Miss Nancy paused to see the effect of this startling piece of news upon her companion.
But the doctor was not sulky, and upon his guard; so after an involuntary slight start, he remained perfectly still. Miss Nancy was disappointed by the calm way in which he took this marvelous revelation. However, she went on to say:
"Yes! a fortune left her, by a grand-uncle, a bachelor, who died intestate in Wiltshire, England. Now, what do you think of that!"
"Why, I think if she wouldn't have me when she was poor, she won't be apt to do it now she's rich."
"Ah! but you see, she don't know a word of it!"
"How do you know it, then?"
"Hish-ish! I'll tell you if you will never tell. Oh, Lord, no, you mustn't indeed! You wouldn't, I know, 'cause it would ruin us! Listen—"
"Now, Aunt Nancy, don't be letting me into any of your capital crimes and hanging secrets—don't, because I don't want to hear them, and I won't neither! I ain't used to such! and I'm afraid of them, too!"
"'Fraid o' what? Nobody can prove it," answered Miss Nancy, a little incoherently.
"You know what better than I do, Aunt Nancy; and let me tell you, you'd better be careful. The eyes of the community are upon you."