Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-08-27
SELECTED STORY,
THE LEGACY HUNTERS.

| THE LEGACY HUNTERS.
It was Abigail Varley's three score-and-
tenth birthday. She was rich widow.
childless, and with no known relations save
two gentleman cousins.
Never was cousinly attachment more beau
tifuly illus trated, or cousinly jealousy less
amiabIy exemplifed, than in the daily walk
and conversation Of these two collateral kins-
mep. They bestowed so much affection on
their common relative, that they had none
left to waste between themselves.
Both were several years younger than the
lady, with fair pro spect, according to the
life tables and the course of nature, of sur
wing her and how to supplant each other
in her will, which she had last begun to talk
seriously of making, was the problem which
at present engaged their attention.
On the morning in question, when cousin
Roger called to wish cousin Abigail the usu-
al ''many happy returns" he was not lit
tie chagrined to find cousin Dick there be-
fore him. Like uncle Pumblechook, how
ever, he presented his annual gift, and went
through bis annual speech without missing a
word and seeing Tabby, the cousinly cat,
perched snugly on his rivals knee, by way
of not being outdone in cousinly attention,
he took up Pompey, the cousinly poodle,
though dogs were his abomination, and he
had perfect horror Of feas.
"Well, cousin Abigail, 1hope your health
continues good" said cousin Roger, patting
Pompey's head and, glancing suspiciously 1t
cousin Dick, whom he deyoutly wished at
Jericho
"Not SO good latterly as ithas been. The
fact u.s." the old lady continued, II have been
thinking seriously of sending for Mr.. Par
ker, with view Of settling my worldly af-
fairs without delay"
"Oh, there is no need of haste, cousin, :"
broke in Dick; "you have many years be-
fore you yet; mentally adding, "What has
possessed the old ninny to put it offs long"
"Well, we'll, suppose there's no hurry
about it," acquiesced cousin Abigail.
"And yet,'' cousin Roger ventured to
hint, ''it j. always well to be prepared !;
none of us can tell the minute or hour, you
know"
"And after all, calling in lawyer is not
SO serious matter as calling in a doctor"
said cousin Dick, faeetiously.
'sNor is any one more apt to die for hay
ing made ones will,' chimed in cousin
Roger.
The conversation was interrupted by the
entrance of young man and beautiful girl,
at whom cousin Dick stared With q surprised
and troubled Look
pardon me, madam" she said in a voice
remarkably sweet and gentle "not knowing
you were engaged, came to see if you
wished me, as usual, to read to you to- day
presently, dear" Mrs. Marley answered
in tone that plainly limited her visitors
would not be pressed to stay if they offered
to 20.
After an awkward pause, the two cousins
took their departure together.
"Who is that girl p inquired Roger as
soon as they reached the street.
'You may well ask" said cousin Dick
and, STOPPING he whispered something in BIZ
companions ear, at which the latter startec
suddenly.
Good Heaven! the resemblance is Ger
tainly striking. But what is to be done?-
Do YOU think the old-cousin Abigail,
mean, suspects anything?"
IN lot yet, think; bnt No time is to be lost
l have plan which it would be well FOR u
to talk over together )" and the two hurriet
/ rapidly along.
Mrs. Varley had occasionally found tim
hang heavy on her hands, and so had adver
: tised for suitable person to fill the post
companion to ap aged lady. It was thu
that Hester Darling had become an ipmat
of the house.
At as early an hour as was seemly on til
V morning following that on which we nitro
+ duced them to the reader, Roger and Die
D AGAIN presented themselves before thel
! cousin. PIX 5-i4
1--WE have thought it our duty, cousin,
began Dick.
saOur bounden duty" put in Roger.
: cas- painful as it is imperative" Dick con
tinued.
"To put you on your guard, madam,
Roger added.
= Against deceitful and designing pei
: son. exclaimed Pick.
st ""Who is no better than she should be
o shouted Roger, red with indignation
Upon my word, cousins, don't compre
. bend q syllable you have uttered, said Mrs
r + varley, .'nor shall be likely to, i 70
E, both keep talking at once. Come, Dick
r YOU seem least excited what is the meanln
g Of all this?"
"What means, may [ venture to ask,
: said Dick, ''did you take to ascertain IL
10 character and antecedents of the young W.
IL le man at present sheltered beneath your root
"Why, none," replied the good lad
.'Her young and truthful face were recon
mendation enough on which to give her
:. trial"
I. 1--WE have ascertained her to be mo-
ar vile and abandoned creature" Proceeae