Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-08-30

might ultimately triumph, and il
helped her to face Mr Bowycr again
after that episode Of the cup OF tea
which had hurt aud angered her so
sorely.
Then something else occurred which.
az one nail drives oat another. made
her forgef the cause she already had
ID feel aggrieyed-
Mr. Bowyer had been writing sew
rral letters lately 10 his bankers and
To a legal firm that Colonel severn had
recommended 10 him some time be-
fore: therefore, when one morning a
fly drove up to the door and gentle
man allghted, followed By young
man In plain black clothes who carried
mysterious looking blue bag, Mrs
PrjOIo felt 10 doubt concerning who
they were and on wha: business they
had come.
They remained closeted with the =
valid for some time: then servant
was summoned from downstairs 10
affix her signature 70 a document that
she had no hesitation in pronOuncine
10 be q will.
The honsekeeper was In a state OF
almost unbearable Suspense. A bell
rang, and Jane ran up to answer II.
coming down presently with the start
ling intelligence that Mrs. Priolo and
Miss Nyarde were both requested 10
join the gentlemen in the sltting-room.
Mrs. Pri3lo went up at once. TO her
surprise. the lawyer was waiting there
alone. lie rose somewhat slowly a.
she entered, not knowing quite to what
class she belonged; but, as the next
moment the door reopened and Elaine
came Ia, he sprung forward with
alacrity, and offered her chair.
She accepted II with one Of her
sweet hccting niles, aud looked up
questi0ningly as fhoJgh to ask the
meaning 81 this summons.
Tie lawyer looked from one TO tine
other, trying to sore the problem Of
the strange task with which he had
been intrnsted. Since he had seen
Elaine Il seemed harder than ever to
perform and he glanced ar her apollo
getically and hemmed and hawed re-
peatedly before he began.
1T Is Mr. Bower wish that 1
should inform you ofof something he
Under the Cloud. y.
has done this morning. You will, |
hope, do me the justice to remember
that ! am acting under instructions #
only under instructions"
Whatever 1t may be, we shall not
blame you," Elaine assured hiis, In
her low. clear tones.
Mrs. Priolo looked at HIM with i'll
repressed cagerneSs. as though ready
10 tear from his lips the news that he
had to tell She might have reminded
any one OF yulture towering over a
dying man, hardly waiting for the
breath to leave his body so impatient
for It's CHASTITY meal.
The lawyer went on, neryously-
II am not ia any way responsible
for ii, believe me. | may think that
my client is wrong, misguided, unjust
even; but | have no power to enforce
my opinion. Mr. Bowyer Is unwell,
his nerves seem utterly unstrung,
and"
we understand all that" inter-
posed the housekeeper, brusquely.
Then 1 will proceed at once 70 bust
ness. Mr.. Bowyer made a will some
months ago, leaving half his fortune
to Mrs Martha Priolo, his slster.ln-law,
and half to Miss Ellen Warde-no
relative, believe, but adopted by him
about two years ago" Pausing u mo
ment To- see II his last statement was
correct. he continued, with stin pro-
iessional gravity that he felt to he his
best refuge from the unpleasanteSs or
tn. situation" morning he has
made a eodicil to that win, not reyok-
ing it, bat making It's administration
subject to certain provision so
strange, 80 un4cconntable, that am
at loss how best to put 1t into
words, though l must remind you
again that am a mere machine IN
the matter"
Had you not better tell us straight
out what it ls?-then perhaps we can
enlighten you as to its meaning sug-
sestud Elaine; while Mrs. Priolo's
eyes wcre liked with wild intensity on
his face.
srhe money is forfeited by both,
and goes % different charities should
Nlr. Bower not die i natural death.
Ii is utterly absurd Of course "A
nonomania. | should say; but You UNI
derstand | am bound to repeat to you
the terms Of the Will, according to my
clients desire"
Looking up with startled surprise,
his gaze first encountered Mrs. Priolo.
and 50 crestfallen was her mien and
Ii eyil the expression OF her face that
hc felt this woman might be capable
OF yillainy.
Then his eyes rested on Ellen Warde.
She was very pale paler than her
won't While her downcast eyes and
troubled trembling mouth spoke
plainly d the pain that she felt All
his sympathy was reused on her be
half.
II am very much grieyed TO be the
bearer Of such message. Nc one