"Exactly. I see you know how to make a clear statement. The house in Philadelphia to which you allude was hers only for life. But she has about three thousand dollars invested in good securities, and this property will be yours when you are twenty-one. Try to control your feelings, my dear Miss Stanfield," as Calista's eyes filled. "It is of importance that you should understand these matters. There is also the further sum of seven hundred and twenty dollars and seventy cents," continued Mr. Fabian, taking out his memorandum-book and opening his glasses; "this also belongs to you, with the exception of a legacy of fifty dollars to Mr. Alger, and twenty dollars each to Chloe and David. Her books, pictures, papers, and a few ornaments, are yours; her clothes of every description she leaves to Miss Stanfield." "I am glad she remembered Mr. Alger," said Calista; "he has been so kind, and so have the servants. I should like to give a little present to Cassius and Sally, Mr. Fabian. They have always been so good to me, and I don't know what we should have done without them since aunt has been sick." "It shall be attended to," said Mr. Fabian. "I am glad you spoke of it. But now, Calista, we must decide what is to become of you. Where would you like to live? At Miss McPherson's, supposing she has room for you?" "I should like that best of anything, I think, though Mr. Settson has sometimes spoken of my staying with his daughters. Still, on some accounts I should like the school best." "Perhaps we may let the matter rest till Mr. Settson returns before coming to any final decision. But what will you do in the mean time?" "I must stay here, at least till aunt is better," said Calista. "I cannot go away and leave her sick in bed." "Cannot Chloe attend to her?" "Hardly, so long as she has all the work of the house to do beside. I do not think, however, that I could go on living with Aunt Priscilla alone when she is about again. I must confess I am afraid of her in her bad moods. And there is another reason why I should not like to stay here alone with her, though I hardly know whether I ought to mention it," said Calista, hesitating. "I think you had better tell me all," said Mr. Fabian. "It shall go no farther, I promise you. What is the reason?" "It is that Aunt Priscilla is so under the influence of that woman Jael, the old treasure-seeker's wife," said Calista, lowering her voice. "I don't know whether you know anything of her." "Yes, indeed! But, Calista, is that possible? Why do you think so?" Calista briefly gave her reasons: "Miss Druett was very much disturbed when she heard these people had appeared again, and said that Aunt Priscilla had had dealings with them before." "Do you think your aunt can be in her right mind?" "I don't know. She is very sharp and acute about her business, and looks after everything about the farm. She flies into fearful rages sometimes, but other people do that."