Telegram-herald., 1891-03-22
AUNT ABIGAIL'S WILL.
What She BeQueathed 10 Cous-
ins Roger and Dick.

IL was <iN4S444 tAANS-cN0AO-
and-tenth birthday. She was rich
widow. childless, and with no known
relations save two gentlemen cousins.
Never WIS., cousinly attachment more
beautifully illustrated, or eousinly jeai.
ousy less smiably exemplitied. 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
left to waste between themselves.
Both were several years younger
than the lady. with fair prospect, ac-
cording TO the course of nature, of sur
viying her; and how 10 supplant each
other in her viii, which she had NJ last
begun seriously 10 talk of making, was
the problem which at present engaged
their attention.
On the morning IN question, when
Cousin Roger called 10 wish Cousin
Abigail the usual many happy
returns" he was not little
chagrined to find Cousin Dick there be-
fore him. However, he presented his
annual gift, and went through his an
nual speech without missing a word;
and seeing Tabby, the cousinly cat,
perched snugly on his rivals knee, by
way of not being, outdone in cousinly
attention, he took up Pompcy, the
cousinly poodle, though dogs were his
abomination
"Well, Cousin Abigail, hope your
health continues good" said Cousin
Roger, patting Pompey's head and
glancing suspiciously at Cousin Dick.
whom he devoutly wished at Jericho.
Not SO good latterly as has been.
The fact is" the old lady continued, II
have been thinking seriously of send
ing for Mr.. Parker, with view to
settling MY worldly affairs without de-
lay"
"Oh, there is no need Of haste, cous-
in," broke in Dick; you have many
years before you yet" mentally add
ing: What has possessed the old lady
to put it of SO long?"
well, well, suppose there's no hur-
~ about it" said Cousin Abigail.
"And yet" Cousin Roger ventured to
hint, 1T is always well to be prepared;
none of US can tell the minute or the
hour, you KNOW.
And, after all, calling in q lawyer Is
not SO serious a matter rs calling in a
DOCTOR" said Cousin Dick, facetiously.
The conversation was interrupted by
the entrance Of young and beautiful
girl, at whom Cousin Dick stared with
q surprised and troubled look.
Pardon me, ma'am," she said, in q
voice remarkably sweet and gentle;
mot knowing you were engaged. came
TO see If you wished me, Us usual, to
read to you to-day"
Presently. dear" Mrs. Varley an
swered in tone that plainly limited her
visitors would not be pressed TO stay il
they offered TO go.
After an awkward pause the two
cousins took their departure together.
who is that giGl?' inquired Roger,
as soon as they reached the street
"You may well ask" said Cousin
Dick; and, stopping. he whispered some
thing in his companions ear, at which
the latter started suddenly.
Good heaven! the resemblance Is
certainly striking. But what IS to be
donc2 Do you think the old-Cousin
Abigail, l mean, suspects any thing?"
mot vet, think; but no time is to be
lost. have plan which it would be
well for Us TO talk over together"
And the two hurried rapidly along.
Mrs Marley had occasionally found
the time hang heavy On her hands.
and so had advertised for person to
fill the post of companion" to en-
aged lady. II was thus that Hester
Darling had become an inmate of the
house.
At as carly an hour as was seemly on
the morning following tina. on which
we introduced them to tho reader, Rog-
er and Dick again presented themselves
before their cousin
1--WE have thought Il our duty. cousin"
- began Dick.
"Our bounden duty" put In Roger.
"As painful as 1t Is imperative" Dick
continued.
ITO put you on your guard. ma'am."
Roger added.
Against deceitful and designing
person, exclaimed Dick
who Is no better than she should
be-" shouted Roger, Indignantly.
Upon my word. cousins. ] do not
comprehend syllable you have ut
tered" said Mrs. Marley; nor shall
be likely 10 II ron both keep talking at
once. Come. Dick. you seem least OK
cited What is the meaning Of all this9"
What means may venture 20 ask"
said Dick, did You take 20 ascertain
the character and antecedcnts Of the
young woman AZ present sheltered be-
meath your roof"
"Why. none, replied Tire good lady.
Tier young and truthful face were
recomme adation enough on which TO
give her a trial"
I've have ascertaiued her - be
most abandoned creature proceeded
Dick, and hare deemed Il proper AZ
once 70 spprise you Of the discovery
Should she deny the sccnsation, we are
prepared with abundant proofs
And THE two cousins to0k their leave.
with an air 81 exalted virtue.
Mrs Marley was lady u The strictest
proprietv ard severes, morals Much
&c she pisied and h~frieniei the rooY
and frfenaless girl. she must te prompt
IL freed from this foul sna dreadful
charge. OF cross her threshold never 10
return
She vent directly ~ Hester's ehans-
her
ssy--, r--.e. tel me- ~-s--r u.<> his<r-v.