Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-08-22
DIR. VINEYARDS PATIENT.

tttioner who had Just started in business
and was doing fairly well He had selected
one Of the districts Of Noting Hill as the
field Of his labors, and, being bachelor,
eontrived to make both ends meet Still,
he found it uphill work and fresh patients
did not present themselves every day
Consequently, he was very well satisfied
at being summoned to a case which would
require constant care and attention for
several months. The invalid was a gen
teman OF about ~ years of age, stricken
with u disease which must inevitably ter
inmate fatally, though medical skill might
relieve his sufterings, and possibly sus
tain life for longer period than fate
seemed to have decreed The name Of the
sick man was Burton, and he lived with
his wife in St Barnabas square. DIR.
Wynyard subsequ entity learned that they
had only resided there about six months,
but, not being of curious disposition the
young practitioner never troubled him
self TO inquire about their antecedents.
He saw nothing, however, which led
him to doubt that the Burtons were most
respectable people. The patient was eyi-
IDENTIFY not a highly educated man: but
Mrs Burton was very refined and lady
like, both in manner and appearance, and
DIR. Wynyard always suspected that she
had married beneath her. Without being
handsome-or even, strictly speaking,
good -loOking-she was decidedly 4 fascin-
ating woman, with large, soft, brown
eyea, and an expression of tenderness and
sadness. DIR. Wynyard was not a suscept-
ible young man, but he admired Mrs
Burton, and soon discovered he was tax
ing an unusual interest in her husband
for her sake. He was touched by the
poor lady's devotion to the invalid-the
more especially as Mr.. Burton, with the
selfish capriCiousness Of a sick man, not
GnfreQuently received her ministrations
with singular ungraciousness. But Mrs.
Burton never uttered any complaint nor
relsyed from her gentle devotion-a cir
cumstance which helped to augment DR..
Wynyards respect and esteem for her.
The doctor considered it his duty, on the
earliest opportunity, TO communicate to
Mrs Burton his fears OF her husbands
Illness terminating fatally. The poor
lady was not unprepared for the an
nouncement, having been warned some
time since by physician of high standing
that the disease was incurable; but she
was terribly depressed at the prospect of
the end being SO near. To soothe her DIR.
Wynyard suggested calling in an eminent
specialists for consultation, to which she
eagerly agreed. This gentleman only con-
firmed DIR. Wynyard's opinion, and Mrs.
Burton reluctantly consented to the sick
man being informed of his hopeless oondt-
ton The poor fellow received the news
with extraordinary fortitude, and seemed
considerably less affected than his poor
wife.
One day, when the end was visibly ap-
preaching, Mrs. Burton said, upon the
termination Of the doctors professional
duties:
Il Think, DR. wynyard, my husband
wishes you to see him sign his will"
Certainly" said the doctor, glancing at
the patient, who nodded acquiescence.
He had it prepared some time ago.
Shall fetch iig' inquired Mrs. Burton.
gently addressing her husband.
In obedience to a gesture from him, she
left the room, returning presently with u
document in her hand
Il should like you TO read it out before
sign, said Mr. Burton
DR.. Wynyard unfolded the will, which
was very short, and read il aloud. II con
tained bequest Of $500, free of legacy
duty, to Charlotte Emlin, the wife of John
Emiin, and gave everything else the tes-
tator possessed 10 his wife, who was ap-
pointed sole eXecutrix.
"Is that correct," inquired Mrs. Burton !
OF her husband Does that express your
wishesy"
The invalid nodded, and intimated his !
readiness to sign
DIR. Wynyard, who knew something |
about the formalities TO be observed in eX- /
ecuting wills, sent for a second witness,
and also attested il himself He felt no
scruples about the matter, for Mr. Burton
was in full possession of his faculties, and
was perfectly aware what he was doing.
The sick mans physical weakness, how
ever, became very conspicuous when he
attempted to write his name. and it was
only after several efforts that he produced
q scrawi resembling a signature.
As he sank back exhausted upon the
pillow, Mrs Burton took up the will and
WAS proceeding, apparently, to put it in
some place of safety when her husband
stopped her.
leave it, he painted, looking at her
angrily.
Without a word the poor lady laid the
document upon the bed, but she could not
restrain a flush of indignation from
mounting 10 her cheeks.
Doctor said the sick man, as soon as
he could speak, Il want you to take
charge of itH
Certainly, II you wish,n said the doctor
glancing st Mrs. Burton, who merely
bowed her head.
Rather reluctantly-for he dreaded
hurting the poor lady's feelings-he took
possession OF the will, and placed it in the
side pocket of his coat.
do you know an honest lawyer con
tinued the invalid.
Yes, have a friend who is a solicitor"
replied Dr. Wynyard.
When l am gone, continued Mr.. Bur
ton, rather excitedly, promise me that
you will yourself place the document in
his hands, and tell him to see to its being
carried out-psrticularly the legacy to
Charlotte Emlin."
Il really think" said the doctor, doubt
fully, that as Mrs Burton is the execu-
triX-
Il am quite content with the arrange
ment my husband suggests" interposed
Mrs Burton calmly.
After this there was nothing more to be
said, and DIR. Wynyard was relieved to
find, upon speaking TO her afterward, that
the gentle lady did not resent either her
comments or the doctors un-
willing interference in a matter that
chiefly concerned her.
Within a week from this episode Mr..
Burton died The doctor was not present
at the death, but he had been with the
patient shortly before, and was summoned
afterward. There was no ,
question that the poor fellow had died of i
his fatal complaint The doctor certified ,
and rendered the widow VIII at ,
assistance he could in arranging for the
funeral Mrs Burton bore her affiiction .