The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-07-07

dependent, you can afford to turn up your
nose at few hundred thousands"
" am too independent to sell myself for
any mans money" said Ethel, stormily.
g Yes, that's the way!p said her uncle,
assuming another attitude. After all I've
lone for you, after I've tried so hard to pro.
vide for you and get you comfortably set
tied in life, you'll do as you please. My
advice is not worth mindingl"
6 Forgive me, Uncle Robert, said Ethel,
more gently; but, indeed, you must not
attempt to compel me into any action which
[ cannot conscien6ously take. am
sorry"
The door opened suddenly and Ethel
| paused, for a servant made the hurried an
nouncement That Mr.. Mark Godfrey had
had stroke of paralysis, and Mr.. Perry
was wanted up at the house.
Bless my soul! !" exclaimed the old man,
who was instantly absorbed in the possibili- i
ties OF this illness. "Give me my hat and
sane, Eth,l. doubt if your uncle will get
| over this"
1t was not long before this doubt became
a certainty. After lying in dull stupor TO,
a week, Muk Godfrey died and was quietly
buried in the family vault.
1t was known that he had made a will
which was now in the lawyers hands and
on the day after tho funeral the relatives
assembled to hear it read
Every one knew TINT tho fortune lay be-
tween Ralph Martigny and Ethel Perry;
but they were not prepared for the bequest
that came.
Ethel was present with Walter Carlisle,
while her uncle Robert sat apart and glow.
cred upon them.
Ralph also stood aside. He was nervous
and excited
The lawyer, who knew all the parties,
wore grave, concerned look, and proceed
ed to his task with much reluctance.
I" The last will and testament of Mr.. God.
frey was made some ten years ago." he said,
by way of preface. g Unfortunately both
witnesses to it are dead, but the legality Of
the document is in no way impaired by
that"
| He then began to read brief form of be
| quest written in MIR. Godfrey's own hand,
leaving his entire property to his nephew,
Ralph Martigny.
Ethel was not mentioned; IN fact, the
| will was made long before he had recognized
her as his niece, and she was not taken into
account at all.
" am very sorry our friend did not make
| the division which he often spoke of max.
Ing" said the lawyer, putting up his glasses.
II should have liked to see Miss Ethel
come in for share of the property but, as
II is, you are the sole heir Mr. Martigny.
| Allow Inc to congratulate you."
Ralph bowed.
He said nothing, but his eyes flashed
look of triumph at Ethel, who sat utterly
motionless and stall.
She had just received hard blow, for
abe had had every right to expect legacy,
and the loss of 1t meant so much for her and
Walter
"There must be another will % Mr.. Perry
burst forth when he had recovered from the
first shock of dismay. :" He would not cut
Ethel off without dollari"
81 have been unable TO find any such,'
said the lawyer. g Besides, If there had
been, this one would probably have been
destroyed; Mr.. Godfrey was very syste-
matte man. He was worry particular in such
| matters"
"will you have the kindness to let me
see the document 2" said Walter Carlisle
| quietly
"Certainly, sill" said the lawyer, placing
| he will in his hands.
Walter bent over ii with keen glance.
| Ralph Martigny stirred restlessly. His
hands moved nervously, and his eyes were
tveted on Walters face with look Of vim.
| hctive hate
Walter said nothing, but suddenly a
change came over his countenance.
| Only those who knew him well or were
watching his grave face closely could have
| marked it.
| He took out notebook and wrote some
thing in it. The entry was nothing but
this
"Mt. Holly Mills X TO-"
1t was the water-mark on the paper on
which the will was written. He put the
notebook back in his pocket and returned
the will to the lawyers hands.
| When he and Ethel walked home together,
be was absent minded and thoughtful
" am SO sorry, Walter" Ether said. al
had hoped to be able to do 80 much for you,
and now that is all over !"
Walter pressed to his side the little hand
that rested ON his arm.
Never mind about that, darling" he
said, looking down into the sweet face so
near his shoulder. 9 You are Just as dear
to me without the money as with it."
" am glad of that" she said, nesting to
his side. :" In some ways, Walter, am
glad haven't any fortune. am so proud
to have every one know that you love me
for myself"
" do do that" he said earnestly. But,
Ethel, he added. in lower key. 81 am
not SO sure that you haven't a fortune. 1t
- my opinion that that will is forgery"
| "Oh, Walter"
+" Yes" he said; but do not wish you
TO tell any one of my suspicious. only
want full authority from you to prosecute
| your case"
You know am willing to do what you
think best" she said readily, and then Wal
ter went on to tell her what and why he sus
pectei.
| When 1t became known that the Godfrey
| will was to be contested there was o tire.
mendous excitement. The case was reported
at length, but there did not seem to be any.
thing in it.
!" You'd better get decent lawyer
growled Mr.. Perry, but Ethel was content
TO wait, for Walter was sure of his case.
That morning he came into court late, but
he brought strange gentleman with him.
Ralph Martiguy was seated beside the two
eminent lawyers engaged ON the defense.
He stared when Walter had Mr.. Benjamin
White sworn in, and the witness deposed
that he was proprietor Of the Mt. Holly
| paper MillQ