Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-09-18

sional advisers OF MAJOR Stewart, ana
were in all probability those of his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Henry Allerton.
We did not quite comprehend the
drift of this curious epistle; but although
not specially instructed, we determined
at once to write TO Mrs. Rosamond
Thorneycroft or Allerton, who with her
family was still abroad, and in the mean
time take such formal steps in her be-
half as might appear necessary.
We were not long in doubt as to the
motives of the extremely civil applica-
ton to ourselves on the part of the wild
ow of the East India director. The de-
ceased's wealth had been almost all in
vested in land, which went, he having
died intestate, to his nephew's son, Hen
ry Allerton and the personals in which
the widow would share we're consequent
ly of very small amount. Mrs. Thorney-
croft was, therefore, anxious to propose,
through US, more satisfactory and
equitable arrangement. We could of
course say nothing till the arrival of
Mrs. Rosamond Allerton, for which, how
ever, we had only a brief time to wait.
There were, we found, no indisposition
on that lady's part to act with generosity
towards Mr.. Thorneycroft's widow-a
snowy, vulgarish person, by the way, of
about forty years of age-but there was
legal difficulty in the way, in conse-
quence of the heir-at- law being minor.
Mrs. Thorneycrolt became at length ter
ribly incensed, and talked good deal of
angry nonsense about disputing the claim
of Henry Allerton's son to the estates,
on the ground that his marriage, having
been contracted in wrong name, was
null and void. Several annoying para
graphs got in consequence into the Sun
day newspapers, and these brought about
a terrible disclosure.
About twelve o'clock one day, the
Widow Thornecroft bounced unceremo-
niously into the office, dragging in with
her a comely and rather interesting look
ing young woman, but of decidedly
rustic complexion and accent, and fol-
lowed by grave middle-aged clergy
man. The widows large eyes sparkled
with strong excitement, and her some
what swarthy features were flushed with
hot blood.
Il have brought you,' she burst out
abruptly, the real Mrs. Allerton, and
No, no P interrupted the young wo-
man, who appeared much agitated-
'Thorneycroft, not Allerton =
Il know, child know but that is
nothing to the purpose. This young per-
son, Mr.. Sharp, is, repeat, the true and
lawful Mrs. Henry Allerton.'
Pooh 3! answered; do you take us
for idiots !? This / added with some
sternness, is either a ridiculous misap-
prehension or an attempt at imposture,
and | am very careless which it may be.
You are mistaken, sir" rejoined the
clergyman mildly. This young woman
was certainly married by me at Swindon
church, Willis, to gentleman of the
name of Henry Thorneycroft, who, it
appears from the newspapers, confirmed
by this lady, was no other than Mr..
Henry Allerton. This marriage, we
find, took place six months previously to
that contracted with Rosamond Stewart.
have further to say that this young wo-
man, Maria Emsbury, is a very respect
able person, and that her marriage-por-
tion, of little more than eight hundred
pounds, was given to her husband, whom
she has only seen thrice since her mar
riage, to support himself till the death of
his reputed father, constantly asserted by
him to be imminent
"A story very smoothly told, and
have no doubt in your opinion quite sat-
isfac!ory but there is one slight matter
which I fancy you will find somewhat
difficult of proof mean the identity Of
Maria Emsbury husband with the son
Or nephew of the late Mr.. Thorneycroft.'
He always said he was the son of the
richI East Indian, Mr.. Thorneycroft,' said
The young woman with bysterical sob
and here,' she added, lis his picture in
bis wedding -dress-that of an officer of
he Gloucestershire Yeomanry. He gave
i me the day before the wedding
l almost snatcbed the portrait. Sure
enough it was miniature of Henry Al
could be no doubt about
hat.
Mr.. Flint, who had been busy with
iome papers, here approached and glanc-
ID at the miniature.
1 was utterly cOnfounded, and my
partner, saw, was equally dismayed