"It is strange what Gregg could be doing here at that time with a clerk; and in private, as you appear to assume," said Mr. Edwin Barley. "Could he have come by appointment, to transact any legal business for my wife?"
"But, if so, why should she wish it kept from you?" and Charlotte Delves's voice had a jealous ring in it: jealous for the rights of her cousin, Edwin Barley.
"I don't know. The little girl may be able to explain. Call her up."
Another fright for me. But the next moment his voice countermanded the order.
"Never mind, Charlotte; let it be. When I want information of Anne Hereford, I'll question her myself. And if my wife did anything, made a will, or gave Gregg any other directions, we shall soon know of it."
"Made a will!" exclaimed Charlotte Delves.
"I should not think it likely that she would without speaking to me, but she could do it: she was of age," replied Mr. Barley.
He went into his study with the desk, and Charlotte Delves passed downstairs. I got into her parlour as soon as she did; never having seen my dear Aunt Selina.
They took me to see her the next day, when she was in her first coffin. She looked very calm and peaceful; but I think the dead, generally speaking, do look peaceful; whether they have died a happy death or not. A few autumn flowers were strewed upon her flannel shroud.
In coming out of the room, my face streaming with tears, there stood Mr. Lowe.