Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 2).djvu/191

 brother already; but the voice you mentioned as having alarmed him, that strange unaccountable circumstance, has it disturbed any other part of the family?"

"Never," replied Ernest. "Our master's questions, the night he was frightened, gave some strange suspicions to the servants, which were strengthened by a recollection of the odd occurrences about Madam Claudina; but I endeavoured to dispel their apprehensions by several arguments between jest and earnest, and if they still entertain any doubts or fears, they do not express them openly. Last week, my dear master, I gave a sealed packet into the hands of my nephew, directed for you, with a strict charge never to let it pass his hands until my death, without my consent should be first obtained.

"I mention this for your guide whenever the event takes place that closes all my earthly concerns, and I conjure you, Sir, not to let my nephew be ignorant of your residence wherever you go."