"And pretty poor board at that, I imagine."
"I had no fear of the gout," said Walter. "The living isn't luxurious."
"Well, I'm glad you are back again. For the present I shall expect you to be my guest."
This settled the embarrassing question which had suggested itself as to where he should stay. His late father's house was of course shut up, and he had no relatives in Willoughby.
"Thank you, Mr. Shaw," he said. "For a few days I shall be glad to accept your kind offer. What progress have you made in settling the estate?"
"I can give you some idea of how it stands. There will be something left, but not much. After paying all debts, including Nancy's, there will certainly be a thousand dollars; but if you pay Nancy's legacy, that will take half of this sum."
"The legacy shall be paid," said Walter, promptly, "no matter how little remains. I am glad there is enough for that."
"I honor your determination, Walter, but I don't think Nancy will be willing to take half of what you have left."
"Then don't let her know how little it is."
"There is a chance of something more. I have made no account of the Great Metropolitan Mining stock, of which your father held shares to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, cost price. How these will come out is very uncertain, but I think we can get something. Suppose it were only five per cent., that would make five thousand dollars. But it isn't best to count on that."