Thomas County cat., 1886-08-26

lSSuuiIlS 4OCdNtS VI SAIuocu tOwA -
seemed probable that he was person
of quiet tastes and habits. to whom it
would be easy to obtain an introduce
ton. This done, thought Augustus.
nothing would be simpler than to in-'
gratiate 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 heiresses whose
prospects he had learned in 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 a 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 cnterprising nature,
buL it would be depressing to chronicle
series of dismal failures. Augustus
had borne his ill-luck with equanimity,
conv need that it was lack of oppor-
tunities alone which had prevented
him ftom making conqucsts.
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. hat 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 ex-
tent of it was not generally known.
But he learned sufficient to feel con-
vinced that the old gentleman was a
wealthy miser. He was described as q
tacit,lrn 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 lie paid his.way
and lived at his ease. but he was GER
tainly not suspected of being million
aire.
Augustus wisely determined to look
we'll before he leapt in this instance,
and he therefore set to work to ascer-
tain whether Mr.. Retainer knew any
thing about Mr. 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
yited 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 mincemeat 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 preoccupied with the moment
Gus Inquiries he desired to make.
When MIR. Retainer, after good deal
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 righ
sir?n
'.All right? No; of course rot. 1t
requires to be entirely redrawn. You
might have saved your time and
trouble, SIR. as well AS mine!' re-
turned MIR. Retainer, quite savagely.
II mean, do YOU think 1t is q hoax?"
continued Augustus, feeling very small
indeed
"You know best, sir" exclaimed
Mr.. Retainer. glaring at him.
II was referring to the instruc-
tions." Augustus fastened to explain,
pointing to the document
"There is nothing the matter with
the instructions!' exclaimed Mr.. Re-
tainer, staring at Augustus.
Il dare say not, as far as the solic-
itors are concerned" Augustus
DluTteu out.
lone of the oldest and most respect
able firms in London" interrupted
Mr. Retainer, Indignantly. "What on
earth are you driving at?''
..Well. [ mean, do you think that
the testator has all the property to
leave that he speaks of" said Au-
gustus, in desperation. Il have
heard of eases of a man making a
sham will"
Not through a firm like Tape &
Parchment" cried Mr.. Retainer. quite
scandalized. "What can have put
such 4 notion into your head?"
Nothing, except that the testator
lives in Camden town - Hilldrop-
crescent. I know Hilldrop-crescent
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 a moment
and regarded Augustus through his
spectacles as though impressed by his
shrewdness. Augustus did not bear
the scrutiny very well, for reasons that
may be imagined.
when you are older, Mr.. Nav. you
will learn that it is not always safe to
Judge by appearances. he said. with
smile.