And returning to his place at the head of the table, he took the letter from the japanned box, opened it, and said: "This letter from my late honored client to his daughter was committed by the late Sir Lemuel Levison to my charge to be retained and read after the will, in the event of a circumstance which has already occurred--I mean the sudden and unexpected death of the writer.

The letter will explain itself." Here the lawyer cleared his throat, and began to read: "ELMHURST HOUSE, Kensington, London, "Monday, May 1st, 18--.
"MY DEAREST ONLY CHILD: Blessings on your head! Nothing could have made me happier, than has your betrothal to so admirable a young man as the Marquis of Arondelle.

Had I possessed the privilege of choosing a husband for you, and a son-in-law for myself, from the whole race of mankind, I should have chosen him above all others.

But, my dearest Salome, the satisfaction I enjoy in your prospects of happiness is shadowed by one faint cloud.

It is not much, my love; it is only the consciousness of my age and of the precarious state of my health.