American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1875-07-10

of those intimate conversations i'll which
the speakers, forgetting self and its little
narrOwminded interests, lay theil
thoughts open to each other without re
serve, he Withdrew to the chamber Sc
apart for him, as greatly delighted witt
his hosts as they were with him.
| Fatigue prolonged his SAUNDERS, and
when he awoke it was already late in the
day. He dressed in haste to rejoin his
cousin, with whom he was to proceed to
the notary's; but he found the latter in the
saloon in company with M. Rosmap and
Henri, who had been sent for. Nine
| Rcvel and Louise were not long in making
their appearance. When all were Assem-
bled M. BOSNIAN, turning to the young
4 man, said, with smile on his counte
| nance:
| No one here, gentlemen, is stranger
to the business which has brought you to
Kaysersburg; for my sister-in- law, Nine
| Charlotte Revel, and her niece, Louise AZ
manti, of whom 1 am the tutor, are, like
you, come here to be present at the open
| ing of the will, the one of her brother, the
other of her uncle, the late DIR. Harver."
The young men bowed TO Mime. Revel
| and MdIlc. Louise, who returned their
| salutation.
"a imagined" continued NJ BOSNIAN,
that the reading of the doctors will
might take place in my house, since acct
dent had there brought together all the
parties interested in it.''
Henri replied by an approbative sign of
the head. Everyone sat down, and the
| notary was about to break the seal of the
| testament when he stopped short. :
This testament is of a date already
somewhat old, :" he observed, and within
the last four months of his existence M.
Harver had several times expressed to me
an intention of destroying it, in order to
leave to each of his heirs the portion
| awarded him by the laws. If he did not
carry his intention into effect can only
attribute it to the rapidity of his death
1t is necessary that should declare this
much for the ease of my conscience.
Now, ask all of you who are present
and interested in the business, are you
willing TO carry into effect the intentions
of the doctor, and to annul this testament
with common accord, before anyone learns
whether it despoils or enriches him ?''
This unexpected proposition was fol-
lowed by a pause of a few seconds. Null
zen was the first to speak.
=. For my part said he, with great
modesty, having no particular claim to
the benevolence of the deceased, cannot,
consider as sacrifice the aceeptatien of
the proposal for an equal division of the
property therefore readily agree to il"
i shall offer no impeachment in SO far
as il regards me-" said Nine. ReveI
al shall consent in the name Of my
pupil" added M. BOSNIAN. -.
q In that case" said the notary, turning
TO Henri, +" it only remains for this gentle
mafl--" ~S7
Henri appeared embarrassed.
Like my cousin,n said he, al have no
reason to hope for the testamentary dispo-
sition which should favor me, but on that
very account l ought to show myself more
reserved. Whatever may have been the
intentions of the doctor, his testament
alone ought now TO be obeyed to annili-
late on tie Instant his Intentions would &c
at once to destroy both the right of the
testator and that of the unknown legatee."
Let us say no more about it, inter
rupted the notary; & unanimity alone
could legaliZe, my proposition. Let each
preserve his rights, as the gentleman de-
mands, and be so good as To listen.''
Atthese words he tore off the envelope,
opened the testament and read as follows:
OF four heirs who may pretend TO my sue
cession know only two-my sister Charlotte
Rcvel and my niece Louise Armand; but
both having had for a long period but one
and the same interest, as they have had but
one and the same heart, and in reality form
ing but one person, ] have then in trr tn on
that side only Louise for heir. My first in
tention was to have given her all possess;
but Of my two nephews there may be one
equally worthy OF my interest; the difficulty
only remains of finding ont which. Not being
able to do myself, aud knowing the intel
igcnce and the tact of my niece Louise,
eonfide IN her Judgment, and 1 declare my
universal legatee that one of hes. two cou,ins
whom she shall select for husband.
HAKvER.
- A rather long silence succeeded TO the
reading of the WILL during which the
two young men appeared embarrassed, and
T al ,,.,ll hnt.
head.
g May Heaven forgive me, but in that I
think the doctor has bequeathed difficult
task to my niecer' exclaimed Mmc.
Revcl.
Less than you imagine, sister," said
BOSNIAN, smiling; 81 have long been
aware of the contents of this testament, and
consequently have taken steps to obtain the
necessary information. All that l have
been able to learn has proved to me that
whichever may be the choice of Louise she
has nothing to fear"
Why, then, let the young lady de-
cide,' laughingly observed the notary;
from the moment that there is certainty
the affair becomes Il matter OF inspiration
merely" -,--
q shall confidc in the choice of my
aunt" said in low tone the young lady,
throwing herself into the arms of Nine.
Revel.
g In my choice,' cried the latter; '' but
it is no such easy matter, my dear, and
really know not -"
In pronouncing these words, with an air
of uncertainty, her look had lighted upon
Mulzen and Henri perceived it.
All! your choice is made, madam"
said he, quickly, "and however much re-
gret it may occasion me, cannot do
otherwise than approve it. MademoI
sclle," he added, while taking Joseph by
the hand and leading him toward the
young lady, your aunt has looked well
and Judged well; my cousin is more
worthy than L.
Your present conduct proves the con-
trary," said Nine. Revel, kindly; "but
we already know NJ. Mullen a little, and
then--really-,you merit that the truth
should be told
"Giye it utterance, madam,'' inter
rupted Forth.
well, then, his motto gives me conf
dcnce while yours eXcitcs my fears; he
promises indulgence. and you justice. |
Alas! my dear sir. Justice may do for
angels, but charity is essential for men"
Perhaps you are right" said Henri,
pcnsively. a Yes, since yesterday, one |
incident has followed on the back of an
other, on purpose, as il were, to give me a
lesson. The rigorous exercise of my |
right has always turned against me,
while the bencvolence of my cousin has |
as invariably turned to his advantage. /
Joseph was right; his motto was better |
than mine, for itapproaches much nearerto |
the divine law. The sacred Scriptures do |
not say: To every one his right but |
Love your ncighbor us yourself"