Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-01-14
sI,ook in the lower compartment"

"Here are two papers exactly alike, salo
Estelle, after fumbling for minute at the
desk. (which is the one?"
1.-TWO papers! Let me see-bring them
here Oh yes, this one ought to be des'
troyed-I made it before-theres little mis-
take in it-I-I-"
Again he broke down, though struggling
hard to proceed. Estelle lifted his head,
famed him, and poured cordial between his
lips. He seemed easier, but too weak to say
any more at present, and signed for her to lay
him back upon his pillow. After remaining
quiet for minute or two, he said, in "h's'
per-
"I can't. You get my big seal-do it for
me-"
(which one?"
"The last-date outside. Burn the other"
eyes, Uncle. I will do all you wish. Try
and be quiet now for a while"
He closed his eyes wearily, and in a short
time appeared to be inc deep sleep.
Estelle took the two important documents
thus con6ded to her care, and carried them
to the light. The date of each was marked
outside; one was August 10th; the other Oc'
tober 1 9th, both of the present year. why
had be made two, she wondered? What
change could he have effected in his arrange
ments since the first was written, in lapse OF
less than two months?
Both were open, only tied round loosely
with bit of lawyers tape.
A strong temptation assailed her. Should
she glance at the contents, before obeylng
uncle Dicks behest in regard to othem?
Where would be the harm? 1t would be
merely gratifying her curiosity. 1t would be
even best that she should ascertain, at once,
the amount of the sum bequeathed to her, be-
cause then she would no longer feel the lmpa'
tience which she could not control, for the ar
rival of the time when the will should be
opened; an impatience which she felt was un'
seemly, and prevented her giving due atten'
tion to her present duties.
She was in the act of untying the tape which
fastened the paper of the latest date, when
footstep down stairs made her start.
"The doctor!" she exclaimed; and quick
as thought she slipped both documents in her
pocket, closed the desk and removed the key,
and was seated again at the bedside when the
chamber door, after slight knock, gently
opened.
She rose to meet the doctor as he entered.
He greeted her kindly, holding her hand for
minute in his.
"You look pale from over.fatigue, Miss Es'
telle. This constant nursing is telling on you.
Why don't you have some assistance?"
81 do, thank you" she rejoined, trying to
smile. zone of the servants will take my
place in little while but my uncle likes to
have me alone with him sometimes"
"How is he this EVENING"" asked the doctor,
approaching his patient.
Every weak, I fear. He is asleep, now"
DIR. Hartwell laid his hand on the patients
brow, then felt his heart and pulse. AS he
did so, change came over his face.
"He is sinking fast" he said in whisper,
turning to Estelle.
"Oh DOCTOR"
"He is, my dear it is right that I should
tell you. But this is no place for you now"
"Oh! yes, yes! I would not leave him..
"He will never know you again. He will
probably never wake up, but pass off uncon-
sciously in this state, which is more of a stupor
than sleep"
Estelle stood silent, with clasped hands.
The doctor, kind, fatherly man, sympathlzed
with the emotion which he saw written in her
face. He took her hand again.
"Come into the next room," he said, gently.
"I would like you to take little rest. l my
self will remain here for while; it may be
that the end is very near. At all events, if ne
becomes conscious, I will call you
She submitted passively. The doctor led
her into the adjoining chamber, bidding her
lie down on the sofa and compose herself, then
returned to the sick room, closing the door Of
communication after him.
Estelle sat down on the sofa for an instant,
rejecting; then she jumped up quickly and
left the room by another door, which opened
on passage leading to her own bedroom.
With swift steps she gained the latter, lit a
candle, and having locked the door, drew
from her pocket the TWO WILLS.
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.