history as he related it to others, as well as to the Doctor, at different times, it would run as follows; and we know not for how many railway officials the same story might not, with a little change of names and incidents, be made to serve.

CHAPTER XI.

THE DYING STATION-MASTER'S HISTORY.

"I HAVE not a relation in the world but my two dear girls; and if from the time I was a youth I had never had a relation, but had been thrown entirely on my own resources, it had been far better for me. The truth is, in early days I was buoyed up with false expectations; I was tricked with delusive views of things, till I was nearly thirty years of age. age. By that time I had squandered my own little inheritance— however little then, it would have seemed large, indeed, just now-on mere amusements, and as pocket-money; for, between the home of my own mother in early life, and the home of my wife's mother a little later-rent, taxes, and housekeeping seemed, like the sunshine and the shower,too much things of course to say 'Thank you' for.

"In the course of this time I had talked of all kinds of professions, but followed none; though I soon felt that public opinion and the feelings of society were more and more against me, as also that I was uncomfortably living amidst a general expectation that, of course, I should do something soon-which kind of general presumption at length resulted in very uncomplimentary hints and marks of contempt at the idle life I was living at the time then present. This was too evident to escape notice, even among some of the younger, and certainly among all the middle-aged people; but as to the old and intimate friends of the family, they did not care to mince the matter in the least, but sorely nettled me, by speaking out and giving way to certain very ominous remarks-remarks, of which I never saw the exact truth till far too latenamely, that this state of things could not last for ever; and one old gentleman, yet more significantly said, 'Now mark my words, young man, some fine morning you will find yourself left high and dry, and live to curse the cruel kindness of your relations: for I have lived quite long enough in the world to see that, dying without Wills, and all the caprices of fortune, are so common as to seem a natural visitation upon those who depend on resources not their own.'

"The old man added something more, about there being in the human mind an innate resentment against idleness; indeed, that men who take an honest and industrious part in the great workshop of this busy world, are out of all patience at seeing others coolly reaping what they did not sow-and 'Served them right,' was the first exclamation, whenever they were stranded, and left to work out the hard problem of life for themselves.

"Before I was thirty-one years of age all this was verified to the letter; the very words my tormentors had used, formed the most truthful picture of all that happened. My wife's mother died-bequeathing, or intending to bequeath, her daughter fifteen thousand pounds Consols, besides a residue not worth much. But the said fifteen thousand pounds were in trust the deceased had only a life-interest, with what is called 'power of appointment,' or of bequeathing it by Will-which power, if she failed to execute, it was directed that the money should be paid over to another member of the family.

"I never shall forget the quiet sneer, the air of triumph, and the cold satisfaction, scarcely concealed beneath the thinnest veil of courtesy and business-manners, when I applied to the

trustee to arrange to transfer this tempting fifteen thousand pounds to my name in the Bank of England.

666

Certainly,' was the provoking reply; 'but first, you must show me your authority to receive it.'

"Nothing can be easier. Here is the probate of my mother-in-law's will, bequeathing all her property to my wife. Surely, nothing can be plainer than that?'

"I have simply to say, that none of what was legally the property of your late mother-inlaw is in my keeping.'

"What! are there not fifteen thousand pounds Consols in your keeping?'

"Yes; but the capital never was held in trust for the deceased: only the dividends-a life interest—which dies with her.'

"Then what becomes of the capital ?'

66 6

"The capital I hold in trust for your wife's cousin, unless your mother-in-law should otherwise appoint; that is, bequeath it differently.' Bequeath it differently!' I cried, in an agony of consternation and passion. 'She has left every farthing—" real and personal, wheresoever and what kind soever"-to my wife.' "Yes; all her property. There is the distinction. This was not hers.

The Will has no