"
The postman was staggered by the sentence and overawed by the note, and
chose the "Cat and Frogs," and liquid half-crown.
Triplet took his wife down the road and showed her the letter and
inclosure. The letter ran thus:
"SIR--We beg respectfully to inform you that our late friend and client,
James Triplet, Merchant, of the Minories, died last August, without a
will, and that you are his heir.
"His property amounts to about twenty thousand pounds, besides some
reversions. Having possessed the confidence of your late uncle we should
feel honored and gratified if you should think us worthy to act
professionally for yourself.
"We inclose twenty pounds, and beg you will draw upon us as far as five
thousand pounds, should you have immediate occasion.
"We are, sir,
"Your humble servants,
"JAMES AND JOHN ALLMITT."
It was some time before these children of misfortune could realize this
enormous stroke of compensation; but at last it worked its way into their
spirits, and they began to sing, to triumph, and dance upon the king's
highway.
Mrs. Triplet was the first to pause, and take better views. "Oh, James!"
she cried, "we have suffered much! we have been poor, but honest, and the
Almighty has looked upon us at last!"
Then they began to reproach themselves.
"Oh, James! I have been a peevish woman--an ill wife to you, this many
years!"
"No, no!" cried Triplet, with tears in his eyes.
Pages:
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222