I presume this is proof sufficient," said May, spreading out
the lost will before him. But such was his surprise, and so great his
eagerness to take it to the window to examine it, that he upset his
desk, and losing his balance, plunged head foremost after it, and lay
amidst the ruins covered with books, ink, and papers.
"Indeed, sir, I hope you are not hurt, and beg of you to excuse me,"
said May, trying to raise him up, while she laughed until tears ran
down her cheeks. "There, sir, sit in the arm-chair, and let me wipe
the ink from your face."
"Let the ink be, May. Only tell me how this will has been so
unexpectedly recovered, for it is, I am willing to swear on the Holy
Evangely, the identical one I drew up the day your uncle died," he
said, quite unruffled by the accident, and examining the document with
a close scrutinizing look.
"Are you perfectly satisfied?" asked May, gravely.
"Perfectly," he replied.
"Then I can only tell you that it is a case of conscience which I am
not at liberty to reveal; indeed, I would rather tear that will into
fragments than reveal its history. Heaven has interposed in answer to
prayer in this matter; an immortal soul has been led back to God.
Justice is satisfied. The widow, the orphan, the destitute will be
comforted--"
"And you will be as rich as Croesus!" said Mr. Fielding, with a
delighted look.
"Oh, sir! Oh, Mr. Fielding, what shall I do?" exclaimed May, bursting
into a fit of crying.
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