My chambers are anything but suited to convivial
society, and I prefer solitude just at present. I have already had the
benefit of clergy, and do not need any of your sermons, excellent as I
am told they are. Indeed, divinity was always out of my line.'
'I come to fulfil the dying request of your wife and my sister, which
that letter will explain,' said Rowland, calmly and gravely, placing an
open letter on the table.
Howel's countenance changed at once--the flush of passion passed away,
and left a painful pallor, whilst the sarcastic mouth became compressed
into a marble rigidity. He sat down again, and pushing aside the paper
that had previously been before him, drew the letter towards him. He put
his elbows on the table, and shrouded his face so that Rowland could
not see him, and bending over the letter, gazed on the writing without
attempting to read, as one might gaze on a spirit without daring to
speak to it. The letter was, indeed, a voice from the dead, and dated
the very day before that on which Netta died. Its contents were as
follows:--
'MY DEAR BROTHER,--I intend leaving Glanyravon, and all my dear
relations, to go in search of Howel, who, you know, is my husband;
and therefore to be loved and obeyed before any one else.
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