The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1878-05-16

ling III utI pOCkcG SIG puhCu ouV Aoii
of bank notes; thrusting these into my
hands, she told me that 1T was her mas
ter's wish that should take them for
nv trouble. / unrolled them, and
found two for ten, and one for five
pounds. Twenty-Five pounds! -
A long legal experience has taught me
that in all dealings with doubtful peo-
pie ones safety lies in having a good
witness. r 1 waited till the doctor came
downstairs, occupying myself by enter
ing the numbers of the notes in my
pocket-book.
"Look, DOCTOR cried as he aapi
peared, showing him the. notes. "Mr.
Bramleigh is liberal paymaster." J"
Turning to Mrs. Churton, I said: This
will amply repay me"
Retaining the note for five pounds, l
returned her the other two. She took
them from me without saying word,
but a black look came over her face. 1
think she began to suspect me. I got
home very late that night. The capon
was more than done, and SO was the
oyster sauce! Ill
Mr.. Bramleigh died the next morning
at ten o'clock. Soon after had left he
became unconscious, in which state he
remained till shortly before his death,
when there was a rally. Opening his
eyes with an eager look, as if he missed
something, he threw one arm outside
the coverlet, and crying, "Magdalen,
Magdalenr" he obeyed the summons
which bade him thole his assize-yea, in
that dread court where "Not proven "
is unknown Guilty or not guilty ?
Who shall say?
The funeral took place on the next
Saturday, but an engagement prevented
me from following. Mrs. Churton had
written, 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, where / found DIR.
Ramsey, Mr.. Robson Ia brother prac-
titioner), and handsome young fellow,
who was introduced to me as Lieutenant
Maitland, the late Mr.. Bramleigh's SON.
in-law. ']
The door opened, and young lady en-
tered. 1t did not require any introduc-
tion to tell me that she was the original
of the portrait, still with its front turned
towards the wall Her face was very
beautiful, Notwithstanding its extreme
paleness and the tear-swollen eyelids.
She seated herself by the fire, her hus-
band standing behind her, leaning his
arms 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 Grape cap, thus offering marked
contrast to Mrs. Maitland, who was
wearing gray dress rather travel
soiled. Apparently she had had ne time
to prepare her mourning.
DIR. Ramsey politely pulled forward a
chair for the housekeeper. Taking it
from him with cold ffThank you" !"
she placed it at the end of the table, di-
rect1y facing me. Very stern and for
bidding she looked in her black gar
ments-her features immovable, her
hands resting on her knees.
81 was about to unseal the envelope
containing the will, when Lieutenant
Maitland interrupted me-, -,
Gone moment, if you please" he said,
placing his hand on my arm. +" Before
this will is read, wish to say a few
words. Mrs. Churton tells me that Mr..
Bramleigh has left her everything un-
conditionally. l simply wish to express
my firm belief that Mr.. Bramleigh
could only have been induced to make
such a will by unfair and foul means.
Although I have been the cause of an
estrangementb between father and daugh.
tel, cannot think that he could SO fal
forget his love for her as to strip her oi
everything. 1t is my Intention for her
sake, to contest this will and it is with
this view that have requested my old
friend, Mr.. Robson, to be present to-day
as my legal adviser" = is e -
His frank, manly face was flushed
with honest excitement as, leaning ovel
the back of his wife's chair, he took hel
face between his hands and kissed; it
"For your sake-not mine, dearest,
heard him whisper.
read the will slowly and distinctly
1t was very short Save the annuity ot
ESQ to Hannah Churton for life, every
thing was left to DR.. Ramsey and my
self in trust for Magdalen Maitland, t.
be settled on her as we in our discretion
should think fit. ...s-
Astonishment is a mild word to ex
press the feelings of those present, nol
will I attempt to do SO. Ny tale lie
with Hannah Churton. Starting to he
feet, she pushed the chair from her, ant
stretching out one arm, gave sutteranct
to fierce torrent of invectiye. TIL,
veil was lifted, and the native coarsenes
of the woman's nature stood revealed
1t was as l had feared. Unmindful o
the bounty of but too generous mas
ter, she heaped obloquy onthis memory
and fearlessly asserted that she hac
wasted the best years of her life in hi
servicel
Magdalen- Maitland covered her ear
with her hands, to shut out the har,
words. Her husband led her toward
the door; but Hannah Churton inter
cepted them. Tearing her cap from he
head, she threw it on the ground befor
| the frightened girl.
"Trample on itr' she cried, in
frenzied voice. "Your fathers victir
has no right to wear itp l must admi
that she looked grandly tragic as sh
declaimed these fierce words. fel
half sorry for the poor defeated creature
Nine years have passed since ther
and Mrs. Maitland declares that ther
Fare "silver threads among the gold.
The cares of young family have som,
what marred her good locks, but the
will live again in my little god-daughte
Magdalen, who promises to rival he
mother in beauty.
Foreigners in Paris.