"What, then?" I asked. I had an uneasy feeling that the Library was going to be bequeathed to me, and I did not want it in the least. But my fears were relieved at once.
"I intend to leave it to Ada—temporarily."
"Temporarily?"
"Yes. But as she will be an inmate of your household, she will probably desire to take you into her confidence, and possibly avail herself of your assistance." His voice failed again; his grip on life was relaxing rapidly. Then he recovered himself, and almost sat up.
"Will you promise me, sir, to assist Ada to carry out my wishes with regard to the disposal—"
"I promise," I said. "Don't exhaust yourself."
The old man sank back, with a long and gentle sigh.
"Then I die contented, and reassured. Re—" His voice weakened again. Then he rallied, for a final effort:
"I have lived respected, I think!"
That was all.