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But the house and garden in Gourlay, and all else that had been Miss Bethia's, she had bequeathed unconditionally to Mrs Inglis. It was not a large property, but it was a good deal more than Miss Bethia could have been supposed to possess, considering her way of life. It was not quite independence to Mrs Inglis and her children, but it would be a great help toward it.
"Likely," in Miss Bethia's vocabulary, meant well-intentioned, agreeable, promising, all in a moderate degree, and the description fell so far short of Mr Philip's idea of himself and his merits, and indeed of their idea of him that they could not help it. "He seems to be a pleasant-spoken youth, and good-natured," said Miss Bethia. "Oh, yes! he is very good-natured," said Violet.
Mr Oswald's household was broken up about the time of Miss Bethia's death. Selina remained with her sister, and the little girls went with their aunt to her former home. Mr Oswald had been induced to take the sea voyage, and the entire rest from business, which his physicians declared absolutely necessary to his entire restoration to health.
And, David, you must make out a list of them, two, indeed, one to leave with me and one to take, and I'll see to all the rest." And so it was settled. The book-case and the books were never moved. They stand in the study still, and are likely to do so for a good while to come. This is as good a place as any to tell of Miss Bethia's good fortune.
"I am very glad it did not happen this time last year," said Philip. "Why?" said Violet. "I will tell you another time," said Philip. "After all, mamma, money is a very good thing to have," said Ned, after there had been more discussion of Miss Bethia's will, and all that was to be done in consequence of it. "A very good thing, in certain circumstances."
Do you, mamma?" said Ned, as he saw a smile exchanged between them. "She meant it for mamma, of course," said David. "Davie," said his mother, "read Miss Bethia's letter to Philip and the children." David looked at his mother, and round on the rest, then back again to his mother, a little surprise and hesitation showing in his face. "Do you think so, mamma?" said he, colouring.
"I suppose it'll be Mr Bethune's business to look up Bethia's relations within the year. Folks generally do leave their property to their relations, even if they don't know much about them. But I rather expected she'd do something for the cause among us," said Deacon Spry, in a slightly aggrieved tone. "I thought she'd at least new paint the meeting house," said Sam Jones.
It was not Miss Bethia's will, as every one hoped it might be, but it was a paper written by her hand, signifying that her will, which was in Mr Bethune's keeping, was to be opened just a year from the day of her death. In the meantime Deborah Stone was to live in her house and take care of it and what property there was about it.
I expect the children want their supper by this time," said Miss Bethia. "Yes, I dare say it would be better." Violet was very good-tempered, and did not feel inclined to resent Miss Bethia's tone of command. And besides, she knew it would do no good to resent it, so she went away to put aside her books, and her out-of-door's dress, and Miss Bethia turned her attention to the boys again.
There were none of her blood to follow her thither. The place of mourners was given to Mrs Inglis and David, and then followed Debby and her sister. A great many people followed them; all the towns-folk joined in doing honour to Miss Bethia's memory, and a few old friends dropped over her a tear of affection and regret.
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