Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-07-24

your Aunt Susan was a remarkable
woman, Miss Molly" said the lawyer,
looking keenly at the black gowned
young woman before him, "and we
must therefore not be surprised that
she should have made a remarkable
will" He tapped 4 folded document
that lay on the table.
Il am quite sure Aunt Susan has
made wise disposition of her proper
t.. l only wish she had been spared
longer to enjoy it" said Molly Fancher
her pretty eyes red from weeping.
"As you are the only relative Miss
Wood had, and as your name is the
only one mentioned in her will, may
as well proceed to make you acquaint
ed with its contents. Ahemv' The
lawyer unfolded the document and
held 1t close to his specialized eyes as
he read slowly and impressively:
II give and bequeath all the property
Of which l may die possessed. as pei
items below, to my beloved niece, Mary
Wood Fancher, on condition that sh,
does not become the wife of Ralph
Newcomb. If the
''Stop, please" said Molly quietly
She had arisen and now stood, Will
pale face and flashing eyes, beside him
You need not finish reading the will
Mr.. Jones. The conditions are pre-
posterous. l can hardly believe tina
my dear Aunt Susan could have asked
such thing of me. She knew of m!
engagement to Mr.. Newcomb and sane
toned it. She welcomed him into tn,
family as son and Sobs choke(
her utterance, and she pressed hand
kerchief to her trembling lips.
pray compose yourself. Miss Mol
ly," said the perturbed lawyer. "As
said before, your Aunt Susan was /;
remarkable woman, and
"The will cannot interest me now,
said Miss Fancher gravely. Il inten(
to marry Mr.. Newcomb at the appoint
ed time, and you may follow out the
terms of the will-whatever they are
| How soon viii it be necessary for IN,
to vacate the house?"
mot under six months, as a gener
Gus income is provided for that period
In case you refuse to comply with thu
| conditions Of the will, Miss Wood ha'
| left sealed document in my hands
which definitely disposes of the estate.
|
aunt must have concealed some preju
dice against Mr.. Newcomb. l hope
am sorry Her voice faltered again
| you are sure you are not making
mistake, Miss Molly? Pardon me, bu
it is large estate-about a million"
| II don't care If it is ten millions" re
torted Molly, indignation drying he
tears. II would not barter my love 70
any amount" She blushed warmly a
she met the lawyers honest, admirin
glance and drew down her black vel
| Good afternoon, MIR. Jones. i al
quite sure you will execute my aunt
last wishes in the same consideration
manner that you have always handle
her interests" A moment later sh
had passed from the building and Ell
| tered her waiting carriage.
When she entered the sober, oil
fashioned mansion that had been tn
home of Susan Wood for half cer
fury and which had been her ow
birthplace Molly Fancher's overstrail
ed nerves gave way for the first tim
since the lingering Illness of Mis-
Wood had resulted in her death
week before.
In spite Of the old lawyers repeate
/ requests that she should hear the tern
of her aunt's will the grief stricke
girl had refused admittance to NJ
Jones until this morning, when 81
had reused herself from her sorro
land made ready to take upon herse
the responsibilities that she had bee
taught to believe would be hers aft
Miss Woods death