Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-09-02
The Legacy Hunters.

1t was Abigail Yarley's threescore-and-tenth
birthday. She was a rich widow, childless,
and with no known relations save two gentle
men cousins.
Never was cousinly attachment more beau
tifuly illustrated, or cousinly jealousy less
amiably exemplfed, than in the daily walk
and conversation of these two collateral kins-
men. 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 prospect, according to the life
tables and the course Of nature, Of surviving
her; and how to supplant each other in her
will, which she had at last begun to talk seri-
ously 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 usual
"many happy returns" he was not little
chagrined to find cousin Dick there before him.
Like uncle Pumblechook, however, be present.
ed his annual gift, and went through his an
speech without missing a word aEd seeing
Tabby, the cousinly cat, perched snugly on his
rivals knee, by way of not being out-done In
cousinly attention, he took up Pompey, the
c1usiuly poodle, though dogs were his abopi-
nation, and he had a perfect horror Of feas.
"Well, cousin Abigail, hope your health
continues good" said cousin Rodger, patting
Pompeys head and glancing suspiciousiy at
cousin Dick, whom he devOuty wished at Jeri-
cho.
Not so good latterly as it has been. The
fact is" the old lady continued, al have been
thinking seriously Of sending for Mr. Parker,
with view to settling my worldly affairs with
out delay"
"Oh there is no need Of haste, cousin,
broke in Dick; "you have many years
before you YETI" mentally adding, What
has possessed the old ninny to put it of so
long%
"Well, well, l suppose there's no hurry
about it," acquiesced cousin Abigail.
"And yet" cousin Roger ventured TO hint,
" it is always well to be prepared; none of US
can tell the minute or hour, you know"
And after all, calling in a lawyer is not 50
serious matter as calling in doctor" said
cousin Dick, facetiously.
"Nor is any one more apt to die for having
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 surprise and
troubled look.
pardon me, madam" she said in 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. Varley answered in
4 tone that plainly hinted her visitors would
not be pressed to stay if they offered to 90.
After an awkward pause, the two cousins
took their departure together.
Who is that girl ?" inquired Roger as soon
as they reached the street
"You may well ask !" said cousin Dick;
and STOPPING, he whispered something in his
companions car, at which the latter started
suddenly.
Good Heaven! the resemblance is certain
ly striking. But what is to be done? Doyou
think the old-cousiu Abigail, mean, suspects
anything"
I" Not yet, think but no time is to be
lost. have a plan which it would be well for
US to talk over together !" and the two hurried
rapidly along.
Mrs. yarley had occasionally found time
hang heavy on her hands, and so had adver-
tised for a suitable person to fll the post Of
companion to an aged lady. 1t was thus that
Hester Darling had become an inmate of the
house.
At as early an hour as was seemly on the
morning following that on which We introduced
them to the reader, Roger and Dick again pre-
sented themselves before their cousin.
We have thought it our duty, cousin" be-
gan Dick.
Our bounden duty put in Roger.
"As painful as is imperative" Dick contin-
ued.
TO put you on your guard, madam Ro-
ger added.
Against deceitful and designing person.
exclaimed Dick.
"Who is no better than she should b"
shouted Roger, red withindignation:
Upon my word, cousins don't compre-
heud a syllable you have uttered" said Mrs.
yarley. nor shall / be likely to, if you both
keep talking at once. Come, Dick, you seem
least excited what is the meaning Of all this p
"What means, may venture to ask" said
Dick, did you take to ascertain the character
and antecedents Of the young woman at pre-
sent sheltered beneath your roof?
"Why, none" replied the good lady, " Her
Young aud truthful face were recommendation