‘He made me independent by a deed of trust, when I first went to him. He settled six thousand pounds for my benefit.’
‘Very handsome indeed. And pray whom have you married?’
‘My benefactor’s nephew, and the inheritor of his estate.’
‘You have been a very lucky girl, Laura, and you ought to be thankful to God.’
‘I hope I am thankful.’
‘I have often noticed that the children of improvident fathers do better in life than those whose parents toil to make them independent. They are like the ravens—Providence takes care of them. Well, my dear, I congratulate you.’
‘God has been very good to me, dear aunt, but I have had many troubles. I want you to tell me about my father. Did you see much of him in the last years of his life?’
‘Not very much. He used to call upon me occasionally, and he used sometimes to bring your mother to spend the day with me. She was a sweet woman—you are like her in face and figure—and she and I used to get on very nicely together. She was not above taking advice.’
‘Had my father many friends and acquaintances at that time?’ asked Laura.
‘Many friends! My dear, he was poor.’