emaining distance after this,
and soon after I came to the park gates of Morton Hall. Then the real
difficulty of my position was revealed to me. What should I do now I
had travelled these thirty-five long miles? what object could I have in
visiting the house? what should I say if any one asked me my business?

Although I could not settle this in my mind, I opened the gate and
strode up the long drive. It was a fine house, and had been kept in
good repair. Great trees bordered the way, but hid not the colossal
pile that was plainly to be seen at the end of the widening avenue.

Without waiting a second, or being able to give a reason for what I was
doing, I went to the main entrance and rang the heavy bell.

An old, grey-headed servant appeared, looking exceedingly solemn, and
asked my business.

"I want to see the owner of this place," I said, speaking on the
impulse of the moment.

"There is no owner," was the reply.

"How is that?" I asked, abruptly.

He looked at me keenly for a minute, as though to sum up my social
position and qualities before answering. Evidently he was an old and
trusted servant.

"It is not a matter for strangers," he said, "but if you have any
business I will convey it to the person who is at present in charge."

"My business is of importance," I said, speaking from secret impulse,
and not knowing what I should have to say next. "I can only entrust it
to the owner."

"But the owner is dead," he replied, "and who the new owner will be is
not known yet. There are many claiming to be next-of-kin, and Mr. Inch
and the lawyers are busy at work."

"Mr. Inch is the steward, I suppose?"

The man nodded, but did not speak.

"The late owner was a lady," I said, speaking more calmly than I had
thought myself capable. "I used to know her. Miss Ruth Morton was her
name. I have a message of great importance; but you say she's dead."

Again the servant looked at me keenly.

"I know Mr. Inch too," I went on, "and I must see him. Perhaps he was
not as faithful to his mistress as he should have been; he must answer
me that."

This I said as one in a dream, for I had not thought of it before. It
caused a light to flash from the man's eyes, however, and he spoke more
freely.

"I will tell Mr. Inch you are here," he said, "and I will answer any
question I can. I have been a servant in this house all my life, and I
loved Miss Ruth like as if she were my own child."

"Did she eve