The Placer herald., 1868-04-18

tending tor my private affairs, again re-
paired to Colebrook mansion.
7 " was customary at the time Of which |
write for two persons to perform the service
for whicl, was engaged, though watching
was then going rapidly out of fashion, but
as my business was with the dead, | was per-
fecty at home, in the chamber of death,
and was even better satisfied to be alone than
with company. l had brought an interest
ing book from home, and Mrs. Colebrook
had provided very nice lunch for me in
the dining room below, so that | looked for
ward to very comfortable night. Throw
ing myself into a large rocking chair, which
had been placed there for my use. | was
soon engaged in the entertaing pages of my
book. AS often as the clock struck | arose
and examined the corpse, moistening the
face with alcohol, and wipening away the
purgipg at the mouth.
At eleven o'clock some one entered the
house and came up stairs. They we're the
fee, of a man, and heard him enter par
or adjoining the room of death. Though
It seemed rather singular circumstance
that a man should enter the house at that
time of night, thought nothing more of it
ill heard voices engaged in earnest con-
versation. In few minutes they grew
louder and more distinct, and | recognized
the voice of DIR. Rowne. Perhaps Mrs. Cole
brook was sick and needed his assistance
But he spoke not in the tones of his profess
sion. The other person spoke in a whisper;
but the doctor in his natural voios, and SEEM
ed to be under no restraint.
The house was still as the tomb, and
though made no effort to hear what was
said, the expression "wil ,'"three witnesses"
"thirty days." and others OF a similar char
acter came distinctly to my ear. They
aroused my curiosity. Who was this DR..
Rowne? Why was he here at this unsea-
sonable hour?
Well, it was mono of my business, and n
half dozen times determined not to con
cern myself about it. But it was in vain
that tried to fasten my mind upon the
book again it had lost the power to inter
est me. | glanced at the door which opened
into the room where the speakers were. 1t
was the month Of May and the weather was
quite chilly. had neglected to bring any
extra clothing with me, ard began to feel
uncomfortably cold. rose and paced the
room several minutes.
Both Wills" come to my hearing in the
unguarded tones of Dr. Rowne.
paused and looked at the door. Ap.
parently the other person, who l doubted
not was Mrs. Colebrook, was speaking, but
| heard nothing, threw myself into the
chair and began to shiver with the cold
, again. On the table lay clean Marseles
quilt, which had been left there by servant,
| hn nhrop of hat FAR I
folded it and threw it over my shoulders, it
completely enveIoped my body, and | felt
quite comfortable again.
Destroy the new will" said DR.. Rowne
dropped my book, for it looked like foul
play. 1t occurred to me that Mr.. Cole
brooks poor relations would have to suffer
for this midnight conference. knew that
be had an only sister, an invalid, who was
dependent on his bounty for subsistence, and
my blood boiled with indignation as l thought
of what might be the result of this midnight
interview
l arose from my chair and went TO the
door. That the end will justify the means
do not think is sound logic, but where a poor
suffering, dependant woman was in danger
of being cast upon the tender mercies of a
cold hearted world, | was content to be
blamed for the meanness Of eavesdropping,
if thereby | could prevent so foul a wrong.
Before did it could not but recall the
reputed character of Mrs. Colebrook. With.
out believing much Of the gossip that had
been circulated concerning her, could east
ly arrive at the conclusion that she had been
the bane of her husbands happiness.
/ had been personally acquainted with
him who now lay cold in death before me,
so that am obliged to guess at the facts in
the case. My own observation, though |
moved in an humber sphere than she, was
sufficient to assure me that all was not right.
placed my ear to the keyhoIe.
When we arc married."
Hush ! " said Mrs. Colebrook.
They spoke in whispers then and could
distinguish nothing more Need | have
heard more9
"Woman, angel or devil9 Was it she
who wept great tears in my presence, who
me, now calmly plotting with the paramonr,
bargaining away the affections which should
have fingered like weeping angel over the
couch of him who was not buried out Of
sight Was it she who bad groaned in bitter
ness at her bereavement, now schemIng 10 rob
her sister and orphan of her bounty? Oh, wo'
man, false as fair Yet she is not woman,
she is demon!"
The clock struck twelve, and l burned
from my reflections to attend to the corpse.
The alcohol which had been prepared to
wet the face was all used, and | needed
further supply. Taking the dish in my
hand, | went to the door with the intention
of calling Mrs Colebrook for it.
First rapping on the door not to surprise
them, opened it aud stepped into the room.
IL need little more alcohol, Mrs. Cole
brook" began.
She arose from her chair, and with one
long and most uneartbIy shrek, fell upon the
| floor.
DR.. Rowne's knees smote each other, and
be shrank back to the farlhest corner OF