charge of my ward's person, and convey her to my own residence,
known as the Hidden House. Mrs. Rocke," he said, turning toward the
latter, "your presence and that of your young charge is no longer
required here. Be so good as to prepare Miss Day's traveling trunks,
as we set out from this place to-morrow morning."

Mrs. Rocke started, looked wistfully in the face of the speaker and,
seeing that he was in determined earnest, turned her appealing
glances toward Traverse and Doctor Williams.

As for Clara, her face, previously blanched with grief, was now
flushed with indignation. In her sudden distress and perplexity she
knew not at once what to do--whether to utter a protest or continue
silent; whether to leave the room or remain. Her embarrassment was
perceived by Traverse, who, stooping, whispered to her:

"Be calm, love; all shall be well. Doctor Williams is about to
speak."

And at that moment, indeed, Doctor Williams arose and said:

"I have, Colonel Le Noir to endorse a dying message from Doctor Day
entrusted to my young friend here to be delivered to you, to the
effect that it was his last desire and request that his daughter,
Miss Clara Day, should be permitted to reside during the term of her
minority in this her patrimonial home, under the care of her present
matronly friend, Mrs. Marah Rocke, Doctor Rocke and myself are here
to bear testimony to these, the last wishes of the departed, which
wishes, I believe, also express the desires of his heiress."