The Arkansas banner., 1847-09-27
Reading the Will,

Reading the Will.
 7 This morning received note from my alliance ed biIde, Constance Graham, requesting me to attend at two o'clock that day at the house of her late un cle in Harley street, lr the purpose of hearing bis will read. had the greatest pleasure ln comply ing with this invitation. Though Constance IS the prettiest and most amlahle girl oi my acquaintance l had determined neveI to marry her whiie her uH- ele lived: he had frequedy proclaimed ter his heiress, but as frequently took offence at something or at nothing in her behavior and bcqueathed hls wealth to hospital prison, or nnatie asylum, felt quite easy on the present occasion, for Mrs Bates, MT. Graham's bonsekeeper, had given me information that only all hour before her masters death, he had told her he had handsomely provided for Constance. l felt, however, that Ii was my policy to appear ignorant of that circumstance Con stance being very romantic, and Constance's moth ct very suspicious
 .e At the appointed time walked into the drawing in Harley street: the very few relatives ot the old gentleman were assembled There was Con- stance, looking as Hebe might have looked if ever hebe had worn crape and bombazine; Constructs mother looking very sth cross and uneasy {; ei- derly female cousn and stIiphng nephew oi the deceased. l feared of them. knew thai Mir Graham disIiked his fine lady sister in-l law
 espised the servity of his elderly cousin and dread ed the frocs of his stripping nephew. seated my self by Constance, and in sot tone began to pro- test my affection and dsinteresteGness ''Knowng the caprice of your uncle, my beloved" said, "i have every reason to conclude that shall hear that you are disinherted; this, however, will be of little moment to me. have enough for comfort. though not for luxury, and as the song beautifully says ;-
 a Still fixed in my heart be 1t never forget
 That the wealth oi the cottage Is loye.''
 t.I fancy. Mir. Chllton," said Coastahce's mother looking excessively sneerlng and sArewish, "hat it IS pretty well known that my daughter is the sole heiress of her uncie's wealth"
 s'Indeed, madam ," l replied, with a staIt of surprise, ''l was not aware that any surmiSe was hazsrded concerning the contents of Ms- Graham's will"
 al have heard surmlse hazarded,' sharply in terrupted the elderly cousin, 'that Mir. Graham was not in his senses when be made it." 1.-The mind must be both base and weak, retort- cd Constance $ mother, "whieh would give credenee to such a runor." And forthwith spanng da- logue took place between the two ladies' during which whispered to Constance page of MooIe's poetry done into prose.
 Temple now entered the room, the solicitor, an intimate friend oI the late Mir Graham; he was handsome young man, and had presumed at one time to lift his eyes to Constance; he opened the .sill, and we sl became DGeiy attentive. Oh what disappointment awaited us Three thou sand pounds were bequeathed to Constance, (this the old fellows idea of handsome provision } Five hundred pounds 10 the elderly cousin, ditto to the stripping nephew, small legaces to the ser wants, and the remainder ol his wealth to found a cold water establishment for the reception of those who were not rich enough to pay grataity for be- ing half drowned. TeiHple read the names of the aftesting witnesses, and then refreshed himself with sherry and biscuits. As he friend of the fam fly, his presence was no restraint on conversation
 That will ought to be disputed" said Con- stances mother, looking very red, 'f do not be- heve Mir. Graham Was in his senses when he made it"
 "I thought" said the elderly cousin. with sneer "that the mind must be both base and weak which could give credenee 10 such a surmise."
 "Dear mamma '" said constance, ado not be dis composed; am very we'll contented--I shaii not be quite poruonless bride" Constance here held out her delicate White hand b mel affected not to see 1t.
 "My dear Miss Graham said, edo not believe me 90 cruel and selfish as to wish to plunge you in 10 poverty
 ''I thought you said that your income was sufh eient for every comfort" remarked the striphng nephew.
 did not condeseeud to answer him. but contin- ued: "No, Constance, though il breaks my heart to do so give you back your leedon, saying, in the/ pathetic words of Haynes Bayley 'May your lot in life be happy, undstlrbed by thoughts of me !''' was just making to inc door, leaving Constance looking more like Niobc thau iIcbe when Temple said, i think the party had better remain till have read the codcii."
 I reseated myself in amaze. and Temple forth with read that the tesator being convinced that he hsd received no benefit from the cold water system revoked and rescinded his legacy to it. bequcating the same to his beloved niece, Constance Graham
 "Constanee dear Coustance!' exclaimed, in the softest of tones. Bnt Constance looked neither like Hebe nor Niobe, bat as stern and severe as Madea. then attacked Temple. "Is it legal l said; "on!y 10 read part of a wil,'
 q read every word of the will, he replied, .'and, having greatly fatigued myself by doing trust that 1t was perfectly legal to refresh myself with glass of sherry before read the eodicii."
 was going to alter some further remarks, when Constanees mother said, "Coed morning, hlr Chil- ! ton v m tone of voice which Jeff me no alteTna. tive but to echo her leave taking. and descended the stairs; pursued by smothered laugh from the i party in the drawing-Toom returned home in very low spirits; and catered my adventure. or rather i in my diary deducting from it this very valuable piece of advice 10 gentlemen in search of fortune: "Ncver believe that will is concluded tili you have inquired whether there is any codiel 10 it."-- London Msgaisiae
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