IV. THE TWO FAMILIES.

V. THE FEAST.


[Illustration: "By this time they had reached the grave, which was
graced by a flowering plant."]




THE INHERITANCE




CHAPTER I

MR. ACTON AND HIS SON


Mr. Acton was a clever and highly respected merchant who owed much of
his success in life to the system and exactness with which he carried on
his business. Then, too, he was so reliable, so honest, and sold his
goods so cheaply, that everyone preferred to trade with him.

His home, which he could have furnished luxuriously, was the model of
simplicity.

The only surviving member of his family was his son George, who was now