The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1875-05-14
the LEGACY HUNTERS.

luAJ lOutOuSJ 4Cpo hutAUoAJ CACAAA lJA1-
fed, than in the daily walk and CON
versation Of these two collateral
kinsmen. They bestowed SO much
affection on their common relative,
that they had none left to waste be-
tween themselves.
Both were several years younger
than the lady, with a fair prospect,
according to the course Of nature,
of surviving her; and how to supplant
each other in her will, which she
had at 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 usual smany happy re-
turns, he was not a little chagrined
to find Cousin Dick there before
him. However, he presented his an
nual gift, and went through his an
nual speech without missing 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 Pom
pey, the cousinly poodle, though
dogs were his abomination.
"Well, Cousin Abigail, / hope
your health continues good" said
Cousin Roger, patting Pompey's
head and glancing suspiciously at
Cousin Dick. whom he deyoutly
wished at Jericho.
"Not so good latterly rs it has
been. The fact is" the old lady
continued, 81 have been thinking Sc
riously of sending for Mr.. Parker,
with d view to settling my worldly
affairs without delay" .a
sob, there is no need of haste,
cousin, R broke in Dick; "you have
many years before you yeti" men
tally adding, "What has possessed
the old ninny to put it off so longP"
"Well, we'll, / suppose there's nc
hurry about ii" said Cousin Abigail.
"And yet" Cousin Roger ven
tured to hint, sit is always well tc
be prepared; none Of US can tell the
minute or the hour, you know"
''And, after all, calling in lawyer
is not SO serious matter as calling
in doctor, said Cousin Dick, ia
cetiously.
The conversation was interrupted
by the entrance Of a young and
beautiful girl, at whom Cousin Dicl
stared with a surprised and troubled
look.
"Pardon me, ma'am," she said, il
q voice remarkably sweet and gentle
mot knowing you were engaged,
came TO see if you wished me, al
usual, to read to you to-day"
Presently, DEAR" Mrs. Varle.
answered, in tone that plainl
limited her visitors would not b
pressed to stay if they offered to go
After an awkward pause, the tw'
cousins took their departure together
"Who is that grip inquiries
, Roger, as soon as they had reaches
the street.
"You may well ask" said Cousil
Z Dick; and, STOPPING, he whispered
something in his companions ear, q
which the latter started suddenly.
"Good heaveni the resemblance
certainly striking. But what is t
be done? Do you think the old
Cousin Abigail, / mean, suspect
\ anythinga2
''Not yet, think; but no time
to be lost. / have plan which
would be well for us to talk owe
together"
And the two hurried rapidly along
Mrs. Varley had OCCASIONAL
found time hang heavy on her hand
and SO had advertised for % perso
!, to fill the post OF companion
an aged lady. 1t was thus that He
ter Darling had become an inmate
+ the house. fha eve
At as early an hour as was seeml
on the morning following that G
which we introduced them to Il
reader, Roger aud Dick again pr
sented themselves beforetheir cousii
!. owe have thought it our dut
iA cousin -," began Dick.
"Our bounden duty" putin Roge
'As painful as it is imperative
Dick continued. re
ITO put on your guard, ma'am
: Roger added,
pd against deceitful and designiI
y person. ? exclaimed Dick.
n Who is no better than she shou
} beI'' exclaimed Dick.
= s'Upon my word, cousins, 1 do n
comprehend syllable you have u
T. tered said Mrs Varley; "nor shi
l be likely to if you both keep tai
r ing at once. Come, Dick, you SEE
least excited. WHAT'S the neanii
' Of all this ~ usp
"What means, may 1 venture
ask, ? said Dick, ibid You take to a
! certain the character and anleceder
ap Of the YopRg Woman-at present sh
e. tered bsnadii yorf roof "
70 why. snope, replied the 60
lady. Her young and beantii
face was Recommendation encHgh
which to give her trial
y "We have Aseerlained her to b
u most abandoned cfeature proceed
~ Dick, nand have deemed It proF
ns at once 10 apprise you of the q
q covery. Should she deny the acc
sation, We are prepared with abur
ant proofs"
N And the two cousins took thl
sui leave, with az All Of exalted Writ
Mrs. Vatley was q lady Of
sirictest propnety and seyerest M
Z ais. Much AZ size piiied ihe Pc
\ and friendless girl, she must
promptly sreea from this foul a
dreadful charge, or cross her threi
~ -...-... 4 Il. .I.Is4rr,