"I am your friend," he said; "and I am also your father's old servant, and I would see his wishes carried out."
Then he began to read:—"'I desire my daughter Ruth to dwell in the house of my friend, Roger Trewinion, and that she shall be wedded to his heir, so that the two estates shall be united. And it is my will that she shall be wedded to him as soon as possible after she comes of age, and to remain at Trewinion Manor until within a month of the wedding day. Then she shall return to Morton Hall to prepare for the marriage ceremony.' This is an extract from the will," he went on, "and I should not be a friend to Miss Ruth if I failed to see this carried out. We have waited now many years beyond the time, and if this be not done soon the bodies of the dead fathers will rise from their graves to know why their wishes have not been fulfilled."
Then I heard Ruth speak again.
"Oh, Roger, Roger," she said, "why did you go away?"
"Why?" said my mother, "because you drove him. He was mad with love for you, and because you scorned him he ended his days. Be careful, or, perchance, you will drive my other son to his death as well."
At this she looked up to the faces of those in the room with an expression of dull despair.
"I will obey my father's will," she said huskily, "make what arrangements you choose."
Then I saw Wilfred move towards her, as if to embrace her; and I thought I went forward too, as if to hinder him, but Ruth looked up and gave a scream, half of joy, half of fear.
"Roger is here!" she cried.
I thought I saw consternation on every face, then all melted away, and I awoke.