Even yet there was a trial in store for her patience. Some minutes
elapsed--minutes that seemed hours--before she found the right key and
raised the lid of the bureau. At last she drew out the inner drawer! At
last she had the letter in her hand!
It had been sealed, but the seal was broken. She opened it on the spot,
to make sure that she had actually possessed herself of the Trust before
leaving the room. The end of the letter was the first part of it she
turned to. It came to its conclusion high on the third page, and it was
signed by Noel Vanstone. Below the name these lines were added in the
admiral's handwriting:
"This letter was received by me at the same time with the will of my
friend, Noel Vanstone. In the event of my death, without leaving any
other directions respecting it, I beg my nephew and my executors
to understand that I consider the requests made in this document as
absolutely binding on me.
"ARTHUR EVERARD BARTRAM."
She left those lines unread. She just noticed that they were not in Noel
Vanstone's handwriting; and, passing over them instantly, as immaterial
to the object in view, turned the leaves of the letter, and transferred
her attention to the opening sentences on the first page.
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