"For love's sake!" repeated Miss Heppy much flustered. "I can't read it, Tobias. I ain't got my specs here."
"No more have I," her brother rejoined. "But I cal'late I can read it for you if 'tain't writ in Choctaw."
The others, Amos no less than Heppy, remained eagerly expectant while Tobias worked his stubbed finger under the gummed flap of the envelope and tore it open. The folded sheet of paper he drew forth was likewise bordered with black. He held it off, for he was far-sighted, and read aloud slowly:
"'Batten, Mass.
"'Miss Hephzibah Bassett,
"'Twin Rocks Light.
"'Dear Miss Heppy:—
"'Your uncle, Captain Jethro Potts, of this town, passed into rest this day at noon. The funeral is set for Thursday at ten in the morning, that being high tide. You and your family is hereby notified and are requested to be present at the unsealing of Captain Potts' will in Judge Waddams' office which will follow the ceremony at the grave.
"'Your relation by marriage,
"'ICIVILLA POTTS.'"