human
It might be well to question each near relative directly, he added.
gpt
Mr. Job Pratt, do _you_ know nothing of any will?
human
Nothing whatever. At one time I did think the deacon meant to make his testament; but I conclude that he must have changed his mind.
gpt
And you, Mrs. Thomas, turning to the sister--
human
I once talked with brother about it, answered this relative, who was working away in a rocking-chair as if she thought the earth might stop in its orbit, if she herself ceased to keep in motion;
gpt
And you, Mary; do you know anything of a will made by your uncle?
human
Then no one present knows of any paper that the deacon left specially to be opened after his death?
gpt
A paper! cried Mary, hastily.
human
Yes, I know something of a _paper_--I thought you spoke of a will.
gpt
A will is commonly written on paper, now-a-days, Miss Mary--but, you have a _paper_?
human
Uncle gave me a _paper_, and told me to keep till Roswell Gardiner came back; and, if he himself should not then be living, to give it to him --The colour now mounted to the very temples of the pretty girl, and she seemed to speak with greater deliberation and care.
gpt
As I was to give the paper to Roswell, I have always thought it related to him. My uncle spoke of it to me as lately as the day of his death.
human
That's the will, beyond a doubt! cried Rev. Mr. Whittle; with more exultation than became his profession and professions--
gpt
Do you not think this may be Deacon Pratt's will, Miss Mary?
human
Mr. Roswell Gardiner, Master of the Schooner Sea Lion, now absent on a voyage.