The Illegal Marriage — page 149: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE. 141 den meaning in the words. “Why do you say so now.” “ Because the property is yours.” Stannard snatched the will from Martin’s hands, and ran over it hastily, finding that this was true. Morgan had left the estate to him without reserve, leaving it to his honor to provide for Cecy. For one moment he paused, then tore the will in pieces. “Oh, colonel, what have you done!” exclaimed the lawyer. “It is a mistake, Martin, alla mistake. That will was made under a false impression. Under no cir- cumstances would I take one dollar of this property —it belongs to his natural heir, and not to me.” Pierce sprang forward and grasped his hand. “God bless you. Stannard, I honor you for it. As poor as Iam, I could not have taken the money from er; 7? “It was a mistake,” said Stannard again. “Mar- tin, you need not pick up the pieces, for I will not have the estate.” “Colonel, let me say a word to you. Miss Morgan is engaged to a young man, whom her father dis- liked, and who is, I firmly believe, only anxious to get this property.” “You too, Martin! What do you know against him ?” “Perhaps 1 cannot tell in words, but I distrust him. He may bea good man; if sol will beg his pardon; but I want you to wait until this matter is settled before giving up your claim. Promise me to do this, and I will join you in all you wish.” “Have you seen Guerry?” asked Pierce. “No, he has not yet. been to see her. Yesterday I left word at his father’s for him to come over at once, and I hope to see him to-day.” “Colonel Stannard,” continued Martin, “I have a purpose in this, and again ask you to agree to it, Miss Morgan need know nothing of it.” “As you wish, Martin. I shall not see her suffer in any way; but beyond that, have your own way.” The doctor went into Miss Morgan’s room, and found her much better. She was sitting up in bed, comicbooks (ele)