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40 date of my death, in order that my nieces shall have abundant opportunity to search for said proofs in said box. If, at the end of said year, no one of my nieces shall have found such proofs, then Caroline, Ellen Ann, and Mary Weathersby, and their mother, Mary Ann Weathersby, shall move out of my house and relinquish all claim to my estate.

"In such case, a second will made by me, and left with Cyrus Clifford, president of the First National Bank of Strangetown, shall be opened, and my estate settled according to its provisions.

"Furthermore, I decree that the contents of this will shall be known only to my three nieces, their mother, the two witnesses, and the executor herein named, until after the expiration of one year from the date of my death. Otherwise this will shall become null and void, the second will becoming the true will.

"I hereby appoint Cyrus Clifford executor under both wills, he to furnish customary bond."

The explanatory letter, which was addressed to mother, and which accompanied this unique document, was characteristic of Aunt Ellen, showing, as it did, her hatred and distrust of men, her petty economies, and her firm belief that her way was the only way.

Caroline read:—

Dear Sister-in-law:—The time has come when I cannot reasonably expect to live much longer, therefore I have made such disposal of my estate as will enable me to die with a clear conscience and a peaceful heart.

I have made two wills, both of which are held in trust by Cyrus Clifford, whom I selected as executor, because I am convinced that he is too cowardly to be otherwise than upright, he being a prominent Methodist, and afraid to follow those impulses natural to all men.

I have thought of leaving my worldly goods to some noble charity; but after all, "blood is thicker than water," and as I near the end my heart turns to my next of kin. Would they were worthy of my beneficence!

Doubtless you can recall, Mary Ann, that during my annual visits to your home in the past, I have sometimes criticized the methods by which you have brought up your family. It is not all of life to be musical, literary, and society favorites. It pains me to write it, but your daughters have no practical knowledge of ordinary affairs, and, more deplorable yet, none of that good old commodity—sound common sense.

A woman who is not ashamed to use her hands in any honest employment will retain the respect of all right-thinking people. To this end, I once advised you to keep a cow, suggesting that Caroline should do the milking, and thus enable you to add to your narrow income by the sale of the milk.