Mr. Manning himself notified Frank of the gathering and its object.

He found our hero lying on the bed in his chamber, sad and depressed.

"I don't like to intrude upon your grief, my dear boy," said his
stepfather, softly, "but it is necessary. The last will of your dear
mother and my beloved wife is about to be read, and your presence is
necessary."

"Couldn't it be put off?" asked Frank, sadly. "It seems too soon to
think of such things."

"Pardon me, my dear Frank, but it is quite needful that there should be
an immediate knowledge of the contents of the will, in order that the
right person may look after the business interests of the estate. I
assure you that it is the invariable custom to read the will immediately
after the funeral."

"If that is the custom, and it is necessary, I have nothing to say. When
is the will to be read?"

"At three o'clock, and it is now two."

"Very well, sir; I will come down in time."

"Of course there can't be much doubt as to the contents of the will,"
pursued Mr. Manning. "You are doubtless the heir, and as you are a
minor, I am probably your guardian. Should such be the case, I hope
that the relations between us may be altogether friendly."