"
"Yes, that seems only fair. You do not mention Peter.
I ought to do something for him."
"Your kindness touches me, my dear husband,
but I shall be able to provide for him
out of my liberal bequest. I do not wish to
rob your son, Carl. I admit that I do not like him,
but that shall not hinder me from being just."
Dr. Crawford was pleased with this unexpected
concession from his wife. He felt that he should
be more at ease if Carl's future was assured.
"Very well, my dear," he said, cheerfully.
"I approve of the will as you have drawn it
up, and I will affix my signature at once."
"Then, shall I send for two of the neighbors
to witness it?"
"It will be well."
Two near neighbors were sent for and
witnessed Dr. Crawford's signature to the will.
There was a strangely triumphant look in
Mrs. Crawford's eyes as she took the document
after it had been duly executed.
"You will let me keep this, doctor?" she
asked. "It will be important for your son as
well as myself, that it should be in safe hands."
"Yes; I shall be glad to have you do so. I
rejoice that it is off my mind."
"You won't think me mercenary, my dear
husband, or indifferent to your life?"
"No; why should I?"
"Then I am satisfied."
Mrs. Crawford took the will, and carrying
it upstairs, opened her trunk, removed the false
bottom, and deposited under it the last will
and testament of Dr. Paul Crawford.
"At last!" she said to herself. "I am secure,
and have compassed what I have labored for so long.
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