"I will, because it is by my fault that it fell," said Herbert,
stooping over and picking it up. "You needn't have ordered me to do
it."

"The next time take care how you run against a gentleman," said James,
arrogantly.

"Take care the next time to speak like a gentleman." said Herbert.
"Good night! I must be off."

"Insolent beggar!" muttered James. "He don't know his place. How dare
he speak to me in that way?"




CHAPTER II

WHAT THE LETTER CONTAINED


Half an hour later, Herbert reentered the cottage, breathless with
running.

"Well, mother, what is it?" he asked.

"Uncle Herbert is dead," she answered.

"When did he die?"