The group were talking about

inheritances from family members.

They discussed taxes, disputes with siblings, how the money had helped them start a new business, and so on. I noticed Peter wasn’t contributing. Then he said: “Do you know what I inherited from my grandparents?”

Someone asked: “What?” And he said: “The two little brass bells she used to polish every week and kept on her mantelpiece. As kids, my brothers and sisters and I used to love getting to play with those bells. Now, my grandchildren and their cousins do the same at our house.”

The group fell silent for a moment, then changed the subject. They weren’t going to top that. They used to say that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings. I rather think that, now, every time a great-great-grandchild rings one of these bells, an angel smiles!