--in utter perplexity,
but said nothing.

"There! I'll have to tell it after all; and I hope it won't just spoil
my pleasure in it; but I shouldn't wonder. The money ain't mine--hasn't
been for quite a spell. I set it apart to pay David's expenses at
college; so it's his, or yours till he's of age, if you're a mind to
claim it. Your husband knew all about it."

"My husband!" repeated Mrs Inglis.

"Yes; and now I shouldn't wonder if I had spoiled it to you, too. I
told him I was going to give it for that. As like as not he didn't
believe me," said Miss Bethia, with a sob. "I've had my feelings
considerably hurt, one way and another, this afternoon. There wouldn't
any of you have been so surprised if any one else had wanted to do you a
kindness--if you will have that it's a kindness. I know some folks have
got to think I'm stingy and mean, because--"

"Aunt Bethia," said David, taking her hand in both his, "that is not
what we think here."

"No, indeed! We have never thought that," said Violet, kissing her.

Then David kissed her, too, reddening a little, as boys will who only
kiss their mothers when they go to bed, or their very little sisters.

"Miss Bethia," said Mrs Inglis, "my husband always looked upon you as a
true friend. I do not doubt but that your kindness in this matter
comforted him at the last."

"Well, then, it's settled--no more need be said. If I were to die
to-night, it would be found in my will all straight. And you wouldn't
refuse to take it if I were dead, would you? Why should you now? unless
you grudge me the pleasure of seeing it. Oh! I've got enough more to
keep me--if that's what you mean--if I should live for forty years,
which ain't likely."

So what could Mrs Inglis do but press her hand, murmuring thanks in the
name of her children and her husband.

Miss Bethia's spirits rose.

"And you'll have to be a good boy, David, and adorn the doctrine of your
Saviour, so as to fill your father's place."

"Miss Bethia, I can never do that. I am not good at all."

"Well, I don't suppose you are. But grace abounds, and you can have it
for the asking."

"But, Miss Bethia, if you mean this because--you expect me to be a
minister, like papa, I am not sure, and you may be disappointed--and
then--"

"There ain't much one _can_ be sure of in this world," said Miss Bethia,
with a sigh. "But I can wait. You are young--there's time enough. If
the Lord wants you for His serv