n't be talking about the last judgment, and such awful
things--I declare to man, you put me all of a trimble," said Miss Nancy,
by way of accounting for her palpitations, as she unbarred the door, and
admitted her learned nephew. Dr. Solomon Weismann seemed dreadfully
downhearted as he entered. He slowly stamped the snow from his boots,
shook it off his clothes, took off his hat and his overcoat, and hung
them up, and spoke--never a word! Then he drew his chair right up in
front of the fire, placed a foot on each andiron, stooped over, spread
his palms over the kindly blaze, and still spoke--never a word!

"Well! I'd like to know what's the matter with you to-night," said Miss
Nancy, as she went about the room looking for her knitting.

But the doctor stared silently at the fire.

"It's the latest improvement in politeness--I shouldn't wonder--not to
answer your elders when they speak to you."

"Were you saying anything to me, Aunt Nancy?"

"'Was I saying anything to you, Aunt Nancy?' Yes I was! I was asking you
what's the matter?"

"Oh! I never was so dreadfully low-spirited in my life, Aunt Nancy."

"And what should a young man like you have to make him feel
low-spirited, I should like to know? Moping about Marian, I shouldn't
wonder. The girl is a good girl enough, if she'd only mind her own
business, and not let people spoil her. And if you do like her, and must
have her, why I shan't make no further objections."

Here the young doctor turned shortly around and stared at his aunt in
astonishment!

"Hem!" said Miss Nancy, looking confused, "well, yes, I did oppose it
once, certainly, but that was because you were both poor."

"And we are both poor still, for aught that I can see, and likely to
continue so."

"Hish-ish! no you're not! leastways, she's not. I've got something very
strange to tell you," said Miss Nancy, mysteriously drawing her chair up
close to her nephew, and putting her lips to his ear, and
whispering--"Hish-ish!"

"'Hish-ish!' What are you 'hish-ish'ing for, Aunt Nancy, I'm not saying
anything, and your breath spins into a fellow's ear enough to give him
an ear-ache!" said Dr. Solomon, jerking his head away.

"Now then listen--Marian Mayfield has got a fortune left to her."

Miss Nancy paused to see the effect of this startling piece of news upon
her companion.

But the doctor was not sulky, and upon his guard; so after an
involuntary slight start, he remained perfectly still. Miss