Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-08-23
READING THE WILL.
FROM THE LONDON nAaAzrux.


This morning received from my sfiapced bride
Constance Graham, requesting to attend At two o'clock
that day, the house Of her late uncle In Harley street. for
the purpose Of hearing bis will read had the greatest Plea
sure 10 complying with this invitation Though Constance
is the preest and most amable girl Of my acquaintance
had determined marry her while her uncle lived he
had frequently proclaimed her his hses but a. frequently
took offence at something At nothing in her behavior and
bequeathed his wealth hospital prison. or lunatc asy-
lum. felt quite easy the present occasion, for Mrs
Bates Mr. Grahams housekeepe had given me information
that only hour before her masters DEATH be had told her
be had handsomely provided for Constance. felt however,
that policy to appear ignorant Of that circumstance
Constance being very romantic, and Consances very
suspicious. ~
AT the appointed time walked into the dawingroom in
Harley street lhe very few relatives Of the old gentleman
were assembled. There Constance looking a. Hebe
might have looked if Hebe had crepe and bomba
sin Consances mother looking very s; Cross and un-
easy an elderly female cousin. and stripping nephew of
the deceased. feared none Of them I knew that Mr.
Graham dsked his Ane lady despised the SER
Witty OF his elderly cousin, and dreaded the olcs of his
STRIPPING nephew. seated myself by Constance, and 10
soft tone began to protest my affection and dnterestedness
Knowing the caprice of your uncle, my beloved"
said have every to conclude that shall hear you
dsnherited; this however, will be Of 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-"
81 fancy, Mr.. Chiffon, said Coasance's MOTHER locking
excessively sneeng and shrewsh, that it is pretty we'll
known that my daughter is the sole heiress Of her unclss
wealth."
ssIndeed madam y replied with start Of surprise, "I
that any sumise hszarded concerning tho
contents of Mr. Graham's will"
81 have heard sumise haarded" sharply interrupted
the elderly cousin, that Mr. Graham 10 his
when be madeit it,"
"The mind must I've both base and weak" reorted Con-
stances mother, which could give credence 10 such
rumor" And forthwith sparriDg dialogue took place be-
tween the two ladies' during which Whispered TO Constance
an If Mnny = n0oeev oiuknv,
Temple entered the ROOM the solicitor and intimate
friend Of the late Mr.. Graham; he handsome young
man. and had presumed at time to lift his eyes Con-
stance he opened the will and all became muey atten-
tive Oh, what disappointment awaited rs Three thou
sand pounds bequesthed to Constance (hs the
old fellows idea of handsome provision y five hundred
pounds to the elderly cousin, ditto to the STRIPPING nephew,
small egacies to the servants and the Of his wealth
to found codwaer establishment for the reception Of those
who not rich enough to pay gratuy for being half
drowned Temple read the Of the atesng Witness
and then refreshed himself with sherry and biscuits As he
was friend Of the family his presence restraint
conversation.
"That will ought to be disputed said Constances mother
looking very red g" do believe Mr. Graham in his
when be made it."
81 thought" said the elderly cousin, with snee that
the mind must be both base and weak which could give Gre
dence to such a surmise. :"
Dear mamma !" said Constance, !" do not be dscon-
poeed very well contented-I shall not be quite po,
oness BRIDE" Constance here held out her delicate white
hand 10 mel affected not to see it.
"My dear Miss Graham, said, ssdo not believe me so
cruel and selfish to wish to plunge you into poverty.
g" thought You said that your income sufficient for
every comfort /" remarked the STRIPPING nephew.
did not condescend to him. but continued No,
Constance though it breaks my heart to do give You
back your freedom saying, in the pathetic words Of Haynes
Bayley May your lot in life be happy undisturbed by
thoughts of me =" was just making to the door, leaving
Constance looking like Nobe than Hebe when Temple
said, ~ think the party had better remain till have read
the codci."
reseated myself and Temple forthwith read that the tes
ator being convinced that be had received benefit
the codwater SYSTEM revoked and rescded his legacy it,
bequeathng the same to bis beloved niece, Constance
Graham
Constance dear Constance !" exclaimed in the soft
Of tones But Constance looked neither like Hebe nor
Niobe, but stern and Medea. then attacked
Temple. sis legal" said, I" only to read par, Of
will p
" read every word of the will he replied, and hav-
ing greatly atgued myself BY doing, trust that
perfectly legal refresh myself with glass Of sherry before
| read the codc."
was going utter further remarks when Constances
mother said "Good morning, Mr. Chiffon !" in Of
voice which left alternative but to echo her leavekng,
and descended the stairs pursued by smothered laugh
from the party in the drawing ROOM returned homo in very
low Spirits and entered my adventure rather
in my diary deducng from this very valuable piece Of adj
vice gentlemen in search Of fortunes Never believe that
will concluded till you have inquired whether there is any
codicil to it."