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Elizabeth's Pretenders
305

in the Farley estate, together with the jointure settled upon Mrs. Shaw, on her marriage.

The butler and valet were then summoned to witness their master's signature, which was clear enough, though written with a trembling hand. To this codicil he wished some explanation to be appended, the actual wording of which, after a little deliberation, was formulated by Twisden thus—

"I make this alteration in my will, being at the time of sound mind, in order that my wife may not fall a victim to designing persons, at my death; a precaution I am sure she will understand."

After that he seemed more tranquil, partly, no doubt, from exhaustion.

"You'll stay the night here, Twisden?" he asked feebly.

"As my business here is done, I shall be glad to return by the eight-o'clock train. I shall be home by eleven," said the lawyer, locking his bag.

William Shaw touched the bell."Some dinner for Mr. Twisden—at once—and the brougham round—in time for the eight-o'clock train."

The distincness of his instructions was especially mentioned afterwards, when the clearness of his brain at the time was called in question. He was told that the doctor had arrived.

"I suppose I must see him. It ain't any use, but I suppose I'd better see him. A few days more—or less; it's hardly worth while———"

"Oh yes, it is," returned the lawyer, as he held out his hand. "While there is life, there is hope. I've been