"He is reputed rich."
"And we are poor. I see you wonder at that. When my husband's father died, Philemon was executor. It was understood that he was worth twenty-five thousand dollars. Yet of this amount my poor husband received but one thousand. I may be uncharitable, but I have always felt that Philemon cheated us out of our rightful share."
"I should not be surprised. I never liked Squire Carter. He always seemed to me to be a selfish man."
"He has certainly acted selfishly toward us."
"Does he know of your poverty?"
"Yes. Only two weeks since, in a fit of despair, I wrote to him for help. Here is his answer."
She handed a letter to Andy. He instantly recognized the handwriting of the magnate of Arden.
"Shall I read it?" he asked.
"Yes, do so, and let me know what you think of it."
This was the letter: