'Are you quite well, dear?' asked Lady Knollys, as she came to meet and
kiss me.
'Quite well, Cousin Monica.'
'No nonsense, Maud! you're as white as that handkerchief--what's the
matter? Are you ill--are you frightened? Yes, you're trembling--you're
terrified, child.'
'I believe I _am_ afraid. There _is_ something in poor papa's will about
Uncle Silas--about _me_. I don't know--Doctor Bryerly says, and he seems so
uncomfortable and frightened himself, I am sure it is something very bad. I
am _very_ much frightened--I am--I _am_. Oh, Cousin Monica! you won't leave
me?'
So I threw my arms about her neck, clasping her very close, and we kissed
one another, I crying like a frightened child--and indeed in experience of
the world I was no more.
CHAPTER XXIV
_THE OPENING OF THE WILL_
Perhaps the terror with which I anticipated the hour of one, and the
disclosure of the unknown undertaking to which I had bound myself, was
irrational and morbid. But, honestly, I doubt it; my tendency has always
been that of many other weak characters, to act impetuously, and afterwards
to reproach myself for consequences which I have, perhaps, in reality, had
little or no share in producing.
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