Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-12-10
A STRANGE DESIRE
Or
THE DYING REQUEST,
BY ARTHUR ]. BRANDT,
AUTHOR OF s'THE SHADOW ON THE snow
"FRoM FALSE TO TRUE GBABY
BELLE" ETC.
BY ARTHUR ]. BRANDT,
CHAPTER VII.

| The ceremony of Lady Maud's funeral
was no sooner over than Roland Cavel and
her late ladyship's acquaintance and re-
tainers began to wonder what conditions
and legacies were contained in the mysteri-
GUS document which the family lawyer was
known to have in his pocket.
One and the other found opportunities to
assail the important little gentleman on the
subject, but he was very reticent, only an.
swering their questions with smile and a
recommendation to patience.
A length, however, the hour arrived when
the anxiously desired revelation could no
longer be delayed, and then the lawyer,
turning to the expectants who lowered about
him, blandly informed them, "that he was
sorry to disappoint the natural curiosity OF
her late ladyship's attached friends and
dOmestics, bat that he had received special
instructions to read the last will and tesla
ment of tho lamented deceased only in the
presence of Mr.. Roland Cavtl, Sister Glare,
| and his own confidential clerk. Mr.. Cavel
or Sister Clare he added, as conciiatory
pill, twill no doubt Immediately afterwards
communicate what legacies have been made
for faithful servants"
Which speech delivered, he made several
bows, co no one in articular, and requested
to be shown into a private room, where he
could perform his last duty.
Roland Cavel thereupon conducted him
to small study, whittier he went, followed
by his clerk and Sister Clare.
As soon as they were seated, the lawyer
produced the written promise which Roland
Cavel had signed on the night of Lady
Maud's death, and required him to swear
that he bad kept it.
"Certainly have,' replied the young
man, taking the oath.
"He had not much chance of doing other
wise," murmured Sister Glare.
Then the lawyer informed Roland Cavel
that Lady Maud had ordered certain jewels,
which he named, to be buried with her, and
desired Sister Glare to kiss the book, and
declare that she had complied with this
wish.
"Indeed 1 have" said Sister Clare, press
ing the little Bible to her lips with great
solemnity. 81 put the necklace on her neck,
the rings on her fingers, the diamond brooch
on her bosom; carried out all my instruc-
tions."
"It is well,' answered Mr. Maryland.
Then turning to Roland Cavel, he re-
marked, ''These jewels, Cavel, are called
certain articles in the last will and testa-
ment of my Client lest the mention OF them
under their proper appellation should ex-
cite the cupidity of any persons who may
chance to read the document; for if either
of the said jewels come to light within the
space of the next three years-though do
not think there is much probability OF that
the property left to you will revert to an
other. Let me therefore advise you to Sc
cure the tomb for your own sake"
81 will take care that every precautlon IS
taken," replied Roland Cavel, "you may
depend"
land now," said the legal gentleman,
clearing his throat with cough, Il have
few more words to say-in fact, secret
to reveal-before proceed with the read
ing of the will. 1t relates to Janet Mason,
the confidential maid of the late Lady Maud
Weldon
"What of her?" exclaimed Roland Cayel,
his conscience accusing him.
But Sister Glare showed no curiosity.
'Just this" replied the lawyer
And he proceeded to make a communica-
ton with which We cannot at present ac-
quaint the reader.
s.Ahp' exclaimed Roland Cavel, when he
had finished; sis it so-is it so p
And he rose and paced the room IN state
Of agitation. ~. M.u,.na
quietly; ssand that it is so can be proved De-
yond question. But until the three years
before referred to are past, you cannot tell
her what you have just heard; at least, you
cannot tell her without subjectinS yourself