The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-05-30

dSSlStaul. lie explained 10 0er that al
though there was no chance of saving his
patients life, yet his last moments might
be aleviated by skilled attendance; and
therefore, as he himself could not stay
ali night, he had brought his assistant
for that purpose.
In ones experience Of mankind we
find that it is possible to be sometimes
too clever. Mrs. Hannah Churton was
very clever, but she committed two great
mistakes. The first was in consulting a
lawyer. The will drawn by her-for so
it really lad been-might have been up
set on the ground of undue influence. l
say, "mighf have been," for there is moth
ing so hard to prove as undue influence
The great point against her was the GUST
ing OF child in favor of a stranger.
Mistake number two was as follows
The doctor had gone up stairs to install
his assistant leaving me standing in the
hall with the housekeeper. Fumbling
In her pocket she pulled out roll OF
bank notes; thrusting these into my hands.
she told me that it was her masters wish.
l unrollcd them, and found two for ten
and one for five pounds. Twenty-Five
pounds
a long legal experience has tau ght me
that in ali dealings with doubtful people
ones safety lies in having good witness.
/ waited till the doctor came down stairs,
occupying myself by entering the numb
ers OF the notes in nv pocket book.
"Look, doctor cried as he appeared,
<l,D >1o.<
is liberal paymaster. Turning to Mrs.
Churtoa, said: This will amply re-
pay me-"
Retaining the note for five pounds, I
returned her the other two. She took
them from me without saying word,
but black look came over her face. 1
think she began to suspect me. | got
home very late that nj ght. The capon
was more than done, and 80 was the oys-
ter sauce!
Mr.. Bramleigh died the next morning
at ten o'clock Soon after l lett he be-
came unconscious, in which state he re-
manned till shortly before his death,
when there was rally. Opening his
eyes with an eager look. as if he missed
something, he threw one arm outside
the coverlet, and crying, Magaalen,
Magdalen'' he obeyed the summons
which babe him thole his assize-yea. in
that dread court where mot proven Is
unknown. Guilty or not guilty. who
shall say?
The funeral took place on the Satur-
day, but an engagement prevented me
from following Mrs. Churton had writ
ten, requesting that would attend with
the will, which still remained in my
possession with the one drawn by her.
I arrived at the house little after one
o'clock and was at once taken into the
dining room, wnere found DR.. Ramsey
Mr. Robson "a brother practitioner), and
a handsome young fellow. who was intro
duced to me as Lieutenant Maitland, the
late Mr.. Bramleigh's son-in-law.
The door opened, and young lady
entered. 1t did not require any intro
duction to tell me that she was the origi.
nal of the portrait, still with its from
turned towards the wall. Her face wa:
very beautiful Notwithstanding its OK
IRENE paleness aud the tear swollen eye.
lids She seated herself by the fire. hel
husband standing behind her, leaning
his arm on the back of the chair.
Mrs. Churton had closely followed
Magdalen Maitland into the room. She
was dressed in deep mourning and wore
a black cap, thus offering marked con
a gray dress rather travel-soiled. Appa
rently she had no time to prepare he
mourning.
DR.. Ramsey politely pulled forward l
chair for the housekeeper. Taking i
from him with cold Thank YOU sh'
placed 1t at the end of the table, direct,
facing me. Very stern and torbiddinl
she looked in her black garments-he
features immovable, her hands resting OF
her knees.
was about to unseal the envelop
containing the will, when Lieutenan
Maitland interrupted me.
"ORe moment, if you please" he said
placing his hand on my arm. "Befor
this will is read. l wish to say q fey
words Mrs Churton tells me tho MI
Bramleigh has left her everything uncon
ditionaly. l simply wish to express m
firm belief that Mr. Bramleigh coulu onl
have been induced to make such will b
unfair and foul means. Although / hav
been the cause of an arrangement be
tween father and daughter, cannot thin
that he could so far forget his love fc
her as to strip her of everything. 1t
my intention, for her sake, to contest thi
will and it is with this view that / hav
requested my old friend, Mr.. Robson,
be present to-day as nv legal adviser.
His frank, manly face was flushed wit
honest excitement as, leaning over tn
back of his wife's chair, he took her fac
between his hands and kissed it. 'Fc
your sake-not mine, dearest, / hear
him whisper.
. l read the will slowly aud distinct,
; 1t was very short. Save the annuity {
] $50 to Hannah Churton for life everythin
was left TO DR.. Ramsey and myself
! trust for Magdalen Maitland, to be settle
| on her as we in our discretion shoul
T think ft.
Z. Astonisment is a mild word to expires
: the feeling of those present, nor will l a
: tempt to do so. Ny tale lies with Hal
r nah Churton Starting to her feet. 81
e pushed the char from her, and stretchin
4 out one arm, gave utter1nce 20 . fer
torrent of invective. The veil was LITE
It and the native coarseness Of the woman
d nature revealed It WAS Is had feare
o Unmindful of the bounty Of but to gene