|Repairing to the invalid's chamber, we shall find Mr. Calverley seated
in an easy-chair, his head supported by a pillow. For nearly a fortnight
he had not left his bed, but he insisted on getting up that day.
He had been a fine-looking old gentleman; but he was now wonderfully
reduced, and his attire hung loosely on him. Still his countenance was
very handsome.
His young wife was seated on a tabouret by his side, watching him
anxiously with her large black eyes. She was wrapped in an Indian
shawl dressing-gown, which could not conceal her perfectly-proportioned
figure.
“Give me a glass of wine, Teresa,” he said, in a scarcely audible voice.
“I feel that dreadful faintness coming on again.”
She eagerly obeyed him.
With difficulty he conveyed the wine to his lips; but having swallowed
it, he seemed better.
Taking his wife's hand, he looked at her earnestly, as he thus addressed
her:
“I must soon leave you, Teresa. Nay, do not interrupt me. I know what
you would say. It must be, my love. I cannot be deceived as to my state.
You have been an excellent wife, Teresa--a great comfort to me--a very
great comfort. You are aware I have given my solicitor, Mr. Carteret,
instructions respecting my will. I will now tell you what I have done.
I have the most perfect confidence in you, Teresa, and I know you will
carry out my instructions.”
“Be sure of it, my dear,” she murmured.
“Teresa,” he continued, speaking very deliberately, “I have left my
entire property to you.”
“To me!” she ejaculated, a slight flush tinging her pale cheek. “Oh,
love, it is not right you should do this! I am amply provided for
already by the handsome settlement you made upon me, and I tell you at
once, if you leave me your property, I shall not keep it. I shall divide
it between Chetwynd and Mildred.”
A faint smile lighted up the features of the dying man.
“I had formed a correct opinion of you, Teresa,” he said, looking at her
affectionately. “I know the goodness of your heart and the rectitude of
your principles.”
Then, slightly changing his manner, he added, “I must now make an effort
to explain myself, and I pray you to give strict attention to what I am
about to say. I have left you the whole of my property, because I feel
certain it will be placed in safe hands, and I mean you to represent
myself.”
“I listen!” she murmured.
“First, with regard to Chetwynd. I do not exactly know how he is
circumstanced, but I fear he is in debt. He has always been extravagant.
I think it will be best to continue the allowance I have hitherto made
him, of six hundred a year, for the present; and if he marries, or
reforms, let him have thirty thousand pounds.”
“It shall be done exactly as you enjoin,” said his wife, earnestly.
“Beyond the sum I have settled on you, Teresa,” continued the old man,
“I estimate my property at sixty thousand pounds. Of this one half is
to go to Chetwynd, provided he reforms; the other half to Mildred, on
her marriage, provided she marries with your consent. This house, with
the plate, pictures, books, furniture, carriages, and horses, and all
the lands attached to it, are yours--for life.”
“Oh! you are too good to me!” she exclaimed, her eyes filling with
tears.
“I have now told you all!” he said. “I leave you mistress of everything;
and; since you know my wishes, I am sure you will act up to them.”
“I will! I will!” she ejaculated, in broken accents.
“Enough! I shall now die content!”
He then closed his eyes, and his lips slightly moved, as if in prayer.
Teresa constrained her emotion by a strong effort; and, for a few
minutes, perfect silence prevailed.
The door was then softly opened by an elderly manservant, out of livery,
who came to inform his master that Mr. Carteret had returned.
“Show him up at once, Norris,” said Mr. Calverley, opening his eyes.
“His clerk is with him,” said the butler.
“Show the clerk up as well,” rejoined the old gentleman.
“Shall I withdraw?” asked Mrs. Calverley, as the butler retired.
“Perhaps you had better, my dear, till the will is signed,” replied her
husband.
Mrs. Calverley remained till the attorney appeared, and having exchanged
a word in a low tone with him, left the room.