’You are born to this world’s wealth; in its way a great blessing, though a great trial, Miss, and a great trust; but don’t suppose you are destined to exemption from trouble on that account, any more than poor Emmanuel Bryerly.  As the sparks fly upwards, Miss Ruthyn!  Your cushioned carriage may overturn on the highroad, as I may stumble and fall upon the footpath.  There are other troubles than debt and privation.  Who can tell how long health may last, or when an accident may happen the brain; what mortifications may await you in your own high sphere; what unknown enemies may rise up in your path; or what slanders may asperse your name—­ha, ha!  It is a wonderful equilibrium—­a marvellous dispensation—­ha, ha!’ and he laughed with a shake of his head, I thought a little sarcastically, as if he was not sorry my money could not avail to buy immunity from the general curse.

’But what money can’t do, prayer can—­bear that in mind, Miss Ruthyn.  We can all pray; and though thorns and snares, and stones of fire lie strewn in our way, we need not fear them.  He will give His angels charge over us, and in their hands they will bear us up, for He hears and sees everywhere, and His angels are innumerable.’

He was now speaking gently and solemnly, and paused.  But another vein of thought he had unconsciously opened in my mind, and I said—­

‘And had my dear papa no other medical adviser?’

He looked at me sharply, and flushed a little under his dark tint.  His medical skill was, perhaps, the point on which his human vanity vaunted itself, and I dare say there was something very disparaging in my tone.

’And if he had no other, he might have done worse.  I’ve had many critical cases in my hands, Miss Ruthyn.  I can’t charge myself with any miscarriage through ignorance.  My diagnosis in Mr. Ruthyn’s case has been verified by the result.  But I was not alone; Sir Clayton Barrow saw him, and took my view; a note will reach him in London.  But this, excuse me, is not to the present purpose.  The late Mr. Ruthyn told me I was to receive a key from you, which would open a cabinet where he had placed his will—­ha! thanks,—­in his study.  And, I think, as there may be directions about the funeral, it had better be read forthwith.  Is there any gentleman—­a relative or man of business—­near here, whom you would wish sent for?’

‘No, none, thank you; I have confidence in you, sir.’

I think I spoke and looked frankly, for he smiled very kindly, though with closed lips.

’And you may be sure, Miss Ruthyn, your confidence shall not be disappointed.’  Here was a long pause.  ’But you are very young, and you must have some one by in your interest, who has some experience in business.  Let me see.  Is not the Rector, Dr. Clay, at hand?  In the town?—­very good; and Mr. Danvers, who manages the estate, he must come.  And get Grimston—­you see I know all the names—­Grimston, the attorney; for though he was not employed about this will, he has been Mr. Ruthyn’s solicitor a great many years:  we must have Grimston; for, as I suppose you know, though it is a short will, it is a very strange one.  I expostulated, but you know he was very decided when he took a view.  He read it to you, eh?’