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

81 seNsSu'li anu ssacres Hdi iaiusinS W ecas
at Hestcr's dressing table?
"Who--whose likeness is that" she ex-
claimed, in a scarce articulatc voice, pointing
to an open miniature on the table.
my mothers" Hester answered.
"Then you are Florence Marvin's child"
"That was indeed my mothers name"
"More, YOU are the daughter Of my only
brother, George Haywood, for Florence Marvin
was his wife !"
With stifed cry, she who had believed her
self lone and fiendless in the world fell on her
kinswoman's neck, and wep, tears Of mingled
gladuess and sorrow.
Her story, Which Hester had refused to con-
fide to a strangers ears, she now willingly inn
parted to one from whom she felt she had no
longer a right to withhold il.
That her brother had married in opposition
to his fathers wishes, anu had been dsinherited
in consequence, was already known TO Abigail
Varley but what distant spot he had selected
for his home, and what had befaen him there,
she had never learned.
The story was sad enough.
After few toilsome but not unhappy years,
for they were spent in the loved society Of his
wife and child, dire calamity had fallen upon
George Haywood lie came under suspicion
of fearful crime. A network Of circumstan-
ces too intricate for mans wit 10 disentanglc
environed him, and he was condemned to die
The stern Judgment was carried into effect, and
the executed murderer's despised widow sought
concealment for herself and child in change
Of place and name. Long, long years after
wards the truth was discovered, but the judi
ca murder had passed among the things irrc-
vocable. The poor widow died at last-died
brokenhcarted, but with one consolation sho
had lived to see her husbands innocence vim
dicated.
"And this, my poor child, is the shame Of
which you spoke
"My life has known no other"
Not many days after, Hester was sent to oce
of the first seminaries in the land for she had
yet time enough to avail herself Of opportuni-
ties Of culture hitherto beyond her reach. Her
aunt and she kept their own counsel. Cousins
Roger and Dick only knew that the object of
their solicitudc had disappeared, and probably
congratulated themscyeson the success OF their
virtuous stratagom.
Aftera time Mr. Parker, cousin Abigails
lawyer, was sent for and after that the good
lady seemed wonderfully revived in health and
spirits. At her next birthday the prospect of
many happy returns produced anything
but happy effect on the two expectant cou-
sins, who began to think that after all, the liio
tables might not be infallible.
But her time came at last and within
decent period after the sad event, cousin Roger
and Dick were duly summoned to attend the
reading of Abigail varley'S will.
Poor Tabby, as if seeking consolation in her
bereavement, leaped upon the knee Of her old
friend Dick, who stroked her back pathetically,
but little nervously. Pompey, who took
things more philosophieally, stretched himself
out for snooze at the feet Of Roger.
Mr.. Parker, drawing from his pocket the
document, proceeded to read 1t.
The introduction was long and formal.
But, bark there's something coming now.
"To my cousin, Richard Fggins--."
Richard looked at Roger with the triumph
Of prizc-fghtcr who has drawn first blood.
-"I give and bequeath-"
You could have heard both their hearts beat
-"In consideration Of the natural love and
affection which have long observed between
them"
Dick looked puzzled.
-" My farorite cat TabJy-'
Dick gave Tabby furious stroke the wrong
way.
-" And no more Of my estate"
With fling that betokencd most emphatic
remuneration Of the legacy, Tabby was sent
mewing and splitting TO the farthcst corner Of
the room.
ITO my cousin, Roger Smith"
It was Rogers turn 10 triumph.
-" In consideration Of the like natural love
and Affection"
Roger began to feel suspicious.
-" Igire and 5equea0s my dog POmpey, and
no more Of my estate."
With a violent kick rompcy was sent spin
ming after the cat, and the fear Of her who had
50 long kept the peace between them being no
longer before their eyes, the pent up enmity
Of years found vent in an uproarious fight, in
the noise Of which the voice Of the old lawyer
was almost drowned but the words "rcstand
residue Of my estate--niece, Hester Haywood"
were sufficiently audible, and cousins Dick and
Roger staid TO hear no more.