'Of the dead, my dear young lady, let no man speak ill.' I led her from the room, Edith following with Reggie. So soon as I got her outside I started to scold her there and then. 'I need not tell you, Violet, that you have behaved very badly.' 'You should not have let him touch me. I could not bear his fingers against my skin.' She shuddered at the recollection. 'Those dreadful hands! To think of all they've done!' 'You might at least have remembered that the man was on the threshold of the grave. One day you may yourself stand in need of a lenient judgment.' 'I wish I'd never seen him.' 'I wish it also. The mischief you have done is irrevocable. If it hadn't been for you a will would be in existence by the terms of which Reggie would be in indisputable possession of everything.' 'But, surely, the destruction of that piece of paper will make no difference.' 'Won't it? You wait till you hear what Foster has to say.' 'Reggie, is it true that I've done you so much harm?' 'My dear Vi, you've done me no harm at all. Douglas exaggerates. If I had been in your place I should have said and done exactly what you said and did. But, come--hadn't you better go? There's no use your staying now. We'll follow you as soon as we can.' As we were going down the stairs I heard her whisper in his ear--'My lord marquis!' What he said I did not catch; but it was something which made her smile. So they went, and we were left to minister to the dead man. CHAPTER X AND BURIED On one point it was absolutely essential that I should know at once exactly where I stood. I settled it as we were returning up the stairs. 'Reggie, there is one thing I wish to say. I will do everything for Twickenham that remains to be done.' 'You mean as regards the funeral and that kind of thing?' 'I do. If you will leave everything to me I will make all necessary arrangements.' 'Thank you. That's one more service. I wonder for how many things I am really in your debt, besides bread and cheese, and--even kisses.' 'Don't talk nonsense.' 'It's not nonsense. And it'll have to be talked about some day. My turn's coming.' 'We've been in stormy waters; if now we're going to sail over summer seas together, I'll be content.' 'I'll see we do.' I had not the slightest doubt of it. And I also would see. The time of the harvest was at hand. I was quite ready to take my share of the golden grain. The doctor was chatting to Foster. Striding up to the bed I looked down on the recumbent figure. 'I suppose, gentlemen, that there's no doubt whatever that he's dead?' Hancock was unable to conceal his amusement.