Augustus found Mr. Sedley over his wine He had despatched a hasty meal, and was engaged looking over a mass of papers and letters with which a black leather bag at his side seemed to be filled. After a few words of greeting, received by the visitor with a formal politeness, Augustus proceeded to explain how his father's state precluded all questions of business, and that the injunctions of the doctor were positive on this head. “His mind is clear, however, isn't it?” asked Sedley. “Perfectly. He has never wandered, except in the few moments after sleep.” “I take it I shall be permitted to see him?” “Certainly; if the doctor makes no objection, you shall.” “And possibly, too, I may be allowed to ask him a question or two? Matters which I know he will be well prepared to answer me.” “I am not so confident about that. Within the last hour Doctor Belton has declared perfect quiet, perfect repose, to be of the utmost importance to my father.” “Is it not possible, Mr. Bramleigh, that I may be able to contribute to this state by setting your father's mind at rest, with reference to what may press very heavily on him?” “That is more than I can answer,” said Augustus, cautiously. “Well,” said Sedley, pushing back his chair from the table, “if I am not permitted to see Colonel Bramleigh, I shall have made this journey for nothing--without, sir, that you will consent to occupy your father's position, and give your sanction to a line of action?” “You know my father, Mr. Sedley, and I need not tell you how so presumptuous a step on my part might be resented by him.” “Under ordinary circumstances, I am sure he would resent such interference: but here, in the present critical emergency, he might feel, and not without reason, perhaps, more displeased at your want of decision.” “But when I tell you, Mr. Sedley, that I know nothing of business, that I know no more of the share list than I do of Sanscrit, that I never followed the rise and fall of the funds, and am as ignorant of what influences the exchanges as I am of what affects the tides,--when I have told you all this, you will, I am sure, see that any opinion of mine must be utterly valueless.” “I don't exactly know, Mr. Bramleigh, that I'd have selected you if I wanted a guide to a great speculation or a large investment; but the business which has brought me down here is not of this nature. It is, besides, a question as to which, in the common course of events, you might be obliged to determine what line you would adopt. After your father, you are the head of this family, and I think it is time you should learn that you may be called upon tomorrow, or next day, to defend your right, not only to your property, but to your name.” “For Heaven's sake, what do you mean?”