“It’s a real pleasure to serve you, Miss Drew,” the saleswoman assured her when they were alone. “But how I dread to see the Topham sisters come into the store! They are so unreasonable.”
“Ada and Isabel aren’t very popular,” Nancy agreed. “They seem to think their word is law.”
The saleswoman sighed.
“And I’m afraid it will be if they get all of Josiah Crowley’s money.” She lowered her voice. “The estate hasn’t been settled, but they’re counting on the fortune already. I heard Miss Ada say to her sister: ‘Oh, I guess we’ll get all of old Crowley’s fortune as soon as the lawyers stop squabbling.’ But it’s my opinion the Tophams are mightily worried for fear somebody will show up with a later will which may do them out of most of it.”
Nancy was far too wise to engage in gossip with the saleswoman, for she could not tell how far anything she might say would be carried. But she was interested in the information. The fact that the Tophams were worried indicated to her that they were of the opinion that Josiah Crowley had made a second will. Evidently, they were somewhat disturbed by the claims of the other relatives.
Ordering the frock which she had purchased sent to her home, Nancy glanced at her watch and saw that it was after twelve o’clock.
“I must hurry or I’ll be late in meeting father,” she thought, and left the store.
She drove directly to her father’s office, and although a few minutes ahead of the appointed time, found that he was ready to leave.
“What luck, father?” Nancy demanded eagerly, when they were alone in the inner office. “Did Mr. Rolsted promise to take luncheon with you?”