Some few weeks subsequent to the interview just related, a lady habited
in deep mourning called upon me, and put a large bundle of papers into
my hands. It was the widow; and the papers were a statement of her
husband’s succession, much of his correspondence, evidences of her
claim, and the usual copies, which had been served upon her, of a
process which Mr. Cornelius had instituted under the advice of counsel
more pliant, or wiser than myself.
“I know something of this already,” said I, after having hastily glanced
over the contents of the package.
“Indeed, then I am unfortunate, for you are retained upon the other
side,” said the lady.
“I might have been so, but declined; and, believing as I do that you are
in the right, you will permit me to hope that you are not unfortunate.”
“The past is dark enough,” said she, “the future is with God alone.”
“Mr. Andrews had a wife living at the time of your marriage with him.”
“The evidence of that fact is in your possession.”
“You received from your mother’s succession fifty thousand dollars,
which your late husband squandered.”
“He was imprudent.”
“Of your husband’s first marriage you were ignorant, until after his
decease?”
“That knowledge came to me a double sorrow, quick following his death;
to me more terrible than death. Now, alone in the world, with none of my
blood known to me, I come to you as my defender. The law is a stern
master; sometimes blind. If I lose, I lose all, a beggar, with a name
suspected, I can do little else than lie down and die!” and she covered
her face with her hands, and sobbed aloud.
“Mr. Cornelius is honest,” said I.
“Mr. Cornelius knows not my heart.”
“He is rich.”
“I would take nothing from his wealth. True, he is a man of large
property, but my folly has, in part, brought this sorrow upon me; let
the law judge between us, I will be content.”
“Now, madam, you show the right spirit, and my best endeavors shall be
exerted in your behalf,” said I, as the lady rose, and gave me her hand
at parting. “Wait, trust in your counsel; and if you lose, still wait,
still hope; _for every thing is rewarded and avenged in time_.”
My fair client’s heart was too full to speak of gratitude; and I handed
her to the door, and took leave of her in silence.