They had not discouraged that belief.

It was no one's business but theirs and their respect and affection for Marcellus Hall had prevented the disclosure of the latter's poverty.

That secret not even Mary-'Gusta knew; she, too, believed that the money which paid for her clothes and board and all the rest was her own.

Her uncles had helped her to think so.
So when their visitor asked the pointed question Zoeth looked at Shadrach and the latter shook his head.
"Yup," he answered, brusquely, "it's true enough, I cal'late.

Marcellus left her all he had.