She only knew that the will was kept at Somerset House, that if she went there and allowed herself to go through certain forms she should see it. She had never seen a will in her life, she scarcely knew even what it would look like. Nevertheless, she could consult no one. She must just go to the place and trust to circumstances to do the rest. On the thirteenth of April she resolved, as she put on her dress and hurried down to meet her father at breakfast, that before that night came she would carry out her design. Her father seemed better that morning. The day was a specially lovely one, and Charlotte said to herself that, before that time to-morrow, her heart would be at rest; she would not even allow herself to glance at a darker alternative. Indeed, happy in having at last firmly made up her mind; she became suddenly scarcely at all fearful, scarcely anything but completely hopeful. She resolved that nothing should turn her from her purpose to-day. Her father kissed her, told her he felt certainly better, and went off to the city. Immediately after, her uncle Jasper came in. "Lottie, child! I can take you to the private view of Mrs. ----'s pictures; I have just got an invitation. You know how wild you are to see them. Be ready at two o'clock. I will call for you then." "I am very sorry, but I cannot go with you this afternoon, Uncle Jasper." "Oh! You have made an engagement with Hinton. Can't you put it off? This is the last day for the pictures. You can go with Hinton to-morrow." "It is not an engagement with John, Uncle Jasper. It is something else, and I cannot put it off." All the time a rather loud voice within was saying to her, "Go and see the pictures. Put off the reading of the will. Be happy for one more day." But because this voice, which became so loud, frightened her, she would not yield to it. "I am very sorry," she repeated; "I should have liked it greatly. But I cannot go." "Well! it is a pity, and I took some trouble about it. However, it can't be helped." "No, it can't be helped," repeated Charlotte. Uncle Jasper went, feeling some annoyance, and also a little curiosity. "Strange cattle--women," he said to himself. "I confess I don't understand 'em. Charlotte, wild to get to that private view two days ago, now won't go because of a whim. Well! I'm glad I never took a wife. I rather pity Hinton. I would not be tied even to that fine creature, Lottie, forever." Jasper Harman had scarcely turned the corner of the street, before a cab drew up at the house, and Hinton came in. Charlotte had not yet left the breakfast-room. "Ah! my dearest, I am afraid you might be out I must hurry away at once; but I just called to say that I have had a telegram from Webster. You know how I have longed for you two to meet. Well, he is coming to town to-day, and I want to bring him here at three o'clock. You will be sure to be at home." "I am afraid I can't, John; I have an engagement."