Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-10-17
From the London Magazine.
READING TIE WILL.


my a(lianred bride, Constance Graham,
requesting me 10 attend, at two o'clock
that day, at the house Of her late uncle
IN Haley street, for The purpose of hear
ing his will reaG. had the creates,
pleasure 10 complying with this invita-,
ton. Though Constance is the prellicst
and most amiable girl Of my acquain.
lance, had determined never to marry
her while her uncle lived; he haG pro.
tlsimed her his heiress, bat frequently
took oflense at something or a, nothing
in her behavior, and threatened to be
queaih his wealth TO an hospital, a pris
on, or lunatic asylum. / felt quite ca.
sy on the presen: occasion, for Mrs.
Bates, Mr.. Graham's housekccper, had
given me information that only an hour
before her masters death, he had told
her he irad handsomely provided for
Constance. felt. however, that it was
my policy 10 appear ignorant of that
Circumstance, Constance being very ro..
mantle, and Cons,ance's mother very
suspicious,
Al the appointed time | walked into
tbs drawing room in Harley street; the
very few relatives of the old gentleman
aereassembIcd. There was Constance,
looking as Hebe might have looked if
ever Hebe had worn Grape and bomba-
sin, Constance mother looking very
slili, cross, and uneasy; an elder female
cousin, and n Stripping nephew of the
deceasel. | feared more of them. |
knew Mr.. Graham dlsliked his fine sis
ter-in-law, despised tie servility of his
elder cousin, and dreaded the frolics OF
his stripping nephew, | seated myself by
Constance and in soft tone began to
protest affection and disinierestedness.
knowing the caprice of your uncle,
my belo, et," | said, Il have every rea-
Gun W t'slits't Aisss Sidi ucdI Cu are
disinheriied; This, however, will be of
little NON, nj 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 wealth of the cottage is love-"
81 fancy, Mr.. Chiffon" said Con-
stances mother looking excessively
sneering and shrewish, "that it is pretty
well known hat my daughter is the sale
heiress of her uncie's wealth."
"Indeed, madam I replied, with a
star: of surprise. 81 was not aware that
any surmise was hazarded concerning
tie contents of Mr.. Graham's WILL
IL have heard surmise hazarded,"
sharply interrupted the elderly cousin
".ha, Mr.. Graham was not in his SEN
ses when he made il.
"rhe mind must be both base and
weak retor,ed Constance's mother.
(which could gise credence to such a r,l-
NOR" And forthwith sparring 6ia-
logue took place between The two ladies
during which whispered to Constance
a page of Moore's poetry done into
Trcse.
Temple now entered the room, the So
Il a.. - L.
Graham: he was handsome young
man, and had presumed at one time 10
lifi his eyes to Constance; he opened his
will. and we all became muiely attentive.
Oh, what disappointment awaited us
Three thousand pounds were bequea,h-
ed to Constance (,his was the old fell
lows idea of handsome provislonD
$500 to The elderly cousin. ditto TO the
stripping nephew, small legacies TO the
servants. and remainder Of his wealth TO
found a cold water establishment for the
reception Of those who were not rich
enough TO pay gra,uity for being half
drowned. Temple read the names of the
attesting Witnesses and then refreshed
himself with sherry and biscuits. As
he was a friend OF the family. his pres.
cnce was no restraint on conversation.
THAT will opgh, TO be disputed" said
t'ons:cnce's mother, looking very red;
IL do not believe Mr.. Graham was in
his senses when he made it"
IL ,hought.' said the elderly cousin
with sneer, ",ha: the mind must be
both base and weak which could give
credence 10 such surmise."
"Dtar mamma" said Constance, ''do
not be discomposed;l am very well con-
tented! shall not be quite a portion
less bride. Constance here held out
her delicate white hand to mel affect
ed not 10 see il.