In which everybody is happy, Will Benton is jocose, and justifies the title of this Romance of the Upper Mississippi.
Some few minutes later, Will Benton, who had been summoned, and Clarence were seated in the Rector’s room. To the two Father Keenan read first the letter of Wilcox.
“He was a good fellow,” said Will. “I like people who are grateful.”
“It was this gift of one hundred dollars,” said Father Keenan, “which made it so easy for me to fit you up, Clarence, and to see that Ben received decent interment. But now listen to this.”
And Father Keenan read the letter of Mr. Charles Esmond.
When he came to the passage describing Clarence as a “veritable Dan Cupid up to date,” Will Benton roared with laughter.
“Why, what’s the matter, Will?” asked the Rector.
“Did you hear it? He’s Cupid. Oh, goodness, that’s the best yet. Clarence, you’re Cupid.” And Will Benton laughed more heartily than ever.
“It isn’t such a bad joke,” said Clarence critically.
The Rector then read on to the end.