_Monsieur le Vicomte_ is of a particular disposition, and an unwitnessed donation may very easily be twisted into a theft.' He touched a bell, which was answered by a man having the appearance of a confidential valet.

To him he gave a key.
'Bring me the despatch-box that came yesterday, La Ferriere,' said he.
'You will at the same time present my compliments to Dr.Hunter and M.
l'Abbe, and request them to step for a few moments to my room.' The despatch-box proved to be rather a bulky piece of baggage, covered with Russia leather.

Before the doctor and an excellent old smiling priest it was passed over into my hands with a very clear statement of the disposer's wishes; immediately after which, though the witnesses remained behind to draw up and sign a joint note of the transaction, Monsieur de Keroual dismissed me to my own room, La Ferriere following with the invaluable box.
At my chamber door I took it from him with thanks, and entered alone.
Everything had been already disposed for the night, the curtains drawn and the fire trimmed; and Rowley was still busy with my bedclothes.

He turned round as I entered with a look of welcome that did my heart good.
Indeed, I had never a much greater need of human sympathy, however trivial, than at that moment when I held a fortune in my arms.

In my uncle's room I had breathed the very atmosphere of disenchantment.