In view of his death, Elder had wound up his business some months before, paid off what he owed, and collected in nearly all outstanding accounts; so that little work remained for his executor, except to dispose of the unprofitable tract of land and invest the proceeds.
On the day following the opening of our story, Jasper, who still felt annoyed at the prospect of more trouble than profit in the matter of his executorship, made a formal call upon the widow of his old friend.
The servant, to whom he gave his name, stated that Mrs.Elder was so ill as not to be able to leave her room.
"I will call again, then, in a few days," said he.

"Be sure you give her my name correctly.

Mr.Jasper--Leonard Jasper." The face of the servant wore a troubled aspect.
"She is very sick, sir," said she, in a worried, hesitating manner.
"Won't you take a seat, for a moment, until I go up and tell her that you are here?
Maybe she would like to see you.

I think I heard her mention your name a little while ago." Jasper sat down, and the domestic left the room.

She was gone but a short time, when she returned and said that Mrs.Elder wished to see him.