"
Dr. Crawford had not noticed that the will
to which he affixed his signature was not the
same that had been read to him. Mrs. Crawford
had artfully substituted another paper
of quite different tenor. By the will actually
executed, the entire estate was left to Mrs.
Crawford, who was left guardian of her son
and Carl, and authorized to make such provision
for each as she might deem suitable. This,
of course, made Carl entirely dependent on
a woman who hated him.
"Now, Dr. Paul Crawford," said Mrs. Crawford
to herself, with a cold smile, "you may
die as soon as you please. Peter and I are
provided for. Your father died when a year
older than you are now, you tell me. It is
hardly likely that you will live to a greater
age than he."
She called the next day on the family physician,
and with apparent solicitude asked his
opinion of Dr. Crawford's health.
"He is all I have," she said, pathetically,
"all except my dear Peter. Tell me what you
think of his chances of continued life."
"Your husband," replied the physician, "has
one weak organ. It is his heart. He may live
for fifteen or twenty years, but a sudden
excitement might carry him off in a moment.
The best thing you can do for him is to keep
him tranquil and free from any sudden shock."
Mrs. Crawford listened attentively.
"I will do my best," she said, "since so much
depends on it."
When she returned home it was with a settled
purpose in her heart.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
PETER LETS OUT A SECRET.
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