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.

——