Quincy led Alice into the parlor, the Squire accompanying them. Quincy
then retired, saying he would join the Squire in a short time and ride
up to the store with him.
When they were alone, the Squire informed Alice that by the terms of
Mrs. Putnam's last will she had been left sole heiress of all the real
and personal property of the deceased. The dwelling house and farm were
worth fully ten thousand dollars, while the bonds, stocks, and other
securities, of which he had had charge for many years, were worth at
least forty thousand more. For several years Mrs. Putnam's income had
been about twenty-five hundred dollars a year.
"It was very kind of her to leave it to me," said Alice; "I have never
done anything to deserve it and I would not take it were it not that I
understand there are no near relatives, and that Miss Lindy Putnam was
amply provided for by her brother."
There was a knock upon the door, and Quincy looked in.
"Come in, Mr. Sawyer," said the Squire. "I have an important bit of news
for you that concerns this young lady."
Quincy did as requested and stood expectantly.
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