The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1910-05-26
THE CONDITIONS OF A WILL

4
stated in my uncle's will than marry a
girl I've never seem"
'But that would be folly replied the
lawyer 81 expect the lady here tomor-
row and have arranged meeting be-
tween you. She is quite willing to do
her share of the bargain. 1t only now
awaits your consent"
at seems to me, Prescott, she's in a
deuce of hurry"
81 don't see it matters much either
way, Mr., Maxwell By your uncle's will
you and Miss Lester have to get mar
rier within three months of his demise,
failing which you both lose the prop
erty."
Hang it, yes! If [ weren't so infer
nally hard up I'd have nothing to do
with the matter"
wait till you've seen Miss Lester.
Many man would sell his soul to win
her."
But I'm not one of the many, Pres
colt, as you know. Women have very
little attraction for me.
Tut, tut, Mr. Maxwell. A man of
your age ought not to talk like that"
81 talk as l think. But don't imagine
shall be discourteous to my wife. As
long as she doesn't expect too much
from me no doubt we shall live ami
cably enough together
well, | hope so for both your sakes.
And now let me see," added the lawyer.
you will be here about II tomorrow
to meet your future wife,
"Well, my dear Prescott, all l can say
is I hope you won't be disappointed"
And with nod and smile Roger Max
well made his way into the street.
Principally at IL the next morning
he wendell Iis way TO Mr.. Prescott's
office. He was at once shown into the
lawyers private room, where he found
him engaged in earnest conversation
with i lady.
"Ah, good morning, Mr.. Maxwell"
said the gentleman rising. "AllOw me
to introduce you to Miss Lester, and as
know you must have a good deal to
say, will leave you"
As soon as they were alone Hilda
Lester rose from her seat, and going
over to Roger laid a small trembling
hand on his arm. "Mr. Maxwell" she
said slowly, would you mind listen
ing to my story for a few minutes? We
are both placed in an awkward position,
myself especially, but if you would be
good enough to hear my version of it
I'm sure it would make matters easier
for us boh."
Certainly, Miss Lester"
THANK you. I'll not detain you long.
Two years ago there appeared an adver
tisement in a morning paper for young
IoI Nv xuha no fn 40
several hours day to an elderly gentle
man residing in the country, reading to
him and making herself generally agree
able. | went to interview your uncle,
for it was he who advertised, and for
some reason he enYinced great liking
for me.
"Well, time went on, and your uncle
seemed to rely on me more and more as
he became feebler in health. He often
spoke of you and wished you would set
tie down, and even on the morning of
the day he died he asked me to send for
you. AS you We're out of England at the
time the wire | sent to your club did not
come into your hands until a week ago
just fourteen days too late.
when Mr.. Prescott asked me to call
upon him last week you can perhaps
imagine my surprise at hearing the con-
tents of the WILL and if it were not that
| am without relatives and practically
penniless, / would not consent to the
proposition your uncle made. At least,
please give me the credit of knowing
nothing of what was in your uncle's
mind. As [ said before he grew fond of
me, and / on my part certainly grew to
love him. It's sad business all round"
with a faint smile. "but hardest of all
for me-"
Don't say that. Miss Lester" replied
Roger, rising and going over to her 81
think you've been q brick all the way
through, and if only you'll put up with
worthless being like myself Til do what
| can to make you happy"
That's kind of YOU" said the girl,
impulsively putting out her hand
without word Roger took it. and
raised it to his lips. Now" he said in
bantering tone, ''that matters settled.
Three months had passed away since
that morning in Mr.. Prescott's office.
and Mr. and Mrs. Roger Maxwell were
established at Ruthven Manor. Out
wardly the marriage had proved a sue
cess, and the opening up of his historic
mansion had been a great boon to the
country generally. As usual there were
guests in the house, principally men
friends of Roger, who voted their host
ess one of the most charming of women.
On this particular morning the drive
leading up to the manor presented all
animated appearance with the men in
their scarlet coats ready to start for the
days hunt. Hilda stood on the terrace
steps watching the gay scene with a
somewhat sad smile on her face. Some
how she felt things had been going from
bad to worse lately She was no nearer
winning her husbands love than she had
been on their wedding day.
"Hullo, Mrs. Maxwell not coming
with us this morning?" exclaimed Capt.
Wynter she came along the terrace to
where Hilda was standing. Flows
that 2"
Before she could reply Roger sauntered
up and joined the two standing there
81 say, Maxwell" began Dick WINTER.
why isn't Mrs. Maxwell hunting to-
day? Cannot you persuade her to
change her mind and come?'
my dear Dick, I'm afraid that's i'm
possible. My wife follows her own in
clinations entirely, and I should be the
last person to interfere with her wishes"
"Well, Mrs. Maxwell" went on Capt.
WINTER, turning again to his hostess
will you come to please me? The 9th
ers can go on; I will wait for YOU. We
can catch them up later"
In a flash a thought crossed Hilda's
mind. Why not go with Capt. WINTER
and make Roger jealous? Perhaps when
he saw other men took an intarest in