Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1891-02-21
lrHE STORY or A WILL.

twas Abigail Varleys threescore.ond-
tenth birthday She was a rich widow
childless, and with no known relations
save two gentlemen cousins.
Never was cousinly attachment more
beautifully illustrated, or colsinly jeal-
ousy less amiably eX, mphhei, than ia the
daily walk ana conversation of those two
collateral kinsmen They bestowed 50
much affection on their common relative
that theyhad no time left to waste between
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 Ia her
will, which she had ut lost 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 Abb
gail the usual many happy returns, he
was not little chagrined to find Cousin
Dick there before HIM However, he pre-
scented his annual gift, and went through
his annual speech without missing a word
and seeing Tabby, the cousnly cat,
perched snugly on his rivals knee, by way
Of not being outdOne in couslnly attention,
he took up Pompey. the cousinly poodle,
though dogs were bis abomination
well, Cousin Abigail, l hope your
health continues good, said Cousin Roger,
pattng Pompey' head and glancing sus-
pielously at Cousin Dick, whom he degout-
~ wished a. Jericho.
Not so good latterly as has been The
fact is, ~ the old lady continued. u have
been blinking seriously of sending for Mr.
Parker with view Of setting my world
ly affairs without delay
'0h. there is no need of haste cousin,
broke in Dick; 'you have many years
before you yet; mentally adding. "What
has possessed the old lady to put 1t off SC
long?'
well, well, suppose there no hurry
about it said Cousin Abigail,
"And yet Cousin Roger veutured tC
| hit, 1T is always well TO be prepared
none of US can tell the minute or the hour
you know.
And, after all calling in a lawyer is
not so serious a matter as calling IN {
doctor. said Cousin Dick facetiously.
The conversation was interrupted by
the entrance of young and beautiful
girl, at whom Cousin Dick started with {
surprised and troubled look.
pardon me- MA am, she said in
voice remarkable sweet and gentle; mo
knowing you were engaged, / came TO Sc,
If you wished me, as usual, to read to yot
to-day,
Presently, dear, Mrs. Marley answer
ed in town that plainly limited her yisi-
tors would not be pressed to stay if they
offered to go.
After an awkward pause the two cousins
took their departure together.
who is that grip inquired Roger
as soon as they reached the street.
you may well ask, said Cousin Dick
and, stopping, he whispered something il
his companions's ear, at which the latte
started suddenly.
tainly striking But what is to be done
! DO you think the.old- Cousin Abiagil,
mean, suspects auything?'
Not yet, think; but no time IS TO b,
lost | have plan which it would be wei
for US to talk over together.
And the two hurried rapidly along.
Mrs. Varly had occasionally found tb,
time hang heavy 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
As as early an hour as was seemly or
the morning following that ON which wt
introduced them to the reader, Roger, and
Dick again presented themselves before
their cousin.
I'VE Lad thought it our duty cousin,
began Dick.
"0ur bounden duty, put IN Roger.
"As painful as it is imperative, Diek
continued.
ITO put you on your guard, ma'am
/ Roger added.
Against a deceitful and designing per.
son. exclaimed Dick
who is no better than she should be!
shouted Roges, Indignantly.
Upon my word, cousin, ! do not com.
prehend a syllable you have uttered, said
| Mr. Marley; nor shall be likely to il
I you both keep talking at once Come,
4 Dick, you seem least excited. What is the
meaning Of all this;'
What means, may yentare to ask
said Dick. did you take to ascertain the
/ character and antecedents of the young
women at present sheltered beneath your
rOofy =
W hY. none, TeFIed the r0Dt lady.
Her young and truthful face were recon-
mendation enough on which TO give her
q trial
I'VE have as ertainel her TO be most
4 abandoned creature proceeded Dick,
"and have declined IL proper, at once %
apprise yon Of the discovery. Should She
I deny the accusation, we are prepared with
I abundant proofs
And the two c0uiaDs took their leave,
! with an air Of exalted virtue.
Mrs. Fariey was lady Of the strictest
proprie,y and sayerest morals Much al.
She pitIed and befriended the poor and
friendiess girl, She must be promptly
freed from this foul and dreadful charge,
or cross her threshold never 10 return.
She went directly 70 Hester chamber.
You must tell me your past history,
child, said Mrs. YuIey in a determined
but not unkindly tone.
"0d, madam, pray you pardon nc
but ] can not, can not tell 1t.
"lhen it has been one Of shame and
guilt?'
For q time, Of shame, madame, an
swered tie yourg girl, with flushed check
t.but not az gtssst