‘You see it has not been long,’ she said, with a quiver of the lips.  ’I do not know what to do, or how to act.  I thought you would know everything.’

’I know what is necessary here, at least, my dear, and it shall be done,’ he said kindly.  ’The first thing I would suggest is that you should come home with me just now.’

Gladys looked at him wonderingly, and shook her head.

‘You are very kind, but that is quite impossible,’ she said quickly.  ’I shall not leave here until all is over, and then I do not know what I shall do.  God will show me.’

The lawyer was deeply moved.

’My dear young lady, has it never occurred to you that there might be something left for you, a substantial provision, which will place you at once above the need of considering what you are to do, so far as providing for yourself is concerned?’

‘I have not thought about it.  Is it so?’ she asked quickly, yet not with the eager elation of the expectant heir.

‘You are very well left indeed,’ he answered.  ’If you like, I can explain it to you now.’

But Gladys shrank a little as she glanced towards the bed.

’Not now.  Let it be after it is all over.  It does not matter now.  I know it will be all right.’

’Just as you will; but I cannot bear to go and leave you here, Miss Graham.  Will you not think better of it?  My wife and daughters will be glad to see you, and they will be very kind and sympathetic, I can assure you of that.  Let me take you away.’

But Gladys, though grateful, still shook her head.

‘I promised your uncle to take care of you,’ he urged.  ’If I go and leave you in such sad circumstances here, so alone, I should feel that I am not redeeming my promise.’

’I thank you, and I shall come, perhaps, after, if you are so kind as to wish me to come, but not now.  And I am not quite alone here.  I have Walter.’

Mr. Fordyce did not know what to say.  It was impossible for him to suggest that Walter’s very presence in the house was one reason why she should quit it.  She knew nothing of conventionalities or proprieties, and this was not the time to suggest them to her mind.  He could only leave the whole matter at rest.

‘Can I see this Walter?’ he asked then.  ’I have papers in my hand concerning him also.  I may as well see him now.’

‘He is up-stairs.  Shall I call him down?’

‘No.  I shall go up,’ answered the lawyer; and Gladys pointed him to the stairs leading up to the warehouse.  Walter rose from his stool at the desk and stood at the door of the little office.

‘Good-morning,’ both said, and then they looked at each other quite steadily for a moment.  Mr. Fordyce was astonished at the lad’s youth, still more at his manly and independent bearing, and he told himself that this strange client had exhibited considerable shrewdness in the disposal of his worldly goods.