"The young woman, who at this instant appeared in the doorway, blushed and cast a shy look over her shoulder at the fresh-faced man who followed her.
"'It's all right, Minnie,' immediately interposed that genial personage, with a cheerful smile; 'every one knows we are keeping company and mean to be married as soon as the times improve.'
"'Yes, every one knows,' she sighed, and stepped briskly into the room, her intelligent face and kindly expression diffusing a cheer about her such as the dismal spot had doubtless lacked for years.
"I heard afterward that this interesting couple had been waiting for the times to improve, for the last fifteen years."
III.
CONTINUATION OF A LAWYER'S ADVENTURE.
"The two witnesses had scarcely entered the room before the dying woman stretched out her hand again for the pen. As I handed it to her and placed the document before her on my portfolio, I asked:
"'Do you declare this paper to be your last will and testament and do you request these persons to witness it?'
"She bowed a quick acquiescence, and put the pen at the place I pointed out to her.
"'Shall I support your hand?' I pursued, fearful she would not have the strength to complete the task.