Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-06-30
From Blackwood's Magazine.
THE INHEIIITANCE;
Or the lost Miniature,
BY &. 7. X. JAMES.
The funeral was over.

The funeral was over
In dark room, where for some hours before
the body of him who had once owned the house
and its surrounding lands. had lain, were now
congregated the whole of the relatives of the
deceased, who had attended the funeral ant
who had in consequence of summons ISSUED
by tile dying man, come to assist at his obse
ques-many from great distance There
were old men and young men, old women and
young women; some that were otherwise ; but
all united in paying but very little reverence &c
the memory of the departed. Indeed Niche
Malines, whose translation from this, to we hope
better world, has drawn SO many people from
SO many places, had, during life, paid so little
attention to those united to him, by ties of blood
that it was little wonder if, when he was dead
his name should be banded about with but little
ceremony. Those who, when alive. have ne
Their served nor benefited mankind, can not
when dead, expect their consideration.
Mort de ma rie!' exclaimed choleric old
man, with soupcon of govt about his thick
the legacies we shall have, may repay all the
trouble we have gone to, Dieude Dieu'
'Legacies,' said peevish old woman by hi.
side, 'legacies, indeed you are FOOL
Thank you, Madam Barbejoie,' replied the
old grumbler, take your sentence as compli-
mentary.'
What beautiful room for dance = wills
pered pretty little coquettish brunette, to a tall
sleepish looking young man near her.
Yes said the young man, more than half
inclined to be Mortified at such iegercte.
The dance of death, ! suppose, said Madame
Barbeoie, sernly.
Recollect,' put in quiet little man,who had
hitherto sat in corner, saying nothing, we are
at a funeral
Monsieur Barbejoie said the peevsh wo-
man snappshly, we thank you for the infor-
nation
But the notary ventured one anxious to pre-.
vent anything like a scene.
Aye the notary; wonder what he is at -
exclaimed another 8 confess am curious to
know.
Making the will | hope not his own,' said
the first speaker, in a manner that left the i'm
presson,he had said good thing; at least in his
own estimation.
Drinking can sucre, TO soften his voice quoth
another. Il fancy he'll want it,
'Confessing his sins, rather, exclaimed Mad
anne Barbejoie, testify.
'Notaries never confess, except on the rack
again observed NJ. Laurent the equity man.
Silence in the pit !! said some unknown voice.
here is the notary. Chut Chut!
In truth the man of law entered the funeral
apartment at this particular moment. lie was
a young, and even handsome man, with mild,
gentle, benignant cast of countenance, which
rather took the company assembled, especially
the ladies' by surprise. But he was not alone.
After him came calm, sedate, quiet looking
priest, leading by the hand a little boy. Never
was greater contrast presented, than by these
two.
The priest was Jesuit though not openly at
tached 10 the order, and had been the deceased's
most intimate friend, adviser, and director. In
early youth Michel Malines was reputed great
sinner; the greatest reason that in his old age
he should be great saint Extremes meet /:
and once very wicked, often becomes TO the
world, very worthy individual. For our
selves, we prefer little more consistency, and
think better of man who has uniformly been
lolerable, than OF those who turn ont vastly eX-
celent when death stares them in the face But
the jesuit was merciful. lie confessed Michel
of his errors, gave him absolution, and as the
Old man grew gradually weaker and weaker,
gained so powerful an influence over his mind
that NJ. Malines could not at length even think
Without the worthy priest approved of his cogi-
tations.
The boy, fine, open faced, handsome lad, of
about ten years, was the deceaseds only child
lie alone, of all present, wcpt; for he had lost
father. lie was an orphan! and young as he
was, felt all the bitter desoation of his position.
Paul had loved the only parent that heaven had
spared; he had loved him with that sweet, inno-
cent, dependent love, that wins upon the heart
ana is one OF the brightest Joys of paternity
we are unjust to the love of little children. II
Is mine Of purest happiness. From the hour
wIen an infant first knows, and smiles at the
voice OF It's parent-when in cherub dependence,
II cl'ngs to him to whom it owes its beng-to
whom It's affection becomes equally an effect of
winch he who enjoys it should look upon as
s"ole precious than any other, for it is love
Josn as angels feel. Paul had worshipped the
. y, The stern, peevish, restless old man
"a, ,a '''Ii was everything great and good, for he
,as r''s ,ather; and when he lost him his grief
~ S'"''' ana sincere 1t was the anguish