning at Knowl. I would observe that a lady who cherishes, I have
reason to fear, unfriendly feelings against your uncle, is not the most
desirable companion for his ward. But upon the express condition that I am
not made the subject of your discussions--a distinction which could not
conduce to your forming a just and respectful estimate of me--I do not
interpose my authority to bring your intercourse to an immediate close.'

As I read this postscript, my cheek tingled as if I had received a box on
the ear. Uncle Silas was as yet a stranger. The menace of authority was new
and sudden, and I felt with a pang of mortification the full force of the
position in which my dear father's will had placed me.

I was silent, and handed the letter to my cousin, who read it with a
kind of smile until she came, as I supposed, to the postscript, when her
countenance, on which my eyes were fixed, changed, and with flushed cheeks
she knocked the hand that held the letter on the table before her, and
exclaimed--

'Did I ever hear! Well, if this isn't impertinence! _What_ an old man that
is!'

There was a pause, during which Lady Knollys held her head high with a
frown, and sniffed a little.

'I did not intend