The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-07-12

Clayton, being present, suggested word
in explanation,
"Mr. Greyson must have destroyed the
will when he married Miss Wyndham.
He probably intended to draw up another
Mr.. Green gave dissatisfied grunt.
"Some very singular circumstances have
transpired in this house that ought to be
inquired into, and that will be" he said.
Mr.. Clayton nodded approval.
"Your duty in the matter is very clear
sir. May ask what were the terms of the
missing will ?"
"The property of the deceased was to
be equally divided between Mr.. Meredith
and Miss Erricson.
For several minutes there was silence in
the room, which was suddenly broken by
Dote saying sharply, "Phil don't believe
Father Greyson ever married that woman.
have been thinking it all over. That was
not the revelation he had to make. ] read
the first line of his letter, and IL said the
secret was one he had kept for many years.
This matter is of recent occurrence"
The lawyer looked up, keen and quick.
Mr. Clayton changed color, and seemed
startled.
1.-THE matter ought to be thoroughly
investigated" the latter remarked, trying
to appear unconcerned. "Many woman
would perjure her soul for half million
You must test the validity of the marriage
certificate"
Humph yes" grunted Mr.. Green.
"That shall be my work." cried Phil
81 cannot sit by and see Dote's inheritance
as well as my own snatched from us by
comparative stranger"
cam l to understand that if the certih-
cate is genuine, neither Mr.. Meredith nor
Miss Erricson can claim any part of the
property left by their adopted fatherp" put
in Mr.. Clayton.
"Such is the fact. Unfortunately, the
adoption was never made legal, and in the
absence of will, the property falls to the
widow, if widow there be.
Phil felt the full force of this remark
The certificate was given by the clergyman
of village some ten miles away. He Or
dered horse to be saddled and rode direct
ly thither Dote awaited his return with
feverish impatience. Several hours drag
ged by. When he first made his appeara
ance far down the avenue, she saw him, and
ran out to meet him.
so, Phil" she cried, "what have you.
learned?"
GAN is lost dear Dote,n he said, un-
steadily. "The clergyman remembered
the parties perfectly. They came to his
house late one evening, and seemed ina
great hurry. He could not identify the man
though he describes him as being old and
decrepid, and evidently suffering from III
health, for he was closely muffled He gave
an accurate description of the lady, howev-
er, one that tallies exactly with Miss Wynd-
hams appearance"
Neither could recall the prolonged alb
sence of the parties in question during the
day when the certificate was dated. But
they made frequent excursions together
and such an absence might have passed un-
noticed.
Honoria met them, as they walked slow
ly up the path. Her eyes were red and
swollen, and her hands trembled as she ex-
tended one to EACH
"Forgive me for having deceived you
: SO" she plead, in tremulous voice. "It
was not my wish, but his And do not think
want all this money, and am migrate
full enough to turn two such friends away
r penniless. 1 shall Immediately take steps
; for having fifty thousand dollars settled or
{ each of YOU"
l Both Dote and Phil felt this was only OF
3 fered as bribe to prevent any further al
4 tempt to investigate the matter of the mar
: riage, and made them consequently th,
Q more certain that the terrible myster,
would yet be made plain if proper Step
;. were taken. AS there was no deceit ,in eithp