THE RECORD--Continued.

When I had finished writing I looked over at Rupert.

When he saw us, he jumped up and went over to father and shook his
hand quite warmly. Father took him very coolly. Rupert, however,
did not seem to see it, but came towards me heartily. I happened to
be doing something else at the moment, and at first I did not see his
hand; but just as I was looking at it the clock struck eleven.
Whilst it was striking Mr. Trent came into the room. Close behind
him came his clerk, carrying a locked tin box. There were two other
men also. He bowed to us all in turn, beginning with me. I was
standing opposite the door; the others were scattered about. Father
sat still, but Sir Colin and Mr. St. Leger rose. Mr. Trent not did
shake hands with any of us--not even me. Nothing but his respectful
bow. That is the etiquette for an attorney, I understand, on such
formal occasions.

He sat down at the end of the big table in the centre of the room,
and asked us to sit round. Father, of course, as Head of the Family,
took the seat at his right hand. Sir Colin and St. Leger went to the
other side, the former taking the seat next to the attorney. The
General knows, of course, that a Baronet takes precedence at a
ceremony. I may be a Baronet some day myself, and have to know these
things.

The clerk took the key which his master handed to him, opened the tin
box, and took from it a bundle of papers tied with red tape. This he