"Yes, yes; in finding that you have found everything. What a relief this is to me. That eccentric clause of the will was the last straw to try the temper of any man. Now let me congratulate you. I do so most heartily." "I don't know what for; this solid packet may mean nothing to me." "Oh! but it does." "You know its contents then?" "Perfectly. Sit down, read your letter; know for yourself what a fortunate--what a really fortunate girl you are." "I won't read my letter now," I answered. "I will take it home and read every word, study each sentence in my own room; but not now. You excite me. I am tired. I cannot bear any more." "Poor little girl," said Mr Gray, in quite a tender voice. "There never was a more plucky creature than you, Rosamund Lindley; but you are a true woman after all. Well, my dear, go home. Early to-morrow I shall see you again." "I am to meet Lady Ursula Redmayne and Captain Valentine and his brother in Cousin Geoffrey's house at twelve o'clock to-morrow," I replied. "What!" answered Mr Gray. "Has Tom Valentine returned? Do you know the Valentines--your cousins?" "Are they really my cousins?" "Yes, three or four times removed; but undoubtedly there was at one time a relationship. Well, Rosamund, what do you think of your cousin Tom Valentine?" "I scarcely know that I think of him at all," I replied. "What! Have you not discovered that he is a traveller--a man who has met with remarkable adventures; a man of the world, a gentleman, a man of culture; also, and above all, an Englishman, with a true and honest heart?" "I have had no time to find out these many excellent qualities," I answered back. "You will soon see them," responded Mr Gray. "Your eyes will be opened. You will perceive what I mean; all, all that I mean. So you have already met Tom Valentine; and Tom has returned just in time. What an extraordinary coincidence! what a piece of luck!" "I don't pretend to understand you," I answered. "No, my dear; go home and read your letter. God bless you, Rosamund. Upon my word, this day's work has taken a load off my mind."