Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-08-18
Nj ISCE LLANY,
A Page from the Diary of d Fortune Hunter.
READING THE WILL.
BY MRS. ABBY.

Inns morning received note from my aflianced
bride, Constance Graham, requesting me to attend
at o'clock that day, at the house of her late uncle
in Harley street. for the purpose of hearing his
VIII read. had the greatest pleasure in comply
ing with this invitation | had really begun to
fancy that old Mr. Graham going to remain
perpetually on the earth, like Mrs. NOrton's .Un-
dying One : he was always on the point of death
and always cured, and better than ever in few
days; last month the cold water system seemed
completely to renovate hun, but he suddenly re-
lapsed departed from the world, and lett f50, 600
and VIII behind him. Though Constance is the
Prettlest and most amiable girl OF my acquaintance
had determined not to marry her while her uncle
lived; he had frequently proclaimed her his heiress
Out as frequently took offence at something or at
nothing IN her behavior, and Dequeathed his wealth
to hospital, prison, or lunatic asylum felt quite
easy on the present occasion, for Mrs Bates Mr.
Graham's house-keeper, had given me information.
that, only an hour before her masters death. he
bad told her he had handsomely provided for
Constance. felt, however it was my policy to
appear ignorant OF that circumstance Constance be-
ing very romantic, and Constance's mother very
suspicious.
AT the appointed time walked into the draw
ing room In Harley street; the very few relatives
OF the old gentleman were assembled There was
Constance, looking as f1ebe might have looked if
Hebe had ever worn Grape and bombazines; Con
stances mother, looking stiff, cross, and uneasy
an elderly female cousin, and STRIPPING nephew of
the deceased. feared none of them. I knew that
MIR. Graham dlslked his fine LADY, sister in-law.
desPised the servlllty of his elderly cousin and
dreaded the frollcs Of his STRIPPING nephew | seat
cd myself by Constance, and in soft tone began to
protest my affection and disinterestedness Know
ing the caprice OF your uncle, my beloved said
Il have reason to conclude that shall hear YOU are
dlsinherited this, however, will be of little mo
ment to me; | have enough for comfort, though
not for luxury, and, as the song beautifully says
mStil! fixed in my heart be it never forgot
That the wealth Of the cottage is love-
Il fancy, Mr.. Chiffon said Constance's mother.
looking excessively sneering and shrewish. that
it is pretty well known that my daughter is the
sole heress of her uncle's wealth.
Indeed, madam replied. with start of sur
prise, i was not aware that any surmise was haz
| arded concerning the contents Of MIR. Graham
| Will
have heard surmse hazaIded, sharply inter
| posed the elderly cousin, that Mr.. Graham was
not in his senses when he made it,
| The mind must be both base and weak retott.
ed Consances mother, (which could give credence
to such rumor.' Aud forthwith a sparrinp dia.
| logue took place between the two ladies', DURING
which time whispered 10 Constance page Of
Moore'S poetry done into prose.
Temple now entered the room. the solicitor and
intimate friend of the late Mr. Graham he was >
| handsome young man, and had presumed at one
time to lift his eyes TO Constance he opened the
| Will, and we all became mutely attentive. Oh
what disappointment awaited ds Thee thous
and pounds were bequeathed to Constance, (thi;
was the old fellows idea OF handsome provision
Five hundred pounds TO the elderly cousin. five
| hundred pounds to the stripping nephew, small
egscieS to each of the servants and the rensindc,
Of his wealth to found a cold water establishment
tor the reception of those who wete not rich enough
to pay gratuity for being halfdfowred. Temple
tead the names Of the attesting witnesses and tber
refreshed himself with sherry and biscuits As he
was friend Of the family his presence was no re
| strait on conversation
That VIII ought % be disputed, sad Con