Such was the substance of Squire Oakley's last will and testament, now for the first time revealed.
Mrs. Oakley read it with mingled feelings,--partly of indignation with her late husband that he should have made such a will, partly of joy that no one save herself knew of its existence. She held in her hand a document which in John Oakley's hands would be worth forty thousand dollars if she permitted him to obtain it. But she had no such intention. What should be done with it?
Should she lock it up carefully where it would not be likely to be found? There would be danger of discovery at any moment.
"It must be destroyed," she said to herself, resolutely. "There is no other way. A single match will make me secure in the possession of the estate."
Mrs. Oakley knew that it was a criminal act which she had in view; but the chance of detection seemed to be slight. In fact, since no one _knew_ that such a will was in existence, though some might suspect it, there seemed to be no danger at all.
"Yes, it shall be destroyed and at once. There can be no reason for delay," she said firmly.
She crossed the entry into her own chamber, first closing the secret drawer, and moving the old desk back to its accustomed place. There was a candle on the mantel-piece, which she generally lighted at night. She struck a match, and lighted it now. This done, she approached the will to the flame, and the corner of the document so important to John Oakley caught fire, and the insidious flame began to spread. Mrs. Oakley watched it with exulting eyes, when a sudden step was heard at the door of her chamber, and, turning, she saw Hannah, the servant-girl, standing on the threshold, looking in.
Mrs. Oakley half rose, withdrawing the will from the candle, and demanded harshly:--
"Shall I go out to the garden and get some vegetables for dinner?" asked Hannah.
"Of course you may. You needn't have come up here to ask," said her mistress, with irritation.
"I didn't know whether you would want any," said Hannah, defending herself. "There was some cold vegetables left from yesterday's dinner. I thought maybe you'd have them warmed over."
"Well, if there are enough left you may warm them. I'll come down just as soon as I can. I have been looking over some old papers of my husband's," she explained, rather awkwardly, perceiving that Hannah's eyes were bent curiously upon the will and the candle, "and burning such as were of no value. Do you know what time it is?"