The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1882-03-03
Select Story.
A YOUNG LAWYERS HIT.

lherc was not arCdpcmlng feature about
it. If it had only raincd, there might
have been music in the drops if it had
showed we could have 'livcd over" the
beautiful poem; but it did neither and
now, late in the afternoon, the air was a
thick. damp vapor, aud the street ankle
deep with sIush and mud that an unpav-
ed western town supplies so beautiful
and readily.
Then again, the life of a young attor-
ncy is not always one of whirl and cx-
citcment and plrasurable results Not
living soul except bootback-iust as if
we should ever need bootbacks again
had entered the loor that day. In vain
had tiled to give my mind over to the
arbitrary statutes, and then in despair
sought the more inviting stimulants Of
Regina vs.. Reynolds: even the gossip of
great leading case failed to inspire me,
and wearily | turned from my books TO
my thoughts, and from my thoughts to
my gloom.
1t was just then, before had ascend
ed to the realms of suicidal purpose
for | walk that way slowly-that the
door knob hesitatingly,cautiously turned
and was hard at work again, pen in
hand, with one eye on the paper ard
the other on the door
| won't make a diagnosis of inst how
fast my heart was beating if peradven-
ture the door would open, and somebody
that was somebody should come in.
could endure the suspense no longer,and
looked squarely up. The door had
opened, and, though the evening shad-
ows were gathering thick and fast, l
could see that my visitor was in dress
and manners lldy--the most significant
word in the greatest cf languages. Her
veil concealed her face, ,but,od or young,
ugly or pretty her thoughts probably
were: ''llcre's Il youtg man-very
young, he hasn't much cXpcrience-don't
think he ever dill mach work before 1t
would help him, but it don't help me. |
had better look"
But interrupted my own forebodings
by sprnging to my feet with a ''Good
evening, madam Step in; I'm through
with the matter in haud--a little press.
ed now, with term time upon us, but
have an hour to spare-such dull day !
Sit down." and my first triumph was
won, for she was seated.
Then swept my books from me with
an air of relief, as if any problem she
might agitate would be child's play
compared to what had just passed
through.
had not yet so much as caught the
color of her eyes, and couldn't but won
der why..she kept herveil down SO closely
unless she was meditating sudden
flight to the Office of the bald-headed
wretch across the way who had few
gray hairs and more experience, You
know--but Il bad attack of rheumatism,
too, thank heaven which | devoutly
trusted was keeping him home on such
a day as this,
81 want you to write will, she sud
denly began, in half batting voice
"Ccrtainly, madame" | answered, no
bly, resolving TO strengthen the faith
within her, and pulled half quire of
legal cap toward me, and thought of the
solemn opening and the weighty form
alitics of its publication.
Its to be my husbands will" she
added. "lle dare not come out on such q
day as this. And she shivered so pret-
tily that was reconcile d with the weather
for the first time that day.
"lIadu't better come to your house,
venturcd TO suggest.
ooh, no. not now,' she answered,
with a little sigh at might excite him
too much, But he may be better to,
night, and will send the carriage for
You then. 1t will not make any differ
ence, will it, about the will being bind
ing" and something told me she was
peerng anXiousl y at me.
"Of course, madame, if he then fully |
ana voluntarily adopts it as his, it is just
the same as if | took it all down from |
his own lips
"Well, we want-he warts-to leave
all his real and personal property TO me,
with full powers of eXecutriX--and am |
to take charge of his only child and make |
| for her such allowances as | shall think |
wise"
What is your daughters name p
"She is not my daughter" she answer
ed, with the slightest token of gathering
animation in her voice
"Ah. yes; just so" said |, ncrvously
fumbling with the paper. "She's your
stepdaughter.'
"Yes, sir
What's her name.
"Mabel Cecil" she haltngy spoke.
"A dcuced pretty" name remarked to
myself, II wonder what she wants to
stumble so over pronouncing it? And
then tried to forget all about it, and
took up my pen and began: Ill"
All! pardon me, madame, but what's your
husbands name p
What fools men are when little cX-
cited, especially young lawyers, sitting up
with an early case.
"Robert +. Cecil"
II Robert f. Cecil, of the county of
llerkimer, and state of -, do make
and publish this my last will and test
ament:'
Il give, Lcqueath and devise To my
dearly beloved Wife"
"Ah! pardon, madame, but what's
your name2'
Lucy l.. Cecil"
ITO my dearly beloved wife, Lucy
l., Cecil, all my real and personal prop |
erty of whatsoever kind and nature, after
the payment of all my just debts and | |
hereby commit to her guardianship my |
only child Mabel Cecil, for whom there
shall be made such allowance and main |
tenance as my beloved wife may seem
| fit.
"And hereby appoint Lucy l.. Cecil
my sole eXecutrix of this my last will and
testament, hereby reyoking all former
wills by me made
"In witness whereof have hcreuuto
set my hand, this thild day of Novem-
Der, A. d., lS7-."
II suppose you understand" | under
took 10 explain, "that this will vests all
| NOur husbands DronprV i'm won and tn