The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-02-16

The whole story was afterward written
by Dora for "Aunt Barbara" and may
be repeated here in her words from the
point at which Mrs. Mortimer seemed
unable to proceed. ...
On Mr.. Kelly's arrival at Rosemere he
was ushered at once into the patients
room. Mr.. Wyndham had been seized
with paralysis, and was fearfully altered,
thoug n perfectly sensible, and look of
indescribable relief passed over his coun-
tenance at the sight Of the lawyer. Mrs.
Wyndham, on the contrary, could hardly
conceal her annoyance, and received him
with the utmost coldness. But her hus-
band at once requested her to leave the
room, and as the doctor was about to fol-
low, asked him to remain, as he felt un-
equal himself to explain his wishes.
Upon this, the good doctor, delicately
avoiding names, stated that in conse-
quence of very painful information
which had reached Mr.. Wyndham, he
had unfortunately been induced to dis
inherit his daughter, but having since
had reason to doubt its accuracy, he
wished the necessary steps to be imme-
diately taken to secure to her the pro-
vision originally intended for her. Mr..
Kelly then heard that u will had been
prepared by friend of Mr.. Wyndham,
and suggested codicil to be added, as
the readiest way of carrying out the dy-
ing fathers wishes.
A restorative having been administered
by the doctor, the sufferer in broken ac-
cents made known his intentions. First,
he left his daughter his entire forgive
ness, as he hoped for forgiveness from
her and from his Maker; and on the pro-
duction of "legal proof" of her marriage
within three months of his decease, she
was to be entitled to twenty thousand
pounds. Mr.. Kelly would have made
an objection to the words illegal proof"
but significant glance from the doctor
warned him to hasten the completion of
his task.
Even then they thought all was lost,
as Mr.. Wyndham was sinking fast, and
made many Intellectual attempts TO at
tach his signature to this important doc
ument. When at length he had accom-
plished it, his trembling fingers pointed
to the words to which Mr.. Kelly had OBJ
iected.
"Not for my own satisfaction" he
gasped. Il am convinced; but-for-
others. The cruel slander-has spread
far-and wide. My poor Helen's fame
must be cleared-the world-God forgive
the person who deceived"
He could say no more.
When Mrs. Wyndham was recalled to
the room, she returned leading her little
sou. The dying man was much affected
at the sight Of this child of his fondest
hopes, but passed away without noticing
the presence of his wife.
When all was over, Mr.. Kelly asked
the doctor by what means the happy
change toward his daughter had been ef-
| fected,
"Your own letter was the cause" he
replied. II happened to be present when
it arrived. and being on my way to my
patients room, offered to convey it to
him. Mrs, Wyndham had no excuse to
offer for retaining it; and it was fortu-
nate had done so, as he much required
nay professional care for some hours after
reading it,"
A few hours later Mr.. Kelly returned
to town, and lost no time in acquainting
Mrs. Mortimer with her fathers death, =,
feeling very thankful that he had some
comfort to convey to her with the mel
ancholy intelligence.
The following week Mr.. Kelly again
went to Rosemere to attend his friends
funeral and read the will, his one hope
with regard to Helena's interest being
that Mrs. Wyndham would not insist
upon the production Of legal proof of a
marriage which she was well convinced
Ihad taken place. But this vindictive
woman, probably instigated by her own
solicitor, would not sanction the pay
ment Of Mrs. Mortimer's bequest until the
terms of the bequest were literally COM
piled with, .ar De
The suspense Of the next three months
was trying beyond description to the
young couple. Advertisements for the
recovery Of the lost certificate-a course
which Mr.. Kelly had hitherto avoided
were now inserted in the leading papers;
yet it was only when the stipulated time
had nearly expired that the last attract
ed notice. eaf sir3
1t may be imagined, from the great in
terest and anxiety felt by Mr.. Kelly for
+ his very interesting client, with what
( nlaasllra ha hrouoht her affairs tn a anc.