brief; I was too intent on solving the problem which had exercised my
mind ever since receiving the letter at Boston, to pay much attention
to anything else. Two words, however, explained to her where we were
going, and at our request she accompanied us. We passed into my uncle's
room. My cousin drew the key of the wardrobe from a drawer where it was
kept, and unlocked the door. There hung the overcoat. A single glance
was sufficient. It was the same.

The dazed sensation in my head began to make itself felt again. The
atmosphere of the room seemed to oppress me, and closing the door of
the wardrobe, I led the way down stairs again to the dining-room,
followed by my cousin. Mrs. Daly had sense enough to perceive that we
were discussing family matters, and retired to her own room.

I took my cousin's hand in mine, and asked:

"Will you tell me what you know of Mr. Marcus Weatherley?"

This was evidently another surprise for her. How could I have heard of
Marcus Weatherley? She answered, however, without hesitation:

"I know very little of him. Uncle Richard and he had some dealings a
few months since, and in that way he became a visitor here. After a
while he began to call pretty often, but his visits suddenly ceased a
short time before uncle's death. I need not affect any reserve with
you. Uncle Richard thought he came after me, and gave him a hint that
you had a prior claim. He never called afterwards. I am rather glad
that he didn't, for there is something about him that I don't quite
like. I am at a loss to say what the something is; but his manner
always impressed me with the idea that he was not exactly what he