lf experienced the power
of religion, do not you think him deserving of every confidence? Don't you
think it well that he should have this opportunity of exhibiting both his
own character and the reliance which my dear papa reposed on it, and that
we should leave all consequences and contingencies in the hands of Heaven?'

'It appears to have been the will of Heaven hitherto,' said Doctor
Bryerly--I could not see with what expression of face, but he was looking
down, and drawing little diagrams with his stick on the dark carpet, and
spoke in a very low tone--'that your uncle should suffer under this ill
report. In countervailing the appointment of Providence, we must employ our
reason, with conscientious diligence, as to the means, and if we find that
they are as likely to do mischief as good, we have no right to expect a
special interposition to turn our experiment into an ordeal. I think you
ought to weigh it well--I am sure there are reasons against it. If you make
up your mind that you would rather be placed under the care, say of Lady
Knollys, I will endeavour all I can to effect it.'

'That could not be done without his consent, could it?' said I.

'No, but I don't despair of getting that--on terms, of course,' remarked
he.

'I don't quite understand,' I said.

'I mean, for instance, if he were allowed to keep the allowance for your
maintenance--eh?'

'I mistake my uncle Silas very much,' I said, 'if that allowance is any
object whatever to him compared with the moral value of the position. If he
were deprived of that, I am sure he would decline the other.'

'We might try him at all events,' said Doctor Bryerly, on whose dark sinewy
features, even in this imperfect light, I thought I detected a smile.

'Perhaps,' said I, 'I appear very foolish in supposing him actuated by any
but sordid motives; but he is my near relation, and I can't help it, sir.'

'That is a very serious thing, Miss Ruthyn,' he replied. 'You are very
young, and cannot see it at present, as you will hereafter. He is very
religious, you say, and all that, but his house is not a proper place for
you. It is a solitude--its master an outcast, and it has been the repeated
scene of all sorts of scandals, and of one great crime; and Lady Knollys
thinks your having been domesticated there will be an injury to you all the
days of your life.'

'So I do, Maud,' said Lady Knollys, who had just entered the room
unperceived,--'How do you do, Doctor