Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-11-09

she was the person principally interested
in his requests.
From that time, Mrs. Banwell became
devoted to the old gentleman. She was to
him as a daughter, as n niece, and as
grandchild. She studied his comforts,
made him presents, and laid out herself
and her money to please him in every
way.
The worst of him was, he was 80 tough.
The butcher and the money-lender were
nothing to Mr.. Chatfeld. He only seemed
to thrive ind tog grow younger and stronger
for relinqulshing his frugal habits in ia
vor of dining three times week at Wood
bury Cottage. Yet Mrs. Banwell dared
not relax her attentions lest the old man
should alter his will. Three or four years
passed so lightly over Mr.. Chatfeld's
head that he seemed to taken fresh lease
of life and the widow began to fear he
would outline her after all.
However, one winters morning, with
out any premonitory illness, the old man
was found dead in his bed. There was an
examination, but of purely formal kind,
for that he died of natural causes was MS
plain MS that his life had been eked out,
for the past year or two, by generous diet.
His death was, in truth, no very heavy
blow to Mrs. Banwell-it was happy re-
lease to her rs well as to him. She was
getting tired Of it and her sigh at re-
ceiving the Intelligence was one of heart
felt relief.
Mr.. Loney came down to the funeral /;
and when that was over the will was read
IT was all true. With the exception of
the few sticks of furniture, given to the
housekeeper, Mrs. Banwell was bequeath-
ed the whole of the property-moneys
bonds, securities Of all sorts, and Mr..
Chatlield's share of the vessel. She was
likewise left residuary legatee. Well,
that was comfort to the mourner, at any
rate. Mrs Banwell proceeded to ask Mr..
Loney for some particulars MS to the pro-
perry of the deceased.
In reply, Mr. Loney stated with woe
full shake Of his head, that the particu-
lars were contained in letter addressed
to him, and this enclosed a second note to
Mrs. Banwell. which note, he concluded,
would save him the pain of explanation.
The note to the widow ran thus:
"MrM-'What are we here for in this world but
to minister to each others comforts 2 told you
was poor, yet You m nisered TO mine. luu are a
good woman. Iou have done your duty. Duty Is
its own reward. therefore think that, on the
whole, YOU invested your money well. But 1t was
speculation yon must adnit, and the security was
not irst-rate / can only show my sense OF your
conduct by leaving you all | have in the world
THIS at least shows generosity of motive on my
part aud, II your Kindness was really disinterest-
ed, you Will take the Will for the deed. All my mon
eys and securities everywhere don amount to six
pence My profession p-draughtsman and de-
signcN enabled me to save just enough to buy a
life-aunulty. which dies. with me. But an. part
owner of a vessel ship Of large tonnage and
great value-that share can at least bequeath TO
you and Mr.. Loney has my Instructions TO put
you IN possession thereof. Besides this, leave you
10y particular requesO my regard-iriendships
dearest tribute, trusting You will not think dear
y hUught.-YOurs truly,
To Mrs. BASwELL W. CHATFIELD.
"Yes," said Mr.. Loney, going to the
mantel-shelf. ooh dear, yes. 1t is quite
right about the ship. The late Mr. Chat
field was part-owner in vessel of i'm
mense tonnage. And this is his part"
He placed in Mrs. Banwells hands n
small and neat wooden volume about four
inches by three, tastefully inscribed in
gilt letters-A PIECE OF THE Royal
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