ip. An heir-loom of the house, it
was highly valued, and tradition reports that it was one of those spoils
on which our forefathers cast a longing glance in the wars of the Holy
Sepulchre. Be this as it may, every document of value connected with the
family was here deposited. By virtue of the power given to him from the
dying Sir Henry, though ostensibly for the benefit of his lady and her
infant offspring, Hildebrand guarded the trust with a jealous eye. No
one had access to it but himself, nor did he permit any other person
than old Geoffery, the house-steward, to visit his chamber.

Before this cabinet stood a figure enveloped in a dark robe. Pale,
deadly pale, were the features, though scarcely discernible in their
form and outline. The lamp burnt dimly; but with the quickened
apprehension of guilt he recognised the wan resemblance of Lady Fairfax!

A cry of exhausted anguish escaped him, and he fell senseless on the
floor.

Morning had risen, casting its bright and cheerful rays into the
chamber, ere Hildebrand Wentworth awoke. Consciousness but slowly
returned, and the events of the preceding hours came like shadows upon
his soul. He stamped thrice, and immediately the vapid countenance of
Geoffery Hardpiece was before him.

"Come hither, Hardpiece. I am wondrous heavy and ill at ease."

"Why, master, your bed has not been disturbed these two nights.--How
should there be anything but an aching head, and complaining bones,
when"----

Hildebrand cast a hasty and confused glance towards the couch as he
replied--

"I have matters of moment just now that weigh heavily on my spirit. I
cannot"----

Here was a short pause; he continued, with a slow and tremulous accent--

"I hope the children are safe."

"Why, master," said Geoffery, "you have sent them out of harm's way, I
hope; but--I know not what ails me--an uneasy night of it I have had
about them."

"What hast thou seen?" eagerly demanded Hildebrand.

"Seen! I have seen nothing, but I have been haunted at all quarters by a
vast crowd of vexatious busy dreams--about cut-throats and murderers."

"Who says murderer?--I will have thee in the stocks."

Hildebrand attempted to lay hold on him as he spoke; but, accustomed to
these outbreaks of temper, Master Hardpiece merely stepped on one side,
still maintaining his usual forward and self-sufficient demeanour.

"Mr Hildebrand Wentworth, when an old servant"----

"Peace!" interrupted his master,--"I am