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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"From Mine Own People"

Now an inch lower--why did I
never learn to use a type-writer?--"This is the last will and testament of me,
Richard Heldar. I am in sound bodily and mental health, and there is no
previous will to revoke."--That's all right. Damn the pen! Whereabouts on the
paper was I?--"I leave everything that I possess in the world, including four
thousand pounds, and two thousand seven hundred and twenty eight pounds held
for me"--oh, I can't get this straight." He tore off half the sheet and began
again with the caution about the handwriting. Then: "I leave all the money I
possess in the world to"--here followed Maisie"s name, and the names of the two
banks that held the money.
"It mayn't be quite regular, but no one has a shadow of a right to dispute it,
and I've given Maisie's address. Come in, Mr. Beeton. This is my signature; I
want you and your wife to witness it. Thanks. Tomorrow you must take me to the
landlord and I'll pay forfeit for leaving without notice, and I'll lodge this
paper with him in case anything happens while I'm away. Now we're going to
light up the studio stove. Stay with me, and give me my papers as I want 'em."
No one knows until he has tried how fine a blaze a year's accumulation of
bills, letters, and dockets can make.


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