Without saying a word, Cousin Monica accompanied me to the school-room, and on entering she shut the door, not with a spirited clang, but quietly and determinedly. 'Well, dear,' she said, with the same pale, excited countenance, 'that certainly is a sensible and charitable arrangement. I could not have believed it possible, had I not heard it with my ears.' 'About my going to Bartram-Haugh?' 'Yes, exactly so, under Silas Ruthyn's guardianship, to spend two--_three_--of the most important years of your education and your life under that roof. Is _that_, my dear, what was in your mind when you were so alarmed about what you were to be called upon to do, or undergo?' 'No, no, indeed. I had no notion what it might be. I was afraid of something serious,' I answered. 'And, my dear Maud, did not your poor father speak to you as if it _was_ something serious?' said she. 'And so it _is_, I can tell you, something serious, and _very_ serious; and I think it ought to be prevented, and I certainly _will_ prevent it if I possibly can.' I was puzzled utterly by the intensity of Lady Knollys' protest. I looked at her, expecting an explanation of her meaning; but she was silent, looking steadfastly on the jewels on her right-hand fingers, with which she was drumming a staccato march on the table, very pale, with gleaming eyes, evidently thinking deeply. I began to think she _had_ a prejudice against my uncle Silas. 'He is not very rich,' I commenced. 'Who?' said Lady Knollys. 'Uncle Silas,' I replied. 'No, certainly; he's in debt,' she answered. 'But then, how very highly Doctor Clay spoke of him!' I pursued. 'Don't talk of Doctor Clay. I do think that man is the greatest goose I ever heard talk. I have no patience with such men,' she replied. I tried to remember what particular nonsense Doctor Clay had uttered, and I could recollect nothing, unless his eulogy upon my uncle were to be classed with that sort of declamation. 'Danvers is a very proper man and a good accountant, I dare say; but he is either a very deep person, or a fool--_I_ believe a fool. As for your attorney, I suppose he knows his business, and also his interest, and I have no doubt he will consult it. I begin to think the best man among them, the shrewdest and the most reliable, is that vulgar visionary in the black wig. I saw him look at you, Maud, and I liked his face, though it is abominably ugly and vulgar, and cunning, too; but I think he's a just man, and I dare say with right feelings--I'm _sure_ he has.' I was quite at a loss to divine the gist of my cousin's criticism. 'I'll have some talk with Dr. Bryerly; I feel convinced he takes my view, and we must really think what had best be done.' 'Is there anything in the will, Cousin Monica, that does not appear?' I asked, for I was growing very uneasy. 'I wish you would tell me. What view do you mean?'