Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-09-12

all about the last new novel,.
| They conversed on various topics until the ar
rival the invalid's early bed time parted uncle
and nephews for the night.
Mary Sutton seized an opportunity, the mex
morning, after breakfast to speak with John Meade
alone.
"John," said she edo think more of your own
Iinterest--of our interest. What occasion Tor you
to be so violent, last night, and contradict Mr.
Collstt so shockingy? | saw Peter Finch laugh,
ing to himself. John you, must be more careful
or we shall never be married"
ssWell, Mary dear, III do my BEST" said John
at was that confounded Peter, with his chain o
iron maxims, that made me fly out. Pm not an
iceberg, Mary"
"Thank Heavier, you're mott" said Mary; ''but
an iceberg floats-thnk of that, John. Remem-
ber-every time you offend Mr.. Colelt,yo please
Mr. Finch"
ysSo dol" said John. eyes; III remember
that"
"If you would only try TO be little mean and
hardhearted," said Mary, ''iust little, to begin
with. You would only stoop to conquer, John,
and you deserve TO conquer"
"May gain my deserts, them" said John.-
:'Are you not to be my loving wife. Mary? And
are YOU not to sit at needle-work in my studio,
whilst paint my great historical picture? How
can this come to pass if Mr.. Collett will do no
thing for us?"
"Ah, how, indeed 2" said Mary. "But here's
our friend, Peter Finch, coming through the gate
from his walk. | leave you together" And, So
saying, she withdrew
.What, Meade !" said Peter Finch, as he en-
tered. "Skulking in doors on fine morning like
this! Pve been all through the village. Not an
ugly plaoe--but wants looking after sadly. Roads
shamefuly muddy Pigs allowed 10 walk on the
foot path !"
"Dreadful" exclaimed John.
81 say-you came out pretty strong last night,
said Peter "Qute deiied the old man! But
like your spirit"
"i have no doubt you do" thought John.
"Oh, when was youth, was little thai
way myself" said Peter. "But the world-the
world, my dear sr--soon cures US of all romantic
notions regret Of course, to see poor people
miserable; but what's the use of regretting Its
no part of the business of the superior classes to In
terfere with the laws of supply and demand; pool
people mus, be miserable. What can't be cured
must be endured"
.sThat is to say" returned John, "what We
can't cure, they must endured"
.sExactly so," said Peter.
MIR. Coliett this day was too i'll 10 leave hi.
bed. About noon he requested to see his nephews
in his bedroom. They found him propped up BY
pillows, looking very weak, but in good spirits, a
usual.
"Well, boys" sal he, 'shere am, you see
brought to an anchor at last The doctor will be
here soon suppose, to shake his head and write
recipes Bumbug, my boys! Patients can d.
as much for themselves, believe, as doctors car
do for them; they're all in the dark together-th'
only difference is that the patients grope in Eng
Ilish, and the doctors grope in Latin !"
"You are too sceptical. sir, said John Meade
"Pooh!'' said Mr. Collett "Let US change
the subject. want your advice, Peter and John
on a matter that concerns your interests. Pm go
inr to make my will today, and | don't know
how to act about your cousin, Emma Briggs
Emma disgraced US by marrying an oilman."
.An Gilman !" exclaimed John.
ga vulgar shocking oiman" said Mr.. Colett
ga wretch who not only sold oil but oap,candles
turpentine. black lead and birch brooms. 1t was
dreadful blow to the family Her poor grand
mother never rot over it., and maiden aunt turn
ed Methodist in despair Well Briggs, the oil
man died last week, it seems; and his widow has
written to me, asking for assistance. Now, have
thought of leaving her hundred a-year in my
will. What do you think Of it2 I'm afraid she
don't deserve it. What right had she to marry
against the advice of her friends? What have
to do with her misfortunes ~
"My mind is quite made up, "said Peter Finch
.no notice ought TO be taken of her. She made an
obstinate and unworthy match--and let her abide
the consequences"
..Now ior YOUR opinion, john" said Mr.. Col
lett.
"Upon my word i think must say the same, u
said John Meade, bracing himself up bolding tor
the part Of the worldly man. 'Nhat right had
she TO marry-as you observed with great justice,
sir. Let her abide the cOnsequences--as you very
properly remarked, Finch Can't she carry on
the oilman's business? dare say it will support
her very well.
bankrupt, and his widow and children are destl-
tute"
"That does not alter the question" said Peter
Finch. ''Let Briggs family do sumething for
her,"
.sI'o be suIe" said Mr.. Collett. Briggs
family are the people to do something for her,
"She mustn't expect anything from us-must
she, John 2"
destitute, is she go said John, with children,
too2 Why this is another case, sir. Yon surely
ought to notice her-to assist her. Confound it,
Pm for letting her have the hundred a-year."
''Oh, John, John! What breakdown" said
Mr.. Collett. $50 you were trying to follow Pc
ter Finch through stony Arabia, and turned back
at the second step! Here's brave traveller for
you, Pete John, John, keep 70 your Arabia Fe
lix, and leave the sterner ways to very different
men. Good bye both of you. I've no voice to
talk any more. III think over all you have said"
He pressed their hands, and they left the room :.
The old man was too weak to speak next day land, ,
in three days after that, he calmly breathed his
last.
AS soon as the funeral was over, the will was
read by the confidential man of business, who had
always attended to Mr.. Colletl's affairs. The
group that sat around him preserved decorous
appearance Of disnterestedness and, the usual
preamble to the will having been listened to with
breathess attention, the man of business read the
following in clear voice:
81 bequeath to my neioe, Emma Briggs, not
wthsanding that she shocked her family by
marrying an GILMAN, the sum of four thousand
pounds being fully pursuaded that her lost dig
nifty, if she could even find it again, would do
thing to provide her with food, or clothing, or
shelter"
John Meade smiled, and Peter Finch ground
his testh-but in quiet, respectable manner.
The man of business went on his reading.
"Having always held the opinion that woman
should be rendered a rational and independent be-
ing-and having duly considered the fact that So
ciety practically denies her the right of earning
her own iving-I hereby bequeath to Mary Sut-
Inn the onlv child of nv old friend Frederick