But even now I have not told you all. There is one link which I have
withheld from you, and which shall be withheld from you while I live.
But look at this chest, Robert."
He led him to a great iron-clamped chest which stood in the corner, and,
throwing it open, he took from it a small case of carved ivory.
"Inside this," he said, "I have left a paper which makes clear anything
which is still hidden from you. Should anything happen to me you will
always be able to inherit my powers, and to continue my plans by
following the directions which are there expressed. And now," he
continued, throwing his casket back again into the box, "I shall
frequently require your help, but I do not think it will be necessary
this morning. I have already taken up too much of your time. If you
are going back to Elmdene I wish that you would tell Laura that I shall
be with her in the afternoon."
CHAPTER XII.
A FAMILY JAR.
And so the great secret was out, and Robert walked home with his head in
a whirl, and the blood tingling in his veins. He had shivered as he
came up at the damp cold of the wind and the sight of the mist-mottled
landscape. That was all gone now. His own thoughts tinged everything
with sunshine, and he felt inclined to sing and dance as he walked down
the muddy, deeply-rutted country lane.
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