The Irish standard., 1888-02-18

manner, however, and Irma followed her
mothers example. / Iaccepted it, for could
not do otherwise with those inquiring eyes
upon me; but my anger was reused and my
cheeks burned hotiy while my heart beat
fast and hard with passion of rage ana
grief.
Silently we visited the room where Miss
Armund was lying, slumbe1ing so quietly.
Mrs. Clayton expressed sincere grief at her
friends death, but saw that it was only
assumed for there was an undercurrent OF
Joy running through the whole Of her af-
fectcd grief, and saw she gave the orders
for the necessary arrangements attending
the interrmeut of her friend with evident
satisfaction.
Mrs. Clayton had changed somewhat in
the past ten years. She was still handsome,
but there were dark lines about the proud
mouth, and heavy rings, that told of sleep
less nights, under the large liquid eyes.
Irma, too, looked worn and haggard; but
no wonder, I thought, when her twin broth
er is imprisoned Oh the awful charge of MUIR
der.
The funeral Of Miss Armund was over;
the still, withered form had been consigned
to 1nother-earth, and we were all again as
sembled in the dull, fre-lighted parlor
at Mrs Leiberg's. A strange hush fell
over the room at first, as if all were waiting
to hear something of in1portance; but pres
emily Mrs. Clayton arose and spoke some
what hurriedly and sharply:
sMr. Dudley,' she said, "you Informed
me that my presence and my daughters {in-
| dicating Irma, with a nod toward her., was
necessary here to attend to some legal mat
ter pertaining to the will Of Miss Armund.
What they are am sure can not imagine,
or how they can interest US; am willing
to hear them, however, but please be as
explicit as possible, as have important
business to attend to yet today
She sat down, and Mr.. Rathbun, little,
white-haire old gentleman, arose. He an
nounced himself as Miss Armunds legal
adviser, and also that he held in his posses
sion her will and other documents Of some
| value he presumed.
Mrs Clayton. smiled. It was smile OF
triumph and disdain. What did the will OF
the old, unloved woman amount to, anyway
| it ssid.
81 have no wish to cause you unnecessa
| nv delay, Mrs. Clayton" said the old gen.
tleman, politely; "I will therefore proceed
at once to business.'
! He then began to read the will of Agnes
Arnlund, which bequeathed to an asylum
| for indigent widows her entire fortune
which consisted Of ten thousand dollars
! which amount would be found deposited IN
| the b bank, and it also appointed Mr.
Rathbun and Oliver Dudley as executors.
The lawyer laid down the will when hi
| had finished reading it. Mrs, Clayton made
a movement to rise and leave, but he de-
! tanned her with motion Of mis- hand.
| Be patient, please, he said; sithis other
paper have here is probably the one in
which you are concerned"
| He held up sealed packet.
s'rhis, he continued, ''was given me by
Miss Armund about year ago; of it's con
| tents know nothing, but she requested me
| to read it at the same time should he1
/! will; T. will now do So"
| He tore open the packet, disclosing
several sheets Of note paper closely written
| Mrs. Clayton turned pale, ] saw her
| gasp suddenly, as if choked; but the next
| instant she regained her self-composure.
| The lawyer began to read slowly ever.
| word being distinctly heard in the deat
| stiffness that reigned, even the clocl
licked less loudly than before it seemed.
'eYears ago." the letter. or statement ran
there lived in A a family known as tht
(, Caledons; they were q proud race, rich a.