The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-08-18

ttOUs oOuCs titouSht <huEu'tu's
nothing would be simpler than to in
gratiatc himself with the old gentle
man, to win the affections of his
daughter and to gain both her hand
and her fortune.
To tell the truth, this was not the
first time that Augustus had cherished
designs Of marrying beiresses whose
prospects he had learned in Il similar
manner. Unfortunately. in previous
cases the ladies had been of exalted
rank and station. which rendered them
unapproachable. Disparity of station
had not prevented him, however. from
making discreet advances. Like all
mottle-faced, snub.nosed little men,
Augustus considered himself above
every thing lady-killer. When he
discovered that the Lady Angelina
Fitzpowderpuff was the residuary lega-
tee under the will of her decrepit old
uncle. Lord Towzlepate. he had taken
immense pains to have her Ladyship
pointed out to him, and had ogled her
in the park for whole season. Va
rious instances of this kind might be
recorded of his enterprising nature,
but it would be depressing to chronicle
a series of dismal failures. Augustus
had borne his ill-luck with equanimity,
convinced that it was lack of oppor-
tunities alone which had prevented
him from making cOnguests.
In the case of Miss Smith, however.
no obstacles of an insurmountable kind
seemed to exist. Augustus, with his
native sanguineness, therefore regarded
her fortune as practically within his
grasp. That very evening, in fact, on
his return to his uncle's house in Cam
den town, he commenced to make dis
Greet inquiries about the Smith family.
/ Not a word did he breathe OF Mr..
Smiths fortune, and he was the more
cautious because it seemed that the sx-
tent of it was not generally known.
But he learned sufficient to feel con-
WINGED that the old gentleman was a
wealthy miser. He was described as a
taciturn and rather eccentric person,
who had resided many years in Hill
drop-crescent with his daughter and a
maiden sister. He was supposed to be
comfortably of, for he paid his way
and lived at his ease, but he was GER
tainly not suspected of being million
aire.
Augustus wisely determined to look
well before he leapt in this instance,
and he therefore set to work to ascer-
tain whether Mr.. Retainer knew any
thing about MIR. Smith and his affairs.
Accordingly he laboriously prepared
the draft Of Mr.. Smiths will himself,
and ventured to take it into Mr.. Re-
tainer's sanctum. The learned con-
veyancer-struck, perhaps. by the un-
wonted zeal Of his least promising pu'
pil-good-naturedly put aside the pa
pers he was engaged upon. and in
vited Augustus to stand by while he re-
vised the important document. This
method of instruction was particularly
CALLING to Augustus, for Mr.. Retainer
was accustomed to make minoemeat OF
his pupils youthful efforts, and was
cruelty frank in his criticism. On this
occasion, however, Augustus bore the
ordeal with edifying meekness, being
entirely prcoccupied with the moment
Gus inquiries he desired to make
When Mr.. Retainer, after a good dea
contemptuous "pishing" and "pshaw
Ing" accompanied by vicious scratch
ings of his broad-nibbed pen, threw
the document aside, Augustus said
rather awkwardly:
do you think the will is all RICH
sir?''
"All rightP No; of course not. l
requires to be entirely redrawn. 70,
might have saved your time anc
trouble, sir, as well as mine" re
turned Mr.. Retainer. quite savagely.
Il mean, do you think it is hoaxP
continued Augustus, feeling very small
indeed.
"You know best. sir!" exclaimed
Mr.. Retainer, glazing at him.
al was referring to the instruc
TONS Augustus FASTENED to explain
pointing to the document.
"There is nothing the matter will
the instructionsr' exclaimed Mr.. Re
tainer. staring at Augustus.
81 dare say not, as far as the sole
itors are concerned" Augustus
blurted out.
Zone of the oldest and most respect
able firms in London" interrupted
Mr.. Retainer, Indignantly. "What OF
earth are you driving ate"
"Well, I mean, do you think tina
the testator has all the property tt
leave that he speaks OFF" said Au
gustus, in desperation. 81 hav,
heard of eases of a man making
sham will"
"Not through q firm like Tape {
Parchment" cried Mr. Retainer, quit,
scandalized. "What can have pu
such u notion into your headp'
Nothing, except that the testato
lives in Camden town - Hilldrop
crescent. l know Hilldrop-crescen
slightly" added Augustus. hastily
"They are comparatively small houses
and the neighborhood is not fashion
able"
Mr.. Retainer looked rather amused
He leaned back in his chair momen
and regarded Augustus through hi
spectacles as though impressed by hi
shrewdness. Augustus did not bea
the scrutiny very well, for reasons tina
! may be imagined.
when you are older, Mr.. Nav, yo
will learn that it is not always safe t.
judge by appearances. he said. with
smile.
Then you think, sir"
ado not alarm yourself" interrupt
ed Mr.. Retainer. turning inpatient
to his work. "Mr. Tape explained t
me the circumstances of the case. !
is all right"
Mr.. Retainer dismissed Augusta
with a nod rs he finished speaking, an