New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-08


and depth and he still carried his right arm IN sling
The curly brown hair that had suggested his familiar
nickname shcarcl of closely and there were traces
of other cuts on the top and back OF his head
But more noticeable than any Of these MINOR evils
which time would assuagc and almost ettace, was the
new expression IN Wavcrtons eyes and mouth In the
old DAYS ne was seldom never absolutely sober, ana
his air of vacOus good humor and thorough enjoyment
Of life had deceived people into credltng HIM with
qualities ne either did not possess Or could conceal most
eifectualy where his wife concerned Now 1t was
a cold sclf-contancd man who met the lawyer pohtc
inquiries as 20 his convlcscence, and he spoke IN
straightforward manner that Curtis found positively
Wavcrton seemed to become aware Of a scrutinzing
glance. IL am a somcwha. changed person since my
Incident Mr. Curtis he said 1T has left Its mark on
me. as YOU have seen for yourself no doubt. mean to
look into my affairs. put everything IN order, ana go
away for a long rest. VIII it matter If sign papers
with my left hand;
"Not in the least. provided your signature is attested
"Ycs my ght wrist was sprancd and dislocated, and
that is far than a break as everybody knows.
Can YOU come with me o. my bank | called at the
bank this morning. and the Ter explained that he had
seen so little Of me in the past that my tcrate scraw
needed some explanation. OF course, don't blame
him; but this matter shou be put right
Certainly had no idea you were so knocked
about am sorry now. Mr. Wavcrton, that We did not
appeal TO your wiicS sense of far play
Great Scott, Mani on what plea;
"Thc proceedings might have been delayed. There
is no knowing what might have happened IN the new
conditions
But | wished no obstacles whatever TO be imposed.
| tclcgraphcd my explicit instructions
"Of course. Of course | acted on them without re-
serve"
Has not everything been for the best2 | am free,
and Mrs Wavcrton is free and gather from your last
letter that She will receive nearly 'n thousand dollars
year from the trustees She has nothing to grumble at
now. surely
Curtis was still more puzzled; but he did not want to
quarrel with a good client. "Your wife he began.
Wavcrton broke in curtly. please remember that
she has ceased to be my wife.
We'll, then the former Mrs. Waverton is a very
charming woman, and it m ght have been possible for
both of you to make a fresh start in life.
"Not a bit Of it, No more charming women for me-
Who succeeds to the property This divorce compli-
Gates matters a bit. doesn't it,"
The lawyer lifted h hands in panied establishment.
"Obviousy. the estate S yours absolutely, he sad,
"yours to DO with you WILL subject to-er-the pro-
vision made by the court for Mrs Wavcrton and the
child. Your cousin he alive, would have to be
considered, perhaps but, since he IS dead its dSposl
ton rests with YOU Yet young man like you need
not be seriously perpcxed about your successor lou
have had sufficiently escape this occasion
to warrant immunity from further mshap for 4 long
time
But how about my wil?'
AS you are aware, the disposition made your
marriage created trust for Mrs. Waverton and her
children If any
"Docs that hold good now27
"Assurcdy, until you alter t. Shall take fresh in
structons;
no"
The lawyer dropped the pen he had taken in his hand
by force Of habit. "You mean that the old will is to
stand?' he said, genuinely bcwildered
"Yes OF course. may be a scamp; but don't in
tend to rob that infant The child succeeds to every
thing take it, with a life interest for her mother
Exactly. You will not be angry with me If | say
that you have a closer grasp OF affairs now than -er-
before your accident, Mr. Waverton"
THE actual fact is that my head is in a whirl. for
get things. don't know my own belongings some
times. told YOU was conscious of a change, and, for
the most part it takes that shape forgctfuncss. At
any rate, am not bcmuscd with drink, and that counts