Chichester and Alaric
turned indignantly on him. Mr. Hawkes moved down to listen, and, if
necessary, advise.
There was pleasure showing on one face only--on Ethel's.
She alone wanted Peg to understand her position in that house.
Since the previous night the real womanly note awakened in Ethel.
Her heart went out to Peg.
CHAPTER XVII
PEG LEARNS OF HER UNCLE'S LEGACY
Peg looked up wonderingly from the chair.
"Me cab's at the door!" she said, warningly to Jerry.
"I am sorry to insist, but you must give me a few, moments," said
the Chief Executor.
"MUST?" cried Peg.
"It is urgent," replied Jerry quietly.
"Well, then--hurry;" and Peg sat on the edge of the chair, nervously
watching "Jerry."
"Have you ever wondered at the real reason you were brought here to
this house and the extraordinary interest taken in you by relations
who, until a month ago, had never even bothered about your
existence?"
"I have, indeed," Peg answered. "But whenever I've asked any one,
I've always been told it was me uncle's wish."
"And it was. Indeed, his keenest desire, just before his death, was
to atone in some way for his unkindness to your mother."
"Nothin' could do that," and Peg's lips tightened.
"That was why he sent for you.
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