The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1851-10-16

inherited; this. however. will be Of little
moment to me. have enough for com
fou. though not for luxury. aud as the
song beautifully says;-
Still fixed in my heart be Il never forgot
That the wealth Of the coiiage Is love-"
81 fancy. Mr.. Chiffon" said Constance's
mother, looking excessively sneering aud
shrewdlsh. that il 10 pretty we'll known
that my daughter is the sole heiress Of
her uncle's wealth."
Indeed, madaml" l replied with
start Of surprise. IL was not aware that
any surmise was llazsrded concerning the
contents Of Mr.. Grahsm's will"
81 have heard surmise hazarded,"
sharply interrupted the elderly cousin,
THAT Mr.. Graham was not in his senses
when he made IT,"
THE mind must be both base aud
weak" retorted Constances mother,
(which could give credence to such a ru-
NOR" Ard forthwith a sparring dia.
logue took place between the two ladies',
during which whispered to Constance
page Of Moore's poetry done into prose.
Temple now entered the room, the
solicitor an 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,
aud we all became mutely attentive. Oh,
what disappointment awaited usl Three
thousand pounds we're bequeathed to
Constance, (this was the old fellows idea
of handsome provisionl) FIVE hundred
pounds 10 the elderly cousin. ditto to the
straPpling nephew. small legacies to the
servants. and the remainder Of his wealth
To found a cold water establishment for
the reception Of those who were not rich
enough to pay gratuity for being half
drowned. Temple read the names Of
the attesting Witnesses, and then refresh
ed himself with sherry and biscuits. AS
he was friend Of the family. his pres
ence was no restraint On conversation.
That will ought to be disputed, " said
Constance'S mother, looking very red; II
do not believe Mr.. Graham was in his
senses when he made it,"
81 thought" said the elderly cousin,
, with a sneer, "tha, the mind n'ust be
both base and weak which could give
credence TO such surmise."
Dear mamma" said Constance, "do
not be discomposed; | am very we'll con-
tented-I shall not be quite portiouless
bride" Constance here held out her
delicate white hand to mel affected not
Ito see il.
my dear Miss Graham" said, "do
mt believe me SO cruel and SO selfish as
to wish To plunge you into poverty"
81 thought you said that your income
was sufficient for every comfort" remark
ed the STRIPPING nephew.
did not condecend to answer him,
but continues: mo Constance, though
it breaks my heart to do SO, give you
back your freedom. saying. in the pathet-
ic words Of Haynes Bayley. May your
lot in life be happy. undisturbed by
thoughts Of mel" l was Just making to
the door, leaving Constance looking more
like Niobe than Hebe, when Temple
said. 81 think the party had better re-
main till have read the codicil."
"Constance! dear ConstanceI ex-
claimed, in the softest tones. But Con-
stance looked neither like Hebe nor Mo
be. but as stern and severe as Medea.
then attacked Temple. lis it legal" !
said, 'oDly to read part of a win"
81 read every word Of The will, he re-
piled, ''having greatly fatigued myself by
SO doing, l trust that it was perfectly le.
$ gal to Iefresh myself with glass Of sher
f ry before read the codicil."
i | reseaied myself. and Temple forth
!. with read that the testator, being convinc
h ed that he had received no benefit from
d the cold water system. revoked aud re
h cinded his legacy to it, bequeathing tn
same to bis beloved neice, Constanc'
;. Graham.
Is | was going to utter some further re
!. marks. when Constances mother said
n "Good morning, Mr.. Ciinton!" in tom
!. of voice which left me M alternative. .bu
8 10 echo her leave taxing. and | descend
a ed the stairs, pursued by smotheret
r laugh from the party in the drowingroom
returned home in low spirits, and enter
ed my adventure. or rather misadventure
in my dairy, deducting from it this yer,
valuable piece Of advice 10 gentlemen i
n search Of fortune: "Never believe the
|. will is concluded till you have inquire
It whether there is any codieil to it," S.