Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1886-08-11

Mr.. Burton was in full possession of
his faculties and was perfectly aware
what he was doing. The sick mans
physical weakness, however, became
very conspicuous when he attempted
to write his name, and it was only aft
er several efforts that he produced a
scrawl 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 G. word the poor lady laid
the document upon the bed, but she
could not restrain q flush OF indigna-
ton from mounting to her cheeks.
Doctor" said thesick man as soon
ashe could speak, 81 want you to take
charge OF it,"
Certainly, if you WISH" said the
doctor, glancing 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 20
continued the invalid.
eyes, 1 have a friend who is g. solic-
itor," replied DIR. VINEYARD.
"When | am gone" continued Mr..
Burton, rather excitedly, promise
me that you will yourself place that
document in his hands, and tell him
to see to it's being carried out, partic-
ularly the legacy to Charlotte Ernlin.'
"I really think" said the doctor,
doubtfully, 'that as Mrs. Burton is
the executrix-"
''I am quite content with the ar
rangement my husband suggests, "
interposed Mrs. Burton calmly.
After this there was nothing more to
be said, and DR.. Wynyard was re-
lleved to find, upon speaking to her
afterward. that the gentle lady did
not resent either her husbands COM
ments or the doctors unwilling inter
ference in matter that chiefly con-
cerned her.
Within q 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 immediately after
ward. There was no question that
the poor fellow had died of his fatal
complaint. The doctor certified &C.
cordingly, and rendered the widow
what assistance he could in arranging
for the funeral. Mrs. Burton bore her
affection with great connposure, hav.
ing evidently steeled herself for the or
deal. She followed her husband to
the grave, she and the doctor being
the only mourners. She accounted
for this by explaining that what re-
lations her husband had were persons
of humble station, residing in the
country.
The day after Mr.. Burton was bur-
led DR.. Wynyard escorted the widow
to the Office of his friend, James Sea-
ford, who was q solicitor practicing in
the city. To this gentleman the doc
tor handed over the will of the dead
man, IN accordance with his promise,
and having formally introduced the
lawyer to his new client, ne left Mrs.
Burton and Mr.. Seaford TO discuss
business details in private. This was
the last occasion that, to his knowl-
edge, DR.. Wyuyard ever set eyes on
Mrs. Burton. He called upon her
once when she happened to be out,
and few days later the widow went
down to Hastings for change of air
and scene. Contrary to her expressed
intention, she never returned to town
again. The lawyer superintendent the
sale of her husbands furniture and ef-
fects, and, as soon as the business
connected with his decease had been
settled, Mrs. Burton left Hastings,
and the doctor never heard afterward
what became OF her.
When the memory of the amiable
widow was BEGINNING to fade from his
mind, DR.. Wynyard seriously congrat-
ulated himself upon the abrupt termi-
nation of their acquaintance. He was
prudent young man, and he could
not conceal from himself that to have
married a lady ten years his senior
would have been unwise. Yet such
had been his admiration for Mrs. Bur-
ton, that he considered such an event
might have happened had the lady
shown disposition to regard him fa-
vorably. The recollection of his In
fatuation made him often wonder
where the widow was living, and
what her circumstances were; and one
day, about year after, he dined with
his friend Seaford, and asked for in
formation.
81 haven't the slightest notion what
has become of her." said the lawyer.
"She left Hastings without giving me
her new address-and, indeed, there
was no occasion. She paid my bill, y
he added, laughing.
''Did her husband leave her pretty
well OFF," inquired the doctor.
''No, poor thing! He left her moth
ing but policy OF assurance for 95,.
600 and a small amount of furniture, D
said the lawyer, slipping his wine.
Three years passed, and DIR. Wyn
yard prospered. A neighboring prac
titioner died, and the young surgeon
profted considerably by the sad event
He married wife who possessed q
comfortable income, and, in short, he
was generally regarded by his PROBES
sional friends as an enviable individu