"It seems to me that this is the time for the wishes of Mr. Morton and Mr. Trewinion to be made known," he said.
I began to tremble violently, while Ruth evidently wondered what was coming.
The lawyer complied very graciously with Mr. Inch's request. "This seems to be the right time," he said.
I could not help thinking that the matter had been arranged beforehand, especially when Mr. Tremain produced a certain document and began to read therefrom.
The words he read were very plain and distinct. They stated that it was the wish of Mr. Morton that his daughter Ruth should in due time marry the heir of the Trewinion estate, and while he did not enforce it as a condition of her becoming his sole heiress, he still trusted that his daughter's love for him would lead her to obedience. After this the lawyer went on to say that on the night of his death my father had reiterated the same wish.
When he had finished reading and speaking I looked at Ruth. Her face was pale as death, and I saw that she was terribly moved. The revelation had come to her as a great shock, and I could not help seeing that a look of anger and disgust flashed from her eyes.
"My father wish that I should marry Roger!" she exclaimed, huskily. "Never! It cannot be!"
My heart sank like lead; but no further word was spoken. Soon the family conclave broke up, and we adjourned to the dining-hall.
I felt very strange, sitting at the head of the table in my father's chair, and for a time was almost overcome; but I rallied presently, and during the dinner was quietly thinking what was best to do. Although the head of the family, I felt I was quite alone. Everything told me that all in the house, excepting, perhaps my sisters, were in league with my mother against me.
I made up my mind, however, that I would not speak for three days to Ruth concerning her father's wish, and that then I would, if I dared, say the words my heart was burning to make known.