It is an innocent delusion, and
has made her happy--do not disturb it. I tell you, my sister,
it will be the worst work you have yet wrought upon earth, and
an evil day for you, if, even when I am in my grave, you try
to come between me and my daughter.
"Your brother,
"Adolphe Linders."
"I will sign it," said the sick man, holding out his hand for
the pen. He had dictated the letter with some pauses and gasps
for breath, but in the uniform indifferent voice that he had
adopted since the beginning of the conversation. He dropped
the pen, when he had scrawled the signature with almost
powerless fingers, and his hand fell heavily on the bed again.
"That is done," he said, and, after a pause, continued:
"Monsieur, circumstances have compelled me to place a
confidence in you, with which, at another time, I should have
hesitated to burden you, fearing to cause you inconvenience."
"You cause me no inconvenience, and I shall do my best to
carry out your wishes," said Horace. "In return, I must beg of
you to keep yourself quiet now."
"One moment, Monsieur--my money you will find in that desk, as
I have said; after paying my funeral and other expenses, you
will, I think, find there is still the sum left that I have
named in my letter.
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