Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1886-12-03
DIR. VINEYARDS PATIENT.

DR.. Wynyard was young medical prac-
titioner who had just started in business
and was doing fairly well He had selected
one of the districts of biting Hill as the
field of his labors, and, being bachelor,
contrived to make both ends meet. Still,
he found 1t uphill work and fresh patients
did not present themselves every day.
Consequently, he was very we'll satisfied
at being summoned to case which would
require constant care and attention for
several months. The invalid was gen.
tleman of about 40 years of age, stricken
with disease which must inevitably ter
inmate fatally, though medical skill might
relieve his sufferings, 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. DR..
Wynyard subsequently 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 evil
dChIiy hoo a hlSiiy CuuSdoCo iiiuh. Ouo
Mrs. Burton was very refined and lady
like both in manner and appearance, and
Dr. Wynyard always suspected that she
had married beneath her. Without being
handsome-or even, strictly speaking,
good-looking-sh was decidedly fascin-
ating woman, with large, soft, brown
eyes, and an expression of tenderness and
sadness. DR.. Wynyard was not 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 sick man, not
unfrequently received her ministrations
with singular righteousness. But Mrs.
Burton never uttered any complaint nor
relaxed from her gentle devotional Cir
cumstance which helped to augment Dr.
Vineyards 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 Dr.
Wynyard suggested calling in an eminent
specialists for consultation, to which she
eagerly agreed. This gentleman only con-
firmed DIR. Vineyards opinion, and Mrs.
Burton reluctantly consented to the sick
man being informed of his hopeless condi-
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 APP
preaching, Mrs. Burton said, upon the
termination of the DOCTORS professional
duties
II think DIR. 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 it?" inquired Mrs. Burton.
gently addressing her husband.
In obedience to gesture from him, she
left the room, returning presently with a
document in her hand.
II should like you to read it out before l
sign" said ME-. Burton.
DR.. Wynyard unfolded the will, which
was very short, and read it aloud. 1t con
tanned a bequest of $500, free of legacy
duty, to Charlotte Emlin, the wife of John
Emlin, and gave everything else the tes-
tator possessed to his wife, who was APP
pointed sole executrix.
as that correct?" inquired Mrs. Burton
of her husband. Does that express your
wishes?"
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 second witness
and also attested it himself He felt nc
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
scrawl resembling 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
uocument upon the Ded, out she could not
restrain flush of indignation from
mounting to her cheeks.
Doctor" said the sick man, as soon as
he could speak, al want you to take
charge of it,"
Certainly, if you wish" said the doctor.
CHANGING at 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.
Eyes, l have a friend who is solicitor, "
replied DIR. Wynyard.
when am gone," continued Mr. Bur-
ton, rather excitedlN promise me that
you will yourself place the document in
his hands, and tell him to see to its being
carried particularly the legacy to
Charlotte Emlin."
II really think" said the doctor, doubt
fully, that as Mrs. Burton is the execu-
triX@n