With the exception of Abigail Rowen, who was confined to her bed, all had promised to be present. Grace and Allie Horner, although not relatives, had also been invited to attend the meeting.
“It’s too bad Abigail Rowan can’t come,” said Nancy. “But we’ll get the news to her fast enough.”
“It will probably be a great surprise all around,” said her father, with a little smile. “Nancy, you have done a remarkable piece of work.”
“Oh, I can hardly wait to have it all cleared up,” cried the happy girl.
“We may have some hard minutes with the Tophams, Nancy.”
“Yes, I suppose so. I suppose anybody would be sorry to see a fortune slipping away.”
“Well, we’ll see what happens,” returned the lawyer.
“The Horner girls are coming up the walk now,” Nancy announced, glancing out of the window. “I’m dying to tell them the news, but I’ll wait.”
She greeted Allie and Grace cordially and escorted them to comfortable chairs in the living room.
“Is it true the will has been found?” Allie whispered.
“You and Grace have no cause to worry,” Nancy assured her, with a mysterious smile.
No sooner had she seated the Horner sisters than the doorbell rang again. This time she admitted Edna and Matilda Turner, who were dressed in their best black silk gowns. A few minutes later, the Mathews brothers, William and Fred, arrived.