The Major grinned.
"And that's the whole story, my friends. After Jane's death you offered me a home—the best you had to give—and I accepted it. I had to come to New York anyway, you know, for Isham, Marvin & Co. have been my bankers for years, and there was considerable business to transact with them. I think that's all, isn't it?"
"Then this house is yours?" said Patsy, wonderingly.
"No, my dear; the whole block belongs to you and here's the deed for it," drawing a package of papers from his pocket. "It's a very good property, Patsy, and the rents you get from the other five flats will be a fortune in themselves."
For a time the three sat in silence. Then the girl whispered, softly:
"Why are you so good to me, Uncle John?"
"Just because I like you, Patsy, and you are my niece."
"And the other nieces?"
"Well, I don't mean they shall wait for my death to be made happy," answered Uncle John. "Here's a paper that gives to Louise's mother the use of a hundred thousand dollars, as long as she lives. After that Louise will have the money to do as she pleases with."
"How fine!" cried Patsy, clapping her hands joyfully.