At the very moment when I learn that I am my father's heir, I am struck down by fever; and now I know that I shall never get up again.
"It is strange.

Yet my father sent me his forgiveness, and my wife is dead, and the wealth that has come is useless to me.

Wherefore, nothing now matters much to me, and I know that you will hold my last wishes sacred.
"I desire that Iris shall be educated as well and thoroughly as you can afford; keep her free from rough and rude companions; make her understand that her father was a gentleman of ancient family; this knowledge will, perhaps, help to give her self-respect.

If any misfortune should fall upon you, such as the loss of health or wealth, give the papers inclosed to a trustworthy solicitor, and bid him act as is best in the interests of Iris.

If, as I hope, all will go well with you, do not open the papers until my child's twenty-first birthday; do not let her know until then that she is going to be rich; on her twenty-first birthday, open the papers and bid her claim her own.
"To the woman I wronged--I know not whether she has married or not--bid Iris carry my last message of sorrow at what has happened.