'I just recollect these points which were exactly what made the
impression,' continued Lady Knollys, after a short pause; 'the letter was
written in the evening of the last day of the wretched man's life, so that
there had not been much time for your uncle Silas to win back his money;
and he stoutly alleged that he did not owe Mr. Charke a guinea. It
mentioned an enormous sum as being actually owed by Silas; and it cautioned
the man, an agent, to whom he wrote, not to mention the circumstance, as
Silas could only pay by getting the money from his wealthy brother, who
would have the management; and he distinctly said that he had kept the
matter very close at Silas's request. That, you know, was a very awkward
letter, and all the worse that it was written in brutally high spirits, and
not at all like a man meditating an exit from the world. You can't imagine
what a sensation the publication of these letters produced. In a moment
the storm was up, and certainly Silas did meet it bravely--yes, with great
courage and ability. What a pity he did not early enter upon some career of
ambition! Well, well, it is idle regretting.
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