Chapter XXXVI. Making a Will - Page 2

think you are in any danger?" she asked.

"I don't know. I am not an old man, but, on the other hand, I am an invalid. My father died when he was only a year older than I am at present."

Mrs. Crawford drew out her handkerchief, and proceeded to wipe her tearless eyes.

"You distress me beyond measure by your words, my dear husband. How can I think of your death without emotion? What should I do without you?"

"My dear, you must expect to survive me. You are younger than I, and much stronger."

"Besides," and Mrs. Crawford made an artful pause, "I hardly like to mention it, but Peter and I are poor, and by your death might be left to the cold mercies of the world."

"Surely I would not fail to provide for you."

Mrs. Crawford shook her head.

"I am sure of your kind intentions, my husband," she said, "but they will not avail unless you provide for me in your will."

"Yes, it's only right that I should do so. As soon as I feel equal to the effort I will draw up a will."

"I hope you will, for I should not care to be dependent on Carl, who does not like me. I hope you will not think me mercenary, but to Peter and myself this is of vital importance."

"No, I don't misjudge you. I ought to have thought of it before."

"I don't care so much about myself," said Mrs. Crawford, in a tone of self-sacrifice, "but I should not like to have Peter thrown upon the world without means."

"All that you say is wise and reasonable," answered her husband, wearily. "I will attend to the matter to-morrow."

The next day Mrs. Crawford came into her husband's presence with a sheet of legal cap.

"My dear husband," she said, in a soft, insinuating tone, "I wished to spare you trouble, and I have accordingly drawn up a will to submit to you, and receive your signature, if you approve it."

Dr. Crawford looked surprised.

"Where did you learn to write a will?" he asked.

"I used in my days of poverty to copy documents for a lawyer," she replied. "In this way I became something of a lawyer myself."

"I see. Will you read what you have prepared?"

Mrs. Crawford read the document in her hand. It provided in the proper legal phraseology for an equal division of the testator's estate between the widow and Carl.

"I didn't know, of course, what provision you intended to make for me," she said, meekly. "Perhaps you do not care to leave me half the estate."

"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