There was a knock upon the door, and Quincy looked in.
"Come in, Mr. Sawyer," said the Squire. "I have an important bit of news for you that concerns this young lady."
Quincy did as requested and stood expectantly.
The Squire went on: "Mrs. Putnam's old will, made some six years ago, gave all the property to Miss Pettengill, but provided that its provisions should be kept secret for ninety days. In that will I was named as sole executor."
"Why did she change it?" asked Alice earnestly.
"I don't know," replied the Squire. "About three weeks ago she sent for me and cut out the ninety-day restriction and named our young friend here as co-executor with myself."
Alice remained silent, while a look of astonishment crept into Quincy's face.
"I do not quite comprehend her reason for making this change," remarked Quincy.
"Mrs. Putnam was a very far-seeing lady," said the Squire, with a laugh, looking first at Alice and then at Quincy.
A slight flush mounted to Alice's cheeks, and Quincy said coolly, "I do not perceive the application of your remark."