The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1894-04-06
THAT CODICIL.

passed without receiving the habitual visi
of my client. My clerk, the one that ha
been there since the beginning, awaited
him with anxiety. 1 presume that SOM
half crowns given by Mr.. Brownlow add
ed considerably to his weekly pay. Per
haps also he nourished in his secret hear
tender sentiment for his pretty visitor
An absence so long was without precedent
i determined to present myself at Vint
cottage to learn the reason. was received
by one of the daughters of my client. She
informed me that her suffering father haC
kept his bed for several days.
WAS he seriously attackedf"
ut was feared so."
'Was he conscious'"
"Yes, but he was very feeble"
"Could see him9"
"He could not be questioned; he suffered
too much to see any one"
The responses of this woman made me
believe that Mr.. Brownlow would die. |
thought of the beautiful child, SO dear to
the old gentleman. thought of the
mother also, for the inquiries had made
on this subject had been most favorable
to her. 1t was true she was doing the
simple daily work of spinner, but by her
culture and by her character she had
shown herself far above her condition.
Poor woman, she had suffered so much
during the illness of her husband and the
infancy of Lilianl She had known peace
and security for scarcely two years, and
now, if old James Brownlow was going to
die, there were before her misery and tor
turing want. Therefore, in mr. double
character of friend and man-of-Iaw, re-
quested to be admitted to an interview
with my client.
While l was formulating my request
the second daughter of Mr.. Brownlow en-
tered She joined her sister in opposing
my wishes. Their attitude was so glacial,
so inflexible, that 1 feared they had di-
vined something of the truth.
1.-THE DOCTOR" they affirmed, chad pro-
hibited all visits"
twill YOU permit me to await the ar
rival of the doctor? can prove to him how
necessary it is that should see Mr.. Brown
low9"
Certainly not, " answered Mrs. Wrench.
at shall not be with my consent, if the
last moments of my father are troubled
with business"
My prayers were useless, so I resorted
to strategy. took my hat, shrugged my
shoulders, as man who had discharged
his duty, and felt relieved thereby.
GAS you please, my dear ladies, but
forewarn you, so that later you may have
nothing to blame me for. can only tell
you this-if cannot speak to your father
today, it may make some difference in the
amount of your inheritance"
That was very nearly true, but not in
the sense had given them to understand.
This thrust went home. had touched the
sensitive point-avarice.
The sisters exchanged look and COM
whispering to each other. l hoped
to see them fall into the snare, but two
women of this species make very strong
antagonists, even for the cleverest man
of-law.
''Mr. Sarr," said the widow, twill Of
course be present to explain to us exactly
what father does. We can then decide
what will be the best course for us to
take"
mo, cannot assent to the condition
you demand of me. The business is of an
absolutely private nature. Diverse inter
ests are at stake. But, believe me, the
matter is probably of the greatest impor-
lance"
The sisters again exchanged a glance,
as If to say, "We have already decided"
Mrs. Wrench crossed her hands upon her
lap.
eff it is so, sir" she said, "you cannot
see Mr.. Brownlow. What secrets can a
father have from his daughters?"
sin short, we do not believe word of
your story" added the other defiantly.
"And," continued Mrs. Wrench me-
chanically, ''if there is indeed secret,
perhaps that letter discovered by us a few
days ago has something to do with the
mystery"
She held out to me a letter, written in a
childish hand, which contained these
words:
DEAR GRANDPAPA-I have had cold, and
cannot go today. love you dearly. Yours.
Lillian.
Thus they knew something or at least
something.
"Answer me-" cried Mrs. Wrench, tan
ping violently with her foot, "who is this
Lilian-the child of that abject woman, 1 |
'upposeH 1t is concerning her you wish
70 speak to my father, and she no doubt
Is your important business?"
was saved an answer, as at this instant
,he door opened suddenly, and upon the
threshold, enveloped in an old dressing
gown, appeared an emaciated, feeble be- !
ng. 1t was my client, who fell breath
ess upon the seat nearest him.
The doctor had no need to tell me that
he moments of my dear friend were num-
oered. In 10 days sickness had absolute
y destroyed him, and death was written
lpon his pale countenance.
He seemed so exhaust ed that feared he
would die on the spot. His daughters
ooked at him in mute establishment and |
shall confess it'll was tempted to re-
dice greatly at their discontinue. Run
ling to the other side of the room, where
fortunately I found the sideboard fur
lished with liquors and glasses, l filled a
umbler with brandy.