would be her immediate death, and said—"He wished to see no one but his nieces and Sir Edward." Lady Rotheles was forbidden by the latter to ask him any questions, and told "that all his affairs were equitably settled," on which she flew down stairs and insisted on seeing Lady Anne, saying—"some conspiracy was on foot to deprive her of her rights, and she was determined to do herself justice. Lady Anne had been a thorn in her side while she lived, and was determined to injure her, even when she had ceased to live."
Helen wept, and clung around her. The nurse assured her that the physician had peremptorily insisted that no stranger should enter; but she persisted and forced her way to the bed of the invalid, who had heard all that had passed, and was perfectly prepared to receive her.
"Dear sister," she began (not aware that her words had been heard), "I think it strange that you should be denied to me, at a time when we have a joint interest in the disposition of Lord Rotheles's property, which he is probably giving entirely to strangers. Sir Edward Hales rules him in every thing."
"Thank God he is in such good hands! I
