Dorian finished his supper, and was about to go to bed, being in need of a good rest. His mother told him not to get up in the morning until she called him.
"All right, mother," he laughed as he kissed her good night, "but don't let me be late to Sunday School, as I have a topic to treat in the Theological class. By heck, they really think I'm Uncle Zed's successor, by the subjects they give me."
He was about to go to his room when his mother called him by name.
"Yes, mother, what is it?"
"You'll know tomorrow, so I might as well tell you now."
"Tell me what?"
"Some bad news."
"Bad news! What is it?"
The mother seemed lothe to go on. She hesitated.
"Well, mother?"