CHAPTER XXIII.

PATSY ADOPTS AN UNCLE.

Uncle John and Mr. Watson did not appear at dinner, being closeted in the former's room. This meal, however, was no longer a state function, being served by the old servants as a mere matter of routine. Indeed, the arrangements of the household had been considerably changed by the death of its mistress, and without any real head to direct them the servants were patiently awaiting the advent of a new master or mistress. It did not seem clear to them yet whether Miss Patricia or Lawyer Watson was to take charge of Elmhurst: but there were few tears shed for Jane Merrick, and the new regime could not fail to be an improvement over the last.

At dinner the young folks chatted together in a friendly and eager manner concerning the events of the day. They knew of old James' unfortunate end, but being unaware of its import gave it but passing attention. The main subject of conversation was Aunt Jane's surprising act in annulling her last will and forcing Patricia to accept the inheritance when she did not want it. Kenneth, being at his ease when alone with the three cousins, protested that it would not be right for Patsy to give him all the estate. But, as she was so generous, he would accept enough of his Uncle Tom's money to educate him as an artist and provide for himself an humble home. Louise and Beth, having at last full knowledge of their cousin's desire to increase their bequests, were openly very grateful for her good will; although secretly they could not fail to resent Patsy's choice of the boy as the proper heir of his uncle's fortune. The balance of power seemed to be in Patricia's hands, however; so it would be folly at this juncture to offend her.

Based on the article and the following list of answers, write a list of questions.

1. the boy
2. Uncle John
3. Mr. Watson
4. John's room
5. XXIII
6. Patricia
7. yes
8. yes
9. Louise
10. Beth
11. no
12. yes
13. three
14. artistry
15. no
16. humble
17. Patricia's hands
18. no
19. yes
20. the events

Numbered questions:
1. Who is Patsy going to adopt?
2. What's the name of one of the people who missed supper?
3. What's the name of the other?
4. Where were they both holed up?
5. What chapter is this?
6. Who would it be folly to offend?
7. Did someone resent Patsy's choice of an heir?
8. More than one person?
9. Who was one of them?
10. And the other?
11. Did Kenneth want all of the fortune?
12. Was he open around his cousins?
13. How many did he have?
14. What did he want to use Uncle Tom's money to learn?
15. Did he want to live in a fancy mansion?
16. What type of home did he want?
17. Who's hands did all the power seem to be in?
18. Did anyone really care that Jane had died?
19. Did the young people have an amicable conversation while they ate?
20. What did they talk about from the day?