Burton v. Styers, 210 N.C. 230, 186 S.E. 248; Helsabeck v. Doub, 167 N.C. 205, 83 S.E. 241. It is a substantial pecuniary interest in the result. Jones v. Emory, 115 N.C. 158, 20 S.E. 206; Vannoy v. Stafford, 209 N.C. 748, 184 S.E. 482; Allen v. Allen, 213 N.C. 264, 195 S.E. 801. The interest which affects the competency of the witness must be a present interest, a legal pecuniary interest existing at the time the witness is examined. Isler v. Dewey, 67 N.C. 93. A mere sentimental interest or consideration or preference for one party as against the other, not based on some direct pecuniary interest of value, will not affect the question of the qualification of the witness.
This Court has heretofore held that a "person interested in the event" within the contemplation of C. S., 1795, extends only to those having a "direct legal or pecuniary interest" in the subject matter of the litigation. Hall v. Holloman, 136 N.C. 34; Helsabeck v. Doub, 167 N.C. 205; Vannoy v. Stafford, 209 N.C. 748; Burton v. Styers, 210 N.C. 230. A husband has no vested interest in the real estate of his wife.
It has been consistently held by this Court that the prohibition against the testimony of a "person interested in the event" extends only to those having a "direct legal or pecuniary interest," and not to the sentimental interest the husband or wife would naturally have in the lawsuit of the other. Hall v. Holloman, 136 N.C. 34; Helsabeck v. Doub, 167 N.C. 205; Vannoy v. Stafford, 209 N.C. 748; C. S., 1801. Hence, the fact of the relationship of husband and wife would not of itself render the testimony of either Mrs. Burton or Mr. Burton incompetent under the statute.
without changing the defendant guarantors' liability under the guaranty agreement. In Vannoy v. Stafford, 209 N.C. 748, 184 S.E. 482 (1936), the court held that an extension of time to an endorser on a note would not discharge him when he had expressly waived the extension of time defense. The 1966 continuing guaranty agreement was in effect when the 1971 promissory note was executed because the agreement had not been revoked in writing as required by its own terms.