The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-07-28
THE SERJEANT'S WILL.
A Story of Hare Court.

'Mr. Warrington, / believe ~
Simple words and true as far as that
am Mr.. Warrington, but this | can
assert, that never had words so taken
me by surprise, nor has my name ever
been put to me under more singular
circumstances. That this may be clear,
must explain. As shortly as l can 1
will do so, for | dislike explanation,
and would have my judge, when | am
moving the court, know beforehand, if
possible, what my point is.
L am barrister, as you guess, and my
chambers are in Hare Court; it is the
most ancient, quiet and retired place
in the Temple, just on your right if you
come in by the archway at the bottom
of Chancery Lane. My number is of
no importance; in fact, abundant rea-
sons will appear why / should be reti-
cent as to it. One reason, which will
not appear, but a very cogent one,
nevertheless, being that solicitors are
not fond of counselw rush into print,
unless their lucubrations are bound in
calf. l have one room in which | sit
myself, and the undivided half of a
clerks room and passage the rest of
the set are occupied. q am talking of
time six months back by Serieant
'Greathead, Q. c., of the Western Cir
cult, whose large room in the rear is
the only comfortable and well-furnished
one, my rooms being as dingy and
cherries as most ground-foor apart
ments in the Temple. A couple of
doors shut us in, but the oak is only
sported when the clerks leave at seven.
Then our chambers, not very lively
during the day time, are abandoned to
darkness, silence and the mice. In a
word they are merely offices.
Well, about the time | have men,
toned, was obliged no matter why
perhaps because over my dinner at the
Suffolk Street Club | discovered fall
lacy in the opinion to be sent out the
next morning. found myself obliged,
for the first time for certainly year, to
go to my chambers after dinner. The
clock at st. Clement Danes was striking
the half hour after nine as [ turned into
the lonesome and echoing Temple. |
opened my outer door with my KEY,
after ascertaining that l had some
matches in my pocket, and did the same
to the inner door, drawing the oak to
behind me, and shutting it; then I stood
still. 1t was very odd all should
have been in darkness, but from the
key-hole of the SERGEANT room bright
ray of light shone steadily, and from
within came the familiar sound of the
rustling of papers. 1t was very odd.
| had known the SERGEANT say he never
worked at night, and certainly | had
never heard of him coming to his cham
bers in the evening. Very singular
that we should both be there on this
particular night ! At any rate, l would
see if it was all right. l opened his
door and walked in quietly an apology
on my lips. The room, as [ have said,
a spacious one, was brilliantly lighted,
the table was covered with papers and
books, but no SERGEANT Greathead was
there Some one was, though, with a
vengeance.
''Mr Warrington, believe"
With one hand resting upon the table
and pressing some among the many
papers which Uttered it, stood the
speaker, a lady! Apparently about five
and-thirty, she was tall and of good
figure, her dress handsome though sim
pie. A veil obscured much of her face
which was toward me as | entered
Either her complexion was naturally
colorless, or agitation had driven the
blood from her cheeks; the latter,
conjectured, since her left hand was
pressed to her side | stood dumb.
founded, and at least twice this unex.
pected apparition repeated the words |
have set down. Who was she, and
what on earth was she doing alone and
at this time of the night in our cham
ibersp As far as | remember l said al
last in bewildered tone, still holding
the door-handle:
Yes, certainly, l am Mr.. Warning
ton"
''You must be surprised to find me
here. | am SERGEANT Greathead's
niece
60. yesv' I answered, with bow
and avain attempt to indicate by my
tone that l thought this perfectly
satisfactory explanation of her presenc,
at $3.50 in his chambers; 80, yes"
He is rather unwell this evening
and thought he would like to have som,
papers to read, in case he should no
sleep. have volunteered to fetch then
was it not bold of me?-and my cal
is waiting in Fleet Street"
1.-The SERGEANT not Welt I am very
sorry. Can Igive you any assistance?'
From the appearance of the table sht
must have undone most of the bundles
in search of the right papers, such wa
the litter upon it. She really was
very good-looking woman.
"You can undo the harm you hav,
innocently caused, Mr.. Warrington, b,
getting me glass of water, if you vii
be so kind. You startled me not lit
tie. was prepared to find darkness
and loneliness, but not to meet an,
one"
iii have frightened you II do wish