“Was he very poor?”
“No; he inherited a few thousand dollars from an aunt, and upon this he lived prudently, carrying on a small business besides. Your mother died when you were three years old, your father two years later.”
“And then you took care of me?”
“Yes.”
“And I have been a burden to you these many years!”
“No! Don’t give me too much credit. A sum of money was put into my hands to spend for you. We lived carefully, and it lasted. We have been here three years, and it has cost very little to live in that time. The hundred dollars of which I spoke to you are the last of your inheritance. You are not indebted to me for it. It is rightfully yours.”
“What is my uncle’s name?”
“Stephen Ray. He lives a few miles from Elmira on the Erie Road.”
“And is he quite rich?”
“Yes; he is probably worth a quarter of a million dollars. It is money which should have gone to your father.”