The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-04-20

Ellen. In short, gradually won her
regard, confessed my love, asked her to
be mine; and before year was out we
were fully engaged. Had ] had my
way, we should have been married at
once; but just at this time Mr.. Russel's
health began seriously to fall. He never
seemed quite himself again after the
shock Of his fall, and now appeared to
be falling very fast. But as his health
became feebler, his affection for Ellen
seemed to increase, and In minor
degree for me also. can hardly explain
the liking he had taken to me, except
that having no relation in the world but
Ellen-at least not to my knowledge
he centered all his affections upon her
and as loved her also, he loved me for
loving her. This may not be the correct
explanation, but at any rate 1t was the
only one that occurred to me.
One day shall never forget it-a
servant brought me a message that Mr..
Russell wished to see me In his bed room.
When / arrived there found him still
in bed, where had seen him in the
morning, for this was one of the days
occurring pretty frequently now-when
he found himself too unwell to get up.
Il am very sorry to see you like this,
uncle" said-for by this time we had
become very familiar, l calling him
uncle, and he addressing me as Alfred
II thought you looked better this morn
ing.'
"Ah, Alfred these east winds are
too much for me; they go through me,
as people say, and find myself best in
bed Well now,I have sent for you
because have something particular to
say to you, may not be long In this
world; / sometimes think / shall never
get about again. At any rate, 1 thought
1t advisable to make my will. Ofcourse,
in doing so 1, as you may well suppose,
needed no assistance. Having made
scores of wills for other people, 1t would
be strange If let any one else make
mine. Now, as have great faith in
your integrity and honesty, 1 am about
to adopt the unusual course OF showing
it to you. There it is, read 1t carefully
through"
Not a little surprised, took the paper
and read as follows:
"I, Charles Russell, of the Willows,
Cottam, declare this to be my last will
and testament. L bequeath to Elizabeth
Watkins, my housekeeper, the sum of
one hundred pounds. / bequeath to
Jannette Leclerc, the companion of my
niece, the sum of fifty pounds. 1 also
bequeath to Charles Russell, my nephew,
the sum of two hundred and fifty
pounds. And as to all the rest, residue
and remainder of my real and personal
estate, devise and bequeath the same
to my niece, Ellen Saunders, her heirs,
executors, administrators and assigns,
absolutely and forever. And L hereby
appoint my said niece sole executrix Of
this my will. In witness whereof L
have hereunto set my hand, this I'd day
of February, 1870.
CHARLES Russell"
Then followed the attestation clause
signed by two witnesses.
When / had finished remained silent
q few moments, and seeing an inquiring
tOOh On III luCCf DC hoNO iSe
you know this because, loving no one in
the world as do Ellen, have left it oil
to her. At the same time, think she
ought to have the advice and assistance
of some one who knows more of the
world than she does. This advice and
assistance have every confidence that
you will render, especially when con-
slider the relation you stand to each
other"
"But what of this nephew" asked.
have never heard of him BEFORE"
The old mans face grew dark as he
interrupted: "Do not mention him,
pray. 1 have forced myself to leave him
little, but never wish to see or hear
of him again" Then, after pause, he
continued: "There; put the will back
in its envelope and seal it up; you will
find my seal on the table," This done
he said g Now, place it in the desk
and then come here again. l have
another paper to show you"
The desk referred to was one haC
often noticed standing on table at tn,
other side of the room; it was not q
large one, only about eighteen inches
long, twelve inches wide, at the bach
nine inches high, with a lid sloping
down to about three inches in the front
1t was made of some dark wood, anC
was evidently very old. Having place.
Tire will therein, l said; Had L no
better lock it ?"
"Yes; 1t would perhaps be as well
But lately have not done SO, as