w it quite well,
it is dated on the very day of her death. She had been writing and
reading in her study on that very night; I have often heard papa speak
of the circumstance. Look and read. You are a lawyer, Mr. Pendennis;
tell me about this paper."

I seized it eagerly, and cast my eyes over it; but having read it, my
countenance fell.

"My dear Miss Newcome, it is not worth a penny," I was obliged to own.

"Yes, it is, sir, to honest people!" she cried out. "My brother and
uncle will respect it as Mrs. Newcome's dying wish. They must respect
it."

The paper in question was a letter in ink that had grown yellow from
time, and was addressed by the late Mrs. Newcome, to "my dear Mr. Luce."

"That was her solicitor, my solicitor still," interposes Miss Ethel.

"THE HERMITAGE, March 14, 182-.

"My Dear Mr. Luce" (the defunct lady wrote)--"My late husband's grandson
has been staying with me lately, and is a most pleasing, handsome, and
engaging little boy. He bears a strong likeness to his grandfather, I
think; and though he has no claims upon me, and I know is sufficiently
provided for by his father Lieutenant-Colonel Newcome, C.B., of the East
India Company's Service, I am sure my late dear husband will be pleased
that I should leave his grandson, Clive Newcome, a token of peace and
goodwill; and I can do so with the more readiness, as it has pleased
Heaven greatly to increase my means since my husband was called away
hence.

"I desire to bequeath a sum equal to that which Mr Newcome willed to
my eldest son, Brian Newcome, Esq., to Mr. Newcome's grandson, Clive
Newcome; and furthermore, that a token of my esteem and affection, a
ring, or a piece of plate, of the value of one hundred pounds, be
given to Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Newcome, my stepson, whose excellent
conduct for many years, and whose repeated acts of gallantry in the
service of his sovereign, have long obliterated the just feelings of
displeasure with which I could not but view his early disobedience and
misbehaviour, before he quitted England against my will, and entered the
military service.

"I beg you to prepare immediately a codicil to my will providing for the
above bequests; and desire that the amount of these legacies should be
taken from the property bequeathed to my eldest son. You will be so good
as to prepare the necessary document, and bring it with you when you
come on Saturday, to yours very truly,

"Sophia Alethea Newcome.