The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-06-24
THE LEGACY HUNTERS.

It was Abigail Varley's three-score-
tenth birthday. She was rich widow,
childless, and with no known relatives
save two gentlemen cousins.
Never were cousinly attachment more
beautifully illustrated, or consinly jeal-
ousy amiably exempliied, than In the
daily walk and conversation of these two
collateral kinsmen. They bestowed so
much affection on their common relative
that they had none to waste between
themselves.
Both were several years younger than
the lady, with fair prospect, according
to the course of nature, of surviving her,
and how to snpplant each other in her
will, which, at least, she had begun to
talk seriously Of making, was the prob
lem which at present engaged their at
tention.
On the morning in question, when
Cousin Roger called to wish Cousin Abb
gail the usual 'tmany happy returns,
he was not little chagrined to find
Cousin Dick there before him. However
he presented his annual gift, and went
through his annual speech without mis-
sing a word; and seeing Tabby, the cous-
inly cat, purched 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 abominatiCn.
''Well, Cousin Abigail, [ hope your
health continues good" said Cousin
Roger, patting Pompey's head, and
glancing suspiciously at cousin Dick,
who he devoutedly wished at Jericho.
"No, not SO good lately as it has been.
The fact is" the old lady continued, ST
have been thinking seriously of sending
for Mr.. Parker, with view of settling
my worldly affairs without delay
so, there is no need of haste, cousin, :"
broke in Dick '.you have many years
before you yet - mentally adding, ''what
has possessed the old ninny to put it off
so long 2"
"Well, I suppose there's no hurry
about it," said cousin Abigail.
''4And yet, cousin Roger ventured to
hint, cts always well to be prepared /;
none of us can tell the minute OF the
hour, you know"
"And after, all, calling in a lawyer is
not SO serious a matter as calling doc
tor" said cousin Dick, fastidiously.
The conversation was interrupted by
the entrance of a young and beautiful
girl, at whom cousin Dick stared with
surprised and troubled look.
'tPardon me, ma a'ma, she said, in a
voice remarkably sweet and gentle !;
mot knowing you were engaged, came
to see if you wished me, as usual, to
read to you to-day"
Presently, DEAR" Mrs. Varley an
swered, in a tone that plainly limited her
visitors would not be pressed to stay if
they offered to go.
After an awkward pause, the two cous-
ins took their departure together.
"Who is that girl r. inquired Roger,
as soon as they had reached the street.
''You may well ask, :" said cousinDick;
and, stopping, he whispered something
in his companions ear, at which the lat
ter started suddenly.
''Good heaven the resemblance is
certainly striking. But what is to be
done2 Do you think the old-cousin
Abigail, mean-srlspects anything 2
Not yet, [ think but no time is to
be lost. I have g. plan which it would
be well for us to talk over together.
The two hurried rapidly along.
Mrs. Varley had occasionally found
time hang heavily on her hands, and so
had advertised for person to fill the
post of companion to an aged lady.
1t was thus that Hester Darling had be-
come 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 presented themselves
before their cousin.
I'VE have thought it our duty, cousin"
began Dick.
ssOur bounden duty" put in Roger.
GAS painful as it is imperative" Dick
continued.
''To put you on your guard, ma'am," F"
Roger added.
against deceitful and designing
person. exclaimed Dick
"Who is no better than she should
be, +" shouted Roger, Indignantly.
Upon my word, cousins, l dc not
comprehend q syllable you have utter
ed, said Mrs VarIey fuor shall be
likely to, if you both keep talking. at
once. Come, Dick, you seem the least
excited, what is the meaning of all this2"
''What means, may / venture to ask, :"
said Dick, ''did you take to ascertain the
character and antecedents of the young
woman at present sheltered beneath
yolr roof ?''
".Why. none," replied the good old
lady. Her young and truthful face
was recommendation enough on which
to give her trial.
ave have ascertained her to be a most
abandoned creature" proceeded Dick,
sand have deemed it proper at once to
apprise you of the discovery. Should
she deny the accusation, We are prepared
with abundant proofs.
And the two cousins took their leave
With an air of exalted virtue.
Mrs. vaEley was lady of the strictest
propriety, and severest ,.,erais. Much
as she pitied the poor and friendless
girl, she must be promptly freed from
this foql and dreadful charge, or cross
her threshold never &c return.