Unfolding the paper, Penny noticed that the message had been written under the letterhead: “J.C. Elfhedge, attorney, Brookport.” The communication stated briefly that Rosanna Winters was the sole heiress of the late Jacob Winters, her uncle, and that she had inherited his mountainside estate at Raven Ridge. A key to the property was enclosed. She was urged to inspect the estate at her earliest convenience.
“Well, what do you think of it?” Rosanna questioned as Penny studied the letter in silence.
“Why, it’s fine,” Penny returned after a slight hesitation. “Did you know Jacob Winters well?”
“I didn’t know him at all. In fact I never even met him.”
“Oh! Then the inheritance must have come as a surprise.”
“It did. Even now I can’t help thinking there must be some mistake. Did you ever hear of Raven Ridge?”
“Yes, indeed,” Penny told her. “It is a lovely spot near Snow Mountain.”
“I must go there as soon as I can,” Rosanna said. “Will the car fare be very much do you think?”
“Probably not more than ten dollars.”
“That’s a large sum for me,” Rosanna smiled ruefully. “Of course, now that I’ve actually inherited Uncle Jacob’s estate, I suppose I shouldn’t worry about money.”