"What have I to tell you, except that you are ill? Stop a moment. I have an item of news, after all. Poor Alresca has made me his heir."
"That was like his kind heart."
"Yes, indeed. But I can't imagine why he did it!"
"It was just gratitude," said she.
"A rare kind of gratitude," I replied.
"Is no reason given in the will?"
"Not a word."
I remembered the packet which I had just received from the lawyer, and I mentioned it to her.
"Open it now," she said. "I am interested—if you do not think me too inquisitive."
I tore the envelope. It contained another envelope, sealed, and a letter. I scanned the letter.