The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-10-17

ing epithets were leveled at the head of
the luckless Silas, who, pale and trem-
bling, realized that his triumph was
dearly bought, even at the price OF. e.
600. Suddenly the strldent tones OF
Mrs. Draycott became audible above the
uproar and compelled attention.
"The old villain has broken faith with
me, and sneaking scoundrel he always
was, and so he died." cried she, speak
|ing'under strong excitement. "But I'm
no longer hound to keep his secret, and
| won't, l say, Bill Allen!' she ex-
claimed, appealing to one of the mourn,
ers, 'you ought to know me, though it's
thirty years and more since was snp-
posed to have died. You recollect Poll
Saunders that old Joe Popplewell mar
ried when he was working at the railway
down Liverpool way p'
"Why, surely!' calculated the indi-
vidual referred to. AYE, It's Poll, sure
enongh!' he added, shaling his eyes
with his hand.
81 was his lawful wife. Mr. Reeves,
and he knew 1t !" she explained, turning
TO the astonished solicitor. "He deser.
ted me years ago and married lady
Mr.. Slas's mother. I found him out
again bv accident quite recently, and
promised to keep his secret on condition
that be would provide for me by his will.
But he has been false to me as he was
years ago, and now l won't keep silence
any longer"
s'This is most Serious" said the So
licitor, turning te Sias, who stood
aghast with horror and amaz ,ment, "it
this-,hls LADY can prove her marriage" "
"Oh! have proof took care OF
that" interposed the soi-disant Mrs.
Dravcott, drawing an oblong slip of pa
per from her bosom and handing 1t to
the lawyer. "Read that and look at
what made him sign on the back"
at is a marriage certificate" said Mr..
Reeves, glancing at it; AMI turning it
over, he real aloud as follows: 81, JOS
eph Popplewell, do acknowledge that
my housekeeper, Mrs. Draycott, is my
lawful wife. which | marriei under the
name of Mary Saunders in 1S-, and /,
Mary Popplewell, or Draycott, do here
nv swear that if my husband, Joseph
Popplewell, leaves me e. 600 BY his
will, will keep his marriage secret "
"This extraordinary document pur-
ports to be signed ny both parties" add.
ed the lawyer, handling the paper rever-
entity, ''and must say that upon the
face of it. taken in conjunction with the
certificate, it appears to be incontesta-
BILE evidence"
"Who gets the money now, then p
demanded the sams person who had
asked the question before
"Well, gentlemen, am sorry to say
that Mr. Silas Popplewcll being, unfor-
tunatelv for himself, nulius illius. or
illegitimate, can inherit nothing" replied
Mr.. Reeves "The estate will, there
fore, be diviaed>betw the lawful wild
ow of the deceased and the nexf of kin,
according to The statute."
The excitement of the audience at
this announcement found vent in a
hoarse cheer, in the midst of which
poor Silas sank into chair in half
falnting condition. He now understood
too late, alas what had caused his
father suddenly to make will, and he
was also keenlv conscious OF the fact,
that having borne witness to its alleged
revocation, it was out of the question
to endeavor to set it up again. He was
aroused from his bitter reflections by
the touch of the housekeeper upon his
shoulder.
"Cneer up, nv lad" she said roughly,
but not unkindly; 81 dill not know it
would he go bad for YOU as this. and l
don't pity you less because l suspect
you've brought it on yourself. Now, |
won't make any rash promises. because
don't know how much money I'm 60
ing to get. But you shall have the e.
600 you grudged to ne, even il don't
receive farthing more"