The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-06-20

Iaoy tne unfortunate affair of the lost
 will, speaking as confidently as he could of its ultimate recovery. Alter the funeral the party assembled in the library to hear the will read. Besides MT. Goulding. the company consisted of Mrs. and Miss Reddie, Sir Peter, Mir. Crooks, and three of the more intimate friends of the de- ceased. Under the circumstances 1t was not surprising that there vas an absence of any violent manifestation of grief The baronet had never been very friendly with his cousin, and cared nothing about him the two ladies were the persons most attached to the deceased gentle man, but they were to inherit his wealth. and their excitement naturally modified their sorrow. Mrs. Reddie's mind was hlled with miseivings about the will hc. she tried to appear calm, not telling her daughter of the loss. The former lady was vergiDg ca fifty years of age; but her dark hair was only slightly s1eaked with gray, and her complexion was fresh looking; she was, in short, just the comedy, cheerful sort of woman who would be appreciated in a sick room. She would have been glad to attend Mir.
 Mossop during his illness had she known that 1t was serious but, for some reason, he preferred to employ the professional nurse recommended by his cook. Per haps he was afraid that, if Mrs. Reddie took up her abode at q The Firs," her four daughters would follow, and end by taking command of the entire establish ment. Miss Reddie. who accompanied her mother, was very similar in feature and style, and looked about twenty-five.
 Sir Peter was strongly built, heavy- looking man, not much over thirty, and knew a great deal more about horses than law. His legal adviser, however, made up for any deficiency in the latter respect. Mir Crooks was not unlike a little foxterrier; sandy, small, and sharp featured; and he appeared to carry his clients brains as we'll as his own.
 The other three gentlemen were in- vlted partly to remove the embarrass- ment which would have existed between the baronet and Mrs. Reddie if no strangers were present; for as might be expected, they were not on very good terms.
 When MT. Goulding rose to opea the proceedings, his face was the longest in the room, and he spoke with some ner- vousness. "ln accordance with the usual practice" he began, e it is now my duty to inform you of the tenor of MT. Mossop's will; and may mention that it was signed only the day before he died; but he had given my firm instruc- tions to prepare it about three weeks be- fore. brought it down from London myself, and was present when he executed 1t; and this document that am going to read is draft. It is, of course, almost word for word with the will itseif.''
 Why not read from the original?" asked Mir. Crooks, "and then we should have the exact words"
 have not got it here"
 May ask where it is p
 It is along with some other papers that took away"
 "Weil, thought it was etiquette to produce and open the will itself in pres ence of the relatives; but perhaps, sir, you will let us hear how the draft runs.'
 The country mouse generally stands a little in awe of the town mouse, and in like manner MT. Crooks entertained a certain respect for the eminent London solicitor for which reason, probably, he did not pursue the subject further.
 MT. Coulding then proceeded to read the document, which, though simple in substance, was so loaded with obscure forms and technical terms that the recital occupied several minutes.
 Sir Peter looked as though he did no thoroughly understand it but he knew that his name was not mentioned at all, and consequently that he was to get nothing. He glowered at Mrs. Reddie with vague feeling that she was the cause of his disappointment: and his the Wrexham attorney, looked very viciously at all the company.
 "l suppose you will apply for probate It once [" said the latter gentleman to MT. Gouldihg.
 |" As soon as possible"
 "Come along then" he said brusquely o Sir Peter; @we arc not wanted here; here is no use in staying longer" and he two worthies made their exit but were not seen to drive away till nearly half an hour later.
 After partaking of luncheon the strangers took their departure, leaving MT. Goulding at liberty to discuss busi- less matters with Mrs. Reddie It was arranged that all the servants were to be etained for the present, the lady willingly undertaking to pay them the sums that Mr. Mossop had intended them to have f she were only fortunate enough to get he property safely into her possession. ,he was sorely troubled about the loss of he will, though she said little, and not vithout reasen, for when one is on the 'oint of exchanging poverty for wealth, is a bitter disappointment to see the ortune suddenly vanish. and the poverty eems doubly galling. The Reddies wed together in a small house in the uburbs of Manchester; and the modest 'nrcity on which they contrived to keep Ip appearances had often been antici- 'ated by loan from Mir. Mossop.
 The solicitor treasured Mrs- Reddie as .ell as he could, promising to telegraph he moment he had anything to com aunicats. He was anxious to return 'ome that night; and having made an Inspection Of the house and given some arting iDjunctions to the butler, he left n time to catch the eveniu0 fra;u .&