I have made a will, leaving this amount to you, Paulina--
charged only with a small annuity to a faithful old servant--together
with my personal property, consisting only of a few good Italian
pictures, a library of rare old books, and the carvings and decorations
of my roams--all valuable in their way. This is all the law allows me
to give you, Paulina; but it will, at least, secure you from want."
Madame Durski tried to speak; but she was too deeply affected by this
new proof of her lover's generosity. Tears choked her utterance; she
took Douglas Dale's hand in both her own, and lifted it to her lips;
and this silent expression of gratitude touched his heart more than the
most eloquent speech could have affected it.
He led her into the room where the attorney awaited her.
"This gentleman is Mr. Horley," he said, "a friend and adviser in whom
you may place unbounded confidence. My will is to remain in his
possession; and should any untimely fate overtake me, he will protect
your interests. And now, Mr. Horley, will you be good enough to read
the document to Madame Durski, in order that she may understand what
her position would be in case of the worst?"
Mr. Horley read the will. It was as simple and concise as the law
allows any legal document to be; and it made Paulina Durski mistress of
twelve thousand pounds, and property equal to two or three thousand
more, in the event of Douglas Dale's death.
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