She entered the outer door with some one who was going into the office, and went upstairs unquestioned. She opened one door, and then another, and there sat Mr St. Cyr, looking ill and changed certainly, but with his papers about him, not at all as though he were unequal to any work. He greeted her with a pleased exclamation, and then playfully reproached her with having forgotten him in his illness. "But I have been here often, Cousin Cyprien," said she, eagerly; "and they would not let me come up to you. Did they not tell you? Mr Jerome always said you were too ill to be disturbed. Are you better, Cousin Cyprien?" "Yes, I am better. And did they let you come up now?" "I did not ask. I came up and opened the door. I left Mr Jerome at our house." "Ah, my dear! I fear your trouble is beyond my power to remove this time. I have heard of your father. Let us hope the accident to him was not so serious as was feared." "It is very serious, I am afraid. But, Mr St. Cyr, you _can_ help me, and him;" and she offered him her father's letter. "Is it so bad?" said he, when he had read it, and he said nothing more for a long time. "I have not told mama yet," said Frederica. "Will you do as papa wishes, Cousin Cyprien? Is it necessary?" "Since he wishes it, the change may be made. It will be better." "But whoever may be appointed, you will always take care of mama and us all?" "While I live, dear child, yes; so help me God. But I have had a warning, too; and I must leave you in good hands. There is no time to lose." No time was lost. The proper steps were at once taken, and the necessary papers prepared in the shortest time possible. At some risk to himself, Mr St. Cyr went to Mrs Vane's house, and the whole affair was arranged to his satisfaction. It was all done during a temporary absence of Mr Jerome from the city, and Mr St. Cyr did not see it necessary to intimate to him that any change had been made in regard to Mrs Vane's children. But one night Mr Jerome found on the table, among other papers, one which he did not think it beneath him to glance at--a paper properly drawn, and signed, and witnessed, by which Mrs Vane and Mr St. Cyr had appointed three trustees, who were to have the oversight of the property left to Mr St. Hubert's grandchildren till they should come of age. But it was torn across. It was dated several years back; and seeing it, Mr Jerome said to himself, "There is another to be prepared."