Louisa May Alcott

The Abbot's Ghost Louisa May Alcott

His companion shot a quick glance at him, and an expression of anxiety passed over his face as hereplied, with a well-feigned air of indifference, "You are altogether too sharp, Major. I must be onmy guard while you are in the house. Any new arrivals? I thought I heard a carriage drive up notlong ago.""It was General Snowdon and his charming wife. Maurice Treherne came while we were out, andI've not seen him yet, poor fellow!""Aye, you may well say that; his is a hard case, if what I heard is true. I'm not booked up in thematter, and I should be, lest I make some blunder here, so tell me how things stand, Major. We've agood half hour before dinner. Sir Jasper is never punctual.""Yes, you've a right to know, if you are going to try your fortune with Octavia."The major marched through the three drawing rooms to see that no inquisitive servant waseavesdropping, and, finding all deserted, he resumed his place, while young Annon lounged on acouch as he listened with intense interest to the major's story."You know it was supposed that old Sir Jasper, being a bachelor, would leave his fortune to histwo nephews. But he was an oddity, and as the title must go to young Jasper by right, the old mansaid Maurice should have the money. He was poor, young Jasper rich, and it seemed but just, thoughMadame Mère was very angry when she learned how the will was made."