I would see your face once again." Tom would far rather have lingered in the shadows of the background; but his mother had risen and motioned him to take her place.

He sat down rather awkwardly; and mother and daughter, without leaving the room, retired to the background, and sat together upon a distant settle, holding each other by the hand.
"Tom," said the dying man, "I have sent for you because there are things which I would rather you should hear from my lips than learn from others after my death." "Oh, you will not die yet, father; you will be better soon," said Tom uneasily, letting his glance wander restlessly round the room to avoid the searching gaze of those luminous eyes.
"Life and death are in God's hands, boy; and I think my summons has come.

Tom, have you been counting upon being master here when I am gone ?" "I don't know that I ever thought much about it," answered Tom, rather taken aback; "but I suppose I come after you." "Yes, Tom, you come after me; but not immediately.

I have so settled my affairs that your mother remains here and administers the estate until you are five and twenty--that will be three years hence.

By that time the burdens will be cleared away--and I fear you would never clear them off were you in power.