like him to be present.  Unless, of course,” she added, “such a thing is forbidden by my Father.  Oh! forgive me, Mr. Marvin, if I seem rude; but I have been in such dreadful trouble and anxiety lately, that I have hardly command of myself.”  She covered her eyes with her hand for a few seconds; we two men looked at each other and waited, trying to appear unmoved.  She went on more firmly; she had recovered herself: 

“Please! please do not think I am ungrateful to you for your kindness in coming here and so quickly.  I really am grateful; and I have every confidence in your judgment.  If you wish, or think it best, we can be alone.”  I stood up; but Mr. Marvin made a dissentient gesture.  He was evidently pleased with her attitude; there was geniality in his voice and manner as he spoke: 

“Not at all!  Not at all!  There is no restriction on your Father’s part; and on my own I am quite willing.  Indeed, all told, it may be better.  From what you have said of Mr. Trelawny’s illness, and the other—­incidental—­matters, it will be well in case of any grave eventuality, that it was understood from the first, that circumstances were ruled by your Father’s own imperative instructions.  For, please understand me, his instructions are imperative—­most imperative.  They are so unyielding that he has given me a Power of Attorney, under which I have undertaken to act, authorising me to see his written wishes carried out.  Please believe me once for all, that he intended fully everything mentioned in that letter to you!  Whilst he is alive he is to remain in his own room; and none of his property is to be removed from it under any circumstances whatever.  He has even given an inventory of the articles which are not to be displaced.”

Miss Trelawny was silent.  She looked somewhat distressed; so, thinking that I understood the immediate cause, I asked: 

“May we see the list?” Miss Trelawny’s face at once brightened; but it fell again as the lawyer answered promptly—­he was evidently prepared for the question: 

“Not unless I am compelled to take action on the Power of Attorney.  I have brought that instrument with me.  You will recognise, Mr. Ross”—­he said this with a sort of business conviction which I had noticed in his professional work, as he handed me the deed—­“how strongly it is worded, and how the grantor made his wishes apparent in such a way as to leave no loophole.  It is his own wording, except for certain legal formalities; and I assure you I have seldom seen a more iron-clad document.  Even I myself have no power to make the slightest relaxation of the instructions, without committing a distinct breach of faith.  And that, I need not tell you, is impossible.”  He evidently added the last words in order to prevent an appeal to his personal consideration.  He did not like the seeming harshness of his words, however, for he added: