“It is therefore my last wish that my grand-nephew, John Christopher Winkel Blossom, inherit after me my estate of Kingthorpe, whole and undivided, including the mansion and park, the Works, the Bay Point wharves, the Holmen sawmill”—
The Admiral read on and on.
Lars poked Johnny in the side. “Just listen to that, boy!”
From the farther end of the hall came the query: “Is he here? Is Johnny Blossom here?”
“Yes, here he is,” piped a shrill, boyish voice from the doorway.
“You are to come forward,” said the Admiral. It was so still that the rustle of papers in the Admiral’s shaking hand could be heard throughout the immense room. Johnny Blossom squeezed himself through the throng.
Every one looked at him as he stood beside the Admiral—such a little boy, with comical, freckled nose and smooth, brown hair. He looked up at his big, stalwart uncle who was reading about him, Johnny Blossom!
“I believe that this boy has the qualities that will enable him to meet rightly the serious responsibilities imposed by a large property and great wealth. His character is sound through and through, and he seems to have been endowed in his cradle with a fine understanding of the needs and sufferings of his fellowmen. If this grows, he will understand, when he himself has become a man, why Uncle Isaac of Kingthorpe chose him of all others to carry forward the family traditions in this prominent station of life. God be with you, Johnny Blossom!”
The stillness of the crowded room had grown more impressive. “Do you understand?” asked the Admiral.
“No,” answered Johnny frankly, looking up at his uncle and shaking his head energetically.