"I noticed his death in the papers."
"He has appointed me his executor."
"Ah?"
"Yes; and I wish to my heart he had appointed somebody else. I've too much business of my own to attend to."
"Of course," said Claire, "you will receive your regular commissions for attending to the settlement of his estate."
"Poor picking there," replied Jasper, shrugging his shoulders. "I'd very cheerfully give up the profit to be rid of the trouble. But that doesn't signify now. Elder has left his affairs in my hands, and I must give them at least some attention. I'm not coming to the point, however. A little while ago I witnessed the most painful scene that ever fell under my eyes."
"Ah!"
"Yes, truly. Ugh! It makes the chills creep over me as I think of it. Last evening I received regular notification of my appointment as executor to Elder's estate, and to-day thought it only right to call upon the widow, and see if any present service were needed by the family. Such a scene as I encountered! Mrs. Elder was just at the point of death, and expired a few moments after my entrance. Besides a single domestic and a child, I was the only witness of her last extremity."
"Shocking!"
"You may well say shocking, Edward, unprepared as I was for such an occurrence. My nerves are quivering yet."