So impressed were they with the apparent purpose of Colonel Dumont in
throwing the veil of secrecy over the contents of his will, that the
very strangeness of it seemed to confirm its genuineness; and they did
not scrutinize it so closely as under other circumstances they probably
would have done.
How often may a good motive be tortured, by the appearance of evil, into
the most despicable criminality! Colonel Dumont in this will had devised
large sums of money to various charitable institutions, and in the event
of his life being prolonged, did not wish to be pointed at and lauded
for this act. True charity is modest, and Colonel Dumont did not desire
to see his name blazoned forth to the world for doing that which he
honestly and religiously deemed his duty.
This modesty had favored Jaspar's plans. No one could now gainsay the
will he had invented; and he felt strong in his position, especially
after the witnesses had assented to their signatures.
Among the persona who had been present in the library was Mr. Faxon, an
aged and worthy clergyman.
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