gacy of 500
pounds to you, and but 100 pounds to me. However, the testator 'in
consideration of the forthcoming marriage between his son Morris and my
daughter Mary, remits all debts and obligations that may be due to his
estate by the said Richard Monk, Lieutenant-Colonel, Companion of the
Bath, and an executor of this will.' This amounts to something, of
course, but I will not trouble you with details at the moment.

"After all, now that I come to think of it, it is as well that you
should not leave home at present, as there will be plenty of executor's
business to keep you on the spot. No doubt you will hear from your late
uncle's lawyers, Thomas and Thomas, and as soon as you do so you had
better go over to Seaview and take formal possession of it and its
contents as an executor of the will. I have no time to write more
at present, as the undertaker is waiting to see me about the last
arrangements for the interment, which takes place at the English
cemetery here. The poor man has gone, but at least we may reflect that
he can be no more troubled by sickness, etc., and it is a consolation
to know that he has made arrangements so eminently proper under the
circumstances.

"Your affectionate father,

"Richard Monk.

"P.S. I shall remain here for a little while so as to be near Mary in
case she wishes to see me, and afterwards work homewards via Paris. I
expect to turn up at the Abbey in a fortnight's time or so."

"Quite in his best style," reflected Morris to himself. "'Remits all
debts and obligations that may be due to his estate by the said Richard
Monk.' I should be surprised if they don't amount to a good lot. No
wonder my father is going to return via Paris; he must feel quite rich
again."

Then he sat down to write to Mary.

Under the pressure of this sudden blow--for the fact that Mr. Porson had
been for some time in failing health, and the knowledge that his life
might terminate at any time, did not seem to make it less sudden--a
cloud of depression settled on the Abbey household. Before dinner Morris
visited Mr. Fregelius, and told him of what had happened; whereon that
pious and kindly, but somewhat inefficient man, bestowed upon him a
well-meant lecture of consolation. Appreciating his motives, Morris
thanked him sincerely, and was rising to depart, when the clergyman
added:

"It is most grievous to me, Mr. Monk, that in these sad hours of
mourning you should be forced to occupy your mind with