Mrs. Peterson now came from the house and joined in the conversation.

“You must excuse me, dear,” she apologised, “but I haven’t had time to dress up this morning.  Betty is coming to-night, and I want to get some cakes and pies made.”

“You won’t have to work so hard when you get your money,” Lois replied.  “I suppose you have heard nothing more about it?”

“Only that we’re to get a thousand a year.  Isn’t it wonderful!  It seems that it must be all a dream.  At first we couldn’t understand where so much money was to come from.  But after what Mr. Westcote told us it is all clear.  Betty and her mother are to get the same amount each, so I believe.  Poor old David!  We little realised what he would do for us when we took him to board.  I did hear that Mr. Jasper is to come in for a large share.  I hope he does, anyway, for he deserves it.”

“Have you heard who will get the balance of the money, property, or whatever it is?” Lois asked.

“Why, certainly.  Don’t you know?” Mrs. Peterson asked in astonishment.

“No, I have not the least idea.”

“Well, isn’t that strange!  Why, the bulk of the property is to go to you and Mr. Jasper.”

At these words Lois’ eyes opened wide with amazement, and she felt that she had not heard aright.

“To me?” she gasped.

“So I understand.  We didn’t mention it to you, thinking that you knew all about it.  But isn’t it wonderful what strange things have happened in such a short time?”

Lois made no reply, for her mind was too much agitated.  She wished to be by herself that she might think over this remarkable piece of news.  Bidding the captain and his wife good-bye, she walked slowly down the road toward the store.  Surely there had been some mistake, she reasoned.  Why should anything have been left to her?  What had she done to merit it?  She wished that David had not done such a thing.  It would mean a great responsibility, and she did not feel equal to the task.

Reaching the store, her attention was diverted for a time by the brief note she received from Mr. Westcote telling of the arrest of Sydney Bramshaw.  This was very gratifying news, but she longed to hear some word about Jasper, and whether he would be released.  This and what Mrs. Peterson had told her about the will occupied her mind all that afternoon.  She was unusually silent, and Margaret was afraid that she was not well.  She spent a couple of hours upon the river, but the water becoming rough she was unable to remain out any longer.

“Your prediction has come true, Margaret,” she said when she had reached the house.  “It is very rough out there now.  You were quite right as regards the water, but I guess that is about as far as it goes.  It is almost dinner time and here we are just as quiet as we were this morning.”

“There is plenty of time yet,” and Margaret looked up from her work with a smile.  “I have had such a delightful day,” she added.  “See, I have done all this,” and she held up a piece of needle-work for inspection.