Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-09-24
REAnING TIE WILL.

This morning received note ITom '"y
sfiauced bride, Constance Graham, request
ing the to attend at two o'clock that Gay a.
the house Of her late uncle in Harley sn'0It
for the purpose of hearing his will read.
had the greatest pleasure in complying WI"
this invitation. Though Constance IS the
prettiest and most amiabIe girl OF my acqna'n-
iaDca had determined never to marry her
,vbiIa TO- rDcIe lived he had frequently pro.
clai,ood her his heiress, but as frequently took
ofFsUca at something or at nothing in her be-
rio and bedueathed his wealth to hospi-
raj. nrison, or lGnatic asy Ium. | felt quite
easy on the present occasion, for Mrs. Bates
Mr.. Grahaln's honsekeeper, had given me IN
formation that, only an hour before her mas
ter's death, he had told her he had handsome
" provided for Constance. felt. however,
that it was nv policy 10 appear ignorant Of
that circumstance, Constance being very ro-
mantle. and Constance's mother very suspi.
ciOus.
AT the appointed time l walked into the
drawing-room in Harley street: the very few
relatives of the old gentleman were assem-
bled. There was Constance. looking as Hebe
0 might have looked if ever Hebe had worn
Grape and bombaZine; Constance's mother
looking very stiff, cross and uneasy; an elder
ly female cousin. and stripping nephew Of
the deceased. | feared none Of them. / knew
that Mr.. Graham dsliked his fine lady sis
terin-Iaw, despised the servility Of his elder
~ cousin, and dreaded the froIics of his strip
ling nephew. | seated myself by Constance
and in a soft tone began to protest my alice
ton and Observation-Disclosures. knowing the
caprice of your uncle, my beloved sad'
have every reason to conclude that shall near
that you are dsinheried this, however, will
be Of but little moment to me, have enough
for comfort, though not for luxury, and as the
song beautifully says:
Still 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 sReeTng and
shrewish, that it is pretty we'll known that
my daughter is The heiress Of her uncle's
wealth.
Indeed, madam = replied, with start of
surprise, L was not aware that any surmise
was hazarded concerning The contents Of Mr..
Graham's will
Il have heard surmise haZarded,' sharply
interrupted the elderly cousin, that MIR. Ora
ham was not in his senses when he made it.
the mind must be both base and weak,
retorted Conslance's mother, which could
give credence to such a rumor.' And forth
with sparIing dialogue took place between
the two ladies', during which | whispered to
Constance a page of Moore's poetry done into
prose.
Temple now entered the room, the solicitor
and intimate friend of the late MI. Graham !;
he was handsome young man, and had pre-
sumed at one time to lift his eyes TO Con-
stance; he opened the will, and we all became
mutely attentive. Oh. what disappointment
awaited US! Three thousand pounds were
beqnealhed to Constance, (thls was the old
flll NJ hapI
hundred pounds 10 the elderly cousin, ditto TO
the STRIPPING nephew, small legacies to the
servants, and the remainde: Of his wealth to
found cold water. establishment for the re-
ceptiOn Of those who were not rich enough to
pay graiuity for being half drowned. TEN.
pie read the names Of The attesting witnesses,
and then refreshed himself with sherry and
biscuits. AS he was friend of the family,
his presence was no restraint on conversation
. That will ought to be disputed, said Con.
. stances mother, looking very red, Il do moi
believe Mr.. Graham as in his senses when
he made it,
i thought said the elderly cousin, with a
sneer, that the mind must be both base and
weak which could give credence 10 such sur
mise
Dear mamma = said Constance. do no
be discomposed !; | am very we'll contented-l
q
stance here held out her delicate white hanl
to mel affected not to see it.
My dear Miss Graham | said, do no
believe me so cruel and selfish as to wish tt
plunge you into poverty
/ thought you said that your income wa:
sufficient for every comfort remarked the
STRIPPING nephew.
! did not condescend to answer him, bu
continued mo, Constance, though tblPaks
my heart TO do so, ] give you back your free
dom, saying, in the pathetic words of Hayne:
Bayley, May your lot in life be happy, un
disturbed by thoughts ofme!' Twas just ma
king to the door, leaving Constance looking
more like Niobe than Hebe, when Temple
said, | think the party had better remain til
have read the codicl.'
reseated myself in amaze, and Tempt,
forthwith read that the testator being convin
Ced that he had received no benefit from thu
cold water system, revoked and rescinded hi
legacy TO it, bPqueathing the same TO his be
loved niece, Constance Graham.
Constance dear Constancen exclaimed
in the softest tones. Bat Constance locke,
neither like Hebe nor Niobe, but as stern am
severe as Mpdea. then attacked Temple
. Is 1t legal | said, only to read part Of
will!
Il read every word Of the will he replied
sand, having greatly fatgued myself by s
doing, trust that it was perfectly legal /
refresh myself with a glass Of sherry before
read the cOdlcil.'
Il was going to utter some further remarks
when CoUstance's mother said Good mo-
ming, MIR. Chiffon! in tone Of voice whic
left tue no alternative but to echo her leave
taking, and descended the stairs, pursued b
90 a smOthered laugh from the party in the draw
ing groom. returned home in very low spirits
. and entered my adventure, or rather misaC
venture. in my diary, deductine from it ,hi
very valuable piece of advice 10 gentlemen i
search of fortune: Never believe that wi
Is concluded till you have inquired whethe
there is any codicil to it.'-London Ma gazin