She paused for a moment, as if uncertain how to open her communication, and then at length said:
“I was the heiress of Allworth, Malcolm, and after me you are the sole heir. You will be very wealthy, Malcolm, for I am told that the forfeiture will not be enforced—”
“Oh, Eudora! can you think of these things at this moment?”
“Yes; I can think of everything that requires to be thought of. Pray let me proceed. You will have abundant means of doing good. For my sake I wish you to be a Providence to that poor widow with whom I lodged in the Borough, and her thirteen children—what a family! and she was willing to have made it fourteen, and even fifteen, by keeping the Captain’s orphan daughter, and myself also, if there had been any need. Hers is a terrible struggle with the world to win daily bread for all those ravenous young mouths; and well and bravely does she maintain it. Now, dear Malcolm, as I firmly believe that there is not a woman in this world more worthy of assistance, I wish you to give her no merely transient help, but such permanent aid as shall establish herself and children in comfortable independence for life. I heard her say the house she occupies was for sale. Buy it and give it to her; renew the furniture and stock the shop. It will take but a few hundred pounds—that you will never miss—but to her and her children what a fortune it will be!”
“If it took thousands, Eudora, it should be done, and not only because they would be well bestowed, but because you desire it.”
“I know it. Well, when you have made her comfortable in the way I have indicated, next find out what trades or professions she would like her sons and daughters to follow, and pay the fees to apprentice them. That will provide for all their future lives, and relieve the good mother from the great burden of care.”
“It shall be done, Eudora, and in your own dear name, so that for years after you have become an angel in heaven, the widow and her children shall bless your memory.”
“Ah, well, I feel the need that some one should bless me.”
“Many will do so, dear saint! And now what more shall I do?”
“Not much; only when I am gone, do not let my little dog perish. Mrs. Barton will keep her for a few days, until you can call and fetch her.”