Прокляття мумії, або Камінь Семи Зірок

           Iwashurryingawaytocarryouthiswishes;when,however,myhandwasonthekeyofthedoor,hisvoicerecalledme:

           "Mr.Ross!"

           Ididnotliketohearhimsay"Mr."AfterheknewofmyfriendshipwithhisdaughterhehadcalledmeMalcolmRoss;andthisobviousreturntoformalitynotonlypained,butfilledmewithapprehension.ItmustbesomethingaboutMargaret.Ithoughtofheras"Margaret"andnotas"MissTrelawny",nowthattherewasdangeroflosingher.IknownowwhatIfeltthen:thatIwasdeterminedtofightforherratherthanloseher.Icameback,unconsciouslyholdingmyselferect.Mr.Trelawny,thekeenobserverofmen,seemedtoreadmythought;hisface,whichwassetinanewanxiety,relaxedashesaid:

           "Sitdownaminute;itisbetterthatwespeaknowthanlater.Wearebothmen,andmenoftheworld.Allthisaboutmydaughterisverynewtome,andverysudden;andIwanttoknowexactlyhowandwhereIstand.Mind,Iammakingnoobjection;butasafatherIhavedutieswhicharegrave,andmayprovetobepainful.