"You won't have to work so hard when you get your money," Lois replied.
"I suppose you have heard nothing more about it?"
"Only that we're to get a thousand a year. Isn't it wonderful! It seems that it must be all a dream. At first we couldn't understand where so much money was to come from. But after what Mr. Westcote told us it is all clear. Betty and her mother are to get the same amount each, so I believe. Poor old David! We little realised what he would do for us when we took him to board. I did hear that Mr. Jasper is to come in for a large share. I hope he does, anyway, for he deserves it."
"Have you heard who will get the balance of the money, property, or whatever it is?" Lois asked.
"Why, certainly. Don't you know?" Mrs. Peterson asked in astonishment.
"No, I have not the least idea."
"Well, isn't that strange! Why, the bulk of the property is to go to you and Mr. Jasper."
At these words Lois' eyes opened wide with amazement, and she felt that she had not heard aright.
"To me?" she gasped.
"So I understand. We didn't mention it to you, thinking that you knew all about it. But isn't it wonderful what strange things have happened in such a short time?"
Lois made no reply, for her mind was too much agitated. She wished to be by herself that she might think over this remarkable piece of news. Bidding the captain and his wife good-bye, she walked slowly down the road toward the store. Surely there had been some mistake, she reasoned. Why should anything have been left to her? What had she done to merit it? She wished that David had not done such a thing. It would mean a great responsibility, and she did not feel equal to the task.