"This fond attachment to the well known place
Whence first we started into life's long race,
Maintains its hold with such unfailing sway,
We feel it even in age, and at our dying day." COWPER.
_Saturday, October 28th._
The funeral services of Squire Lee are to take place on Monday
afternoon. Joseph has not yet arrived. Allen is not at all sure that he
did not immediately leave the country as they heard, for fear his father
would refuse to pay the note he had forged under the false signature of
agent of the firm. But Lucy feels sure he would not be willing to leave
until their father died, and the estate was settled. Poor girl! she has
wept until she can weep no longer. She now begins to realize the trial
of leaving her dear home, and all the associations connected with her
mother and father.
Mr. Mansfield, Allen's father, has expressed his earnest desire to have
them leave the house directly after the funeral, and make their home
with him. But Lucy will not consent to leave until Joseph arrives, or
until she is forced to do so. Emily thinks she secretly hopes that her
brother will wish to share the estate with her, when he knows his
father's dying wishes. Her husband has no idea of this kind, and says he
is only too happy in the possession of such a treasure as his Lucy. He
is now in business with his father; and though not able to live in the
splendor she did before her father's sickness, yet he can give her
every comfort, and he is sure he can make her happy.
_Monday, October 30th._
I was exceedingly disappointed in not being able to attend the funeral,
but I will give you Emily's account of the services. Mother accompanied
Frank and sister to the house of mourning. Being the members of the
family of the attending physician, they were shown into the room with
the relatives. This is the common usage here. The adjoining rooms, hall,
and stair way, were filled to overflowing with neighbors and friends.
Our pastor commenced the solemn services of the occasion by reading a
few select, and very appropriate passages of Scripture. These were
followed by remarks, in which he alluded to the change in the character
of the deceased, and to his peaceful death. He stated, that during the
past year, he had enjoyed many conversations with him upon the subject
of personal religion. He had always exhibited at such times, a humble,
penitent spirit, and a deep sense of gratitude to a long suffering God,
who had not cut him off in the midst of his sins; but had allowed him
space for repentance. He then closed with an appropriate and impressive
prayer.
When he had concluded, an opportunity was afforded for all who desired
to take their last look at the marble countenance of the departed. After
this a long procession followed his remains to the place of sepulchral
rest.
During all this mournful scene, Joseph, who had arrived an hour before
the obsequies, exhibited the most astonishing indifference. Not a tear
evinced sorrow at the loss of his only parent; though his affectionate
sister was bitterly weeping at his side. He sat a loathsome, bloated
form, gazing abstractedly about the room, or yawning as if already weary
of this last poor respect to the memory of his deceased father.
In compliance with the request of Allen and Lucy, the Doctor and Emily
returned to Lee Hall, to be present at the reading of the will. As
Joseph, the executor, had but just arrived, he was not in possession of
the document, and sent Jacob to Mr. Colby to procure it. He soon
returned, and after Lucy had summoned Mrs. Burns to the room, Joseph
proceeded to read it. This legal document, you will remember, was dated
on the very day Lucy refused to marry William Arnold, and had no doubt
long been keenly regretted by the testator. By this unrighteous
instrument, his affectionate daughter was cut off from any portion of
her father's estate, which was all bequeathed to his son Joseph Lee, Jr.
This brought so vividly to the remembrance of the weeping daughter the
trials which had long been forgotten, or thought of but as a troubled
dream, that she could scarcely support herself. Emily besought her to be
comforted, reminding her of the words of a favorite poet,
"The darkest day,
Live till to-morrow, will have passed away."
The Doctor had long determined, if an opportunity presented itself, to
tell Joseph what he knew to be the wishes of his father; and to state
his conviction that he had intended to provide for his daughter in a
later will. This he now did, and appealed to him as a son and brother to
perform the oft repeated wish of his father toward his sister. He was
proceeding to say that Mrs. Burns, who had been present on some of these
occasions, could corroborate this testimony when he was interrupted by
Joseph, who had waited with ill-concealed impatience for him to finish.
"It's of no use wasting words in this matter," said he, trying to
control his angry feelings, "If she whom you call my sister, had acceded
to the wishes of her father, (whom she now pretends to mourn) in the
choice of a husband, this will would never have been executed. If she
had remained single, I, as the executor, and only heir, should have set
it aside, and shared the property equally with her. But as she has
chosen her path, so she must walk in it; as she has married a mean
rascal," (for the first time letting his eye rest upon Allen, and with
the look of a fiend,) "she must take the consequences."
At the first mention of his wife in this insulting manner, Allen had
started to his feet; but the Doctor put his hand gently upon his arm,
and he sank back into his seat.
Poor Lucy was spared the pain of hearing his insolent mention of her
husband; she had fainted in Emily's arms.
All was now confusion. Mrs. Burns was flying for restoratives. Emily and
Allen chafing her cold hands, while the servants alarmed at the noise
were running in from every direction. Joseph walked deliberately into
another room, slamming the door after him. The Doctor proposed taking
the unconscious bride to her own apartment. Emily indignantly refused,
and said, "I will not leave her in the house another moment." But
neither her husband nor her physician would consent to have her leave in
that condition. Beside the latter, determined to leave nothing undone,
meant secretly to make one more appeal to Joseph in his sister's behalf.
After a few moments, the sufferer drew a long sigh, and becoming
conscious, stared wildly about the room, and then burst into a
passionate fit of weeping.
The Doctor, who knew this scene ought not to be prolonged, sat down by
her side, and gently tried to soothe her. He soon drew from her the fact
of her strong desire to carry with her the portraits of her parents.
Emily began to urge her afflicted friend to hasten her departure. In
truth she says that she feared every moment a fresh outrage; and Lucy
left the room feebly, as if the weight of years had fallen upon her. She
wished to go through the house and take a sorrowful leave of the home of
her childhood, and more especially of the apartment where she had spent
two years in the society and care of her father; now hallowed by the
remembrance of his peaceful death. Mrs. Burns supported her on one side,
and Emily on the other, while she thus took her sad farewell of places
and objects so dear to her heart.
It was not the thought of leaving the gorgeously furnished parlors,
where the brilliant-hued carpets gave back no echo of the
foot-step--where were mirrors the height of the rooms--chandeliers where
the light was caught and reflected from innumerable hanging
crystals--crimson velvet lounges and divans whose outstretched arms
invited repose; it was not the thought of leaving these which
overpowered her. No; it was the nursery of her childhood,--the cradle of
her infancy--the closet, in which kneeling by her gentle mother, she had
first learned to pray--the private sitting-room where her willing ears
first drank in vows of affection from her Allen--the chamber in which
both father and mother had breathed out their souls to God. These were
the places and objects over which she yearned in agony of spirit as she
gazed her long _farewell_.
Then came her separation from the old servants who had many of them
remained for years solely out of affection for her. And who, when her
sorrow for herself was changed to care for her stricken father, had
shared her duties and attentions to him during the long period of his
sickness. She assured them she should never forget their faithfulness or
affection. Mrs. Burns, who had long been regarded as a friend and
companion, was to accompany her, and for the present to remain in the
house of her father-in-law. The rest crowded around her and wept aloud.
In the mean time the Doctor had taken advantage of their absence to
venture into the presence of Joseph; when he asked him if it was indeed
his intention to drive his only sister from her home.
The unnatural brother coldly replied, "she must leave, and the sooner
the better for all concerned."
Frank then begged for her the portraits of her parents.
"No, not an article shall she--" but seeing an awful look of
indignation on the Doctor's face he checked himself, and said, "well, I
won't object to that; they're no use to me. You may tell her she may
take them,--and stay," he added as Frank was leaving the room, "tell her
that she may send a servant for all her gewgaws and finery; I shall want
them out of the way."
His indignant hearer deigned not a word of reply, but left the room, and
told Allen to take the portraits, which with a few articles for
immediate use were put into the carriage, and with grateful, though sad
adieus to their sympathizing friends they drove away.
Emily would not remain a moment longer. "Get me away! I can't breathe
here!" she exclaimed to her brother, as they were waiting for the
carriage.
_Tuesday, October 31st._
Mrs. Burns returned to-day to Lee Hall, and found it indeed desolate.
Not a servant remained but the porter; and he had only been detained for
a few days, by a promise of great wages. While Mrs. Burns was packing,
he came stealthily to her room, and told her what had taken place after
she left. Shutting himself in his own apartment to avoid the
disagreeable scenes around him, the new owner of this princely mansion
hastened out when all was quiet to order brandy and cigars to be brought
in with supper. He rang the bell. There was no response. He rang again.
He then walked angrily to the kitchen, but all was deserted. He stamped
and swore until the maid servants clung together in their affright, and
only wished themselves safely out of the house. Each one of them would
far sooner have given up the wages due them, than to have ventured into
the presence of this monster in human form.
At length he was heard coming up stairs, and Jacob came out of his room
dressed to leave; when really pitying his frightened companions, he
determined to turn Joseph's anger against himself. After hearing the
most abusive language unmoved, Jacob told his master, he would follow
him to the parlor, and there receive his directions.
Joseph appeared to remember that he was compromising his dignity by
condescending to follow a servant to his room, and he went below.
With a whispered word to his companions to leave their effects with him,
and depart, the kind hearted Jacob waited upon his _master_, though he
will not call him such; and there was persuaded to remain a short time
as mentioned above.
Mrs. Burns told the good man that she would see that every cent of their
wages was paid to them, and then with his assistance loaded the wagon
with the trunks, and took her leave of the place where she had passed
nearly twenty years.
_Saturday, November 18th._
We have heard nothing from the proprietor of Lee Hall, except the fact
from Jacob, that Mr. Colby has completely domesticated himself in the
family; and the new servants brought from the city, have all given
notice of their intention to leave. Two of the girls were indignant at
their employer on account of his insulting familiarity.
Jacob says the house is seldom quiet until long after midnight; and that
alarmed by the uproarious noise in the parlors, he has sometimes
ventured below and heard violent altercations between Joseph and the
lawyer. But the next morning, when they had slept off the effects of
their wine, they appeared as friendly as ever.
Sister Emily went with Allen and Lucy to-day to look at a pretty
cottage, with a view to house-keeping. The distance from Allen's
business was the only objection, as they do not intend to keep a
carriage. The bride has not yet recovered from the effects of the
excitement and sorrow through which she has passed. We all think the
novelty of furnishing her house will occupy her attention and be of use
to her.
_Thursday, November 23d._
After breakfast this morning Frank showed me the following notice in the
Crawford Advertiser.
"PROBATE COURT NOTICE."
"At a court of Probate held in the town of Crawford, county of
----, and commonwealth of Massachusetts, November 22d, 1837,
whereas there and then appeared Joseph Lee, gentleman, to set up
what he claimed to be the last will and testament of one Joseph
Lee, deceased, and whereas objections were filed with this court by
his brother-in-law, Allen Mansfield, against this instrument from a
belief that it was not the _last_ will and testament of the
testator, therefore notice is hereby given to all parties and
persons interested to appear before me at 10 o'clock, A. M.,
Thursday, the 30th of this month, and show cause if any there be,
why said will should not be set up and executed.
---- ----, _Judge of Probate._
_November 22d._"
_Monday, November 27th._
The Doctor was notified to-day to appear before the Probate Court as a
witness for Allen Mansfield against Joseph Lee. His sympathies are of
course with Lucy and Allen, and he will testify to what he is sure were
the intentions of the father. But he feels quite confident that there is
no legal testimony in the case, sufficient to prove that he ever did
make a will according to his intentions. It appears extremely improbable
that if such a document had been in existence previous to the marriage
of his daughter, that he should not have mentioned the fact to Allen.
But he only said, "You will not have a portionless bride." That such a
document did not then exist is almost certain from the fact it could
not have been made without the knowledge of some one in the house, since
though the old gentleman was perhaps capable of drawing up a legal
document, and had the perfect use of his right hand, yet such document
being drawn up, would not be admitted in court without witnesses.
Then if executed the day after the marriage took place as was at first
hoped, where is it? What motive could there be for concealing it? and
for allowing one of former date to be presented and set up?
_Friday, December 1st._
Yesterday the Doctor attended the Probate Court. Mr. Willard appeared
for Allen Mansfield. After the will had been read, and proved by the
witnesses, to be both genuine and authentic, Mr. Willard asked leave to
call for the witnesses to the deed of gift to widow Churchill; and
endeavored in vain to prove by them that a subsequent will had been
made.
One of the witnesses to the latter instrument was not living, being the
young man who was so suddenly killed. The other testified that no
farther business, except signing the deed was transacted in his
presence.
Lawyer Colby corroborated this testimony, while Joseph Lee after being
sworn, testified that although Mr. Willard's statements might be true as
to his father's intention to make a second will, he had yet to learn
that such a will had actually been made.
For want of proof of the existence of a second will, the one then before
the court was set up and Joseph Lee duly appointed executor upon his
deceased father's estate.