At this moment the servant came to the door, and said: “Mr. Benson would like to see Miss Standish in the library.”
Nellie found her cousin sitting, looking very glum, at the side of the writing table.
“You sent for me?” asked she with dignity.
“I did. Be seated.”
She waited, before speaking again, for him to proceed.
“You are a very young girl to have the responsibility of so much money.”
“I know,” replied Nellie quickly, “and that is the reason why I miss Tom so much. He never has allowed me to have any responsibility.”
Her companion bit his lip ferociously, and the sight gave Nellie intense delight.
“He will be of no service to you, my dear, for many years to come.”
It was Nellie’s turn to bite her lip, for she knew the truth of his statement.