sister-in-law arrived. A sudden attack of fainting had resulted in
death. This abrupt termination of her illness was not quite unexpected
by herself or her friends, as it was known she had disease of the heart,
and the doctors had given warning that such might be her end. However,
she herself had not liked to look this probability in the face, and had
preferred to dwell on the faint hope held out to her that she might
linger on as an invalid for many a year.




CHAPTER IX.

WHAT TO DO WITH HER?


After Mrs. Rushton had been laid to rest in her grave her worldly
affairs had to be looked into. She had died possessed of a great deal of
property, and her relations were well aware that she had never made a
will. Her brother had lately urged her to make a will, but she had
always put off the unpleasant task. Now there was nothing to be done but
to divide the property among the relatives to whom it reverted by law.

After the funeral her late husband's relations and Mr. Enderby met at
Amber Hill and discussed these matters of business.

In the meantime Hetty had been left at Amber Hill in the care of the
housekeeper, for Mr. Enderby would not allow his wife to carry her off
to Wavertree.