"Since Mr. Sedley died."
"I know; that's more than twenty years, I think; did you show them to anyone?"
"Only to the poor old lady who's gone."
"Ay, I see."
There was a paper endorsed "Statement of Facts," and this the attorney was now reading.
"Now, ma'am, do you wish to place these papers in my hands, that I may act upon them as the interests of those who are nearest to you may require?"
She looked at him with a perplexed gaze, and said, "Yes, sir, certainly."
"Very well, ma'am; then I must go up to town at once. It's a very serious affair, ma'am, and I'll do my duty by you."
"Can you understand them, sir?"
"N—no—that is, I must see counsel in London; I'll be back again in a day or two. Leave it all to me, ma'am, and the moment I know anything for certain, you shall know all about it."