“Patty, I want to talk to you,” the old lady began.
“All right, Lady Van,” said Patty, lightly, “but you musn’t talk much. If it’s an important subject, you’d better wait till you are stronger.”
“I shall never be stronger, my dear. This is my last illness,——”
“Oh, now, don’t talk like that. Grip always makes its patients discouraged, but you are too sensible to be fooled by it. Brace up, and resolve to get well, and then you will get well.”
Patty was arguing against her own convictions, for she saw the ravages the disease had made, and she feared the worst. But she did all she could to cheer and encourage.
“It’s useless for you to talk like that,” the invalid went on, “for I know what I know. Now listen to me. I am going to die. I know it, and I am not afraid. I am seventy years old, I have had a happy life, and if my time has come, I am willing to die. Life is sweet, but we must all die, and it is only a coward who fears death. I am going to leave you a fortune, Patty. I have made my will and in it, I bequeath you a hundred thousand dollars.”
“Oh, Lady Van,” Patty gasped, “don’t, don’t leave me all that money! I should be overcome with the responsibility of it.”
“Nonsense! But listen to the plan. I want you to have half of it absolutely for yourself, and the other half, use to build a Children’s Home. I know you will enjoy doing this, and I trust you to do it well. Thus, you see, your own share of the money is, in a way, payment for your work and responsibility of the Home. You may build, rent, or buy a house for the purpose. Your father and Philip will help you as to the business matters. But the furnishing and house planning will be your work. Will you do this?”
“I’d love to do it!” and Patty’s eyes shone at the idea. “If I am capable.”
“Of course you’re capable. Not a big Home, you understand, but as large as the money will properly pay for. Then, have it bright and pretty, and if it only accommodates a dozen children, I don’t care. I know this is your favourite form of philanthropy and it is also mine. I wish we could have done it together, but it is too late for that now. But Philip will help you, and if more money is necessary, he will give it to you, from his own inheritance. Phil is a rich man, but I shall leave him all my fortune except what I give you. So don’t hesitate to ask him if you need more funds.”