elegram in
his hand, and looking very much excited. As soon as she heard his voice,
Mrs. Clair came in, looking very pale, but quite composed. After a few
inquiries about Bertie, he placed the message in her hand, and as she
read it she smiled sadly.

"Just what I thought, Mr. Murray. Why should Mr. Gregory trouble himself
about us in our affliction? Because his sister married my brother gives
me no claim on him," she said gently.

"Perhaps not; but sorrow, friendlessness, death, give you a claim on
every man who deserves the name. I'm disappointed in Gregory, and I'll
take an early opportunity of telling him so."

"I can scarcely blame him, Mr. Murray, when my husband's oldest and
dearest friend fails me now; but he says if I let him know when the
funeral takes place he will try to attend."

"Very kind and truly considerate of him," Mr. Murray cried, scornfully.
"Will you be so good as to tell me the name of this true old friend?"

"It cannot matter much to you, Mr. Murray; but he's called Arthur
Williams, a well-known sculptor."

"Hum! I'll see if I can't give him a famous order some day, selfish
fellow!" he added, in an undertone. "And now, dear Mrs. Clair, may I ask
what you are going to do?"

"I do not know; I have not thought yet. I am so sorely disappointed."

"Then allow me to think for you," Mr. Murray interrupted; "but first
answer me one or two painful questions. Did your husband leave a will,
or express any wishes?"

Mrs. Clair handed him the half-sheet of note-paper, and he read it twice
carefully, then placed it in his pocket-book. "Simple and complete, Mrs.
Clair, your husband must have had a great capacity for business. Is
there anything else?"

"Nothing, except that he left us all to the care of Bertie. He's to be
'head of the family,' poor child;" and Aunt Amy stroked his hair
tenderly. "My husband had great faith in Bertie."

"Perhaps he was right: we shall see some day. Now I suggest that you go
up to town this evening, and take those two children with you. Bertie
and I will follow by the first train to-morrow morning. We will go
direct to Fitzroy Square, and I'll give all necessary instructions for
the funeral. Mr. Clair was a gentleman and an artist, and must go to his
long rest as such. After that you may tell me as much or as little of
your circumstances as you please; but always remember that I am able and
willing to help you."

And then Mr. Murray hurried away, and Bertie began h