Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-03-19
AUNT ABIGAH'S WILL.
What She Bequeathed to Cous-
ms Roger and Dick.

1t was Abigail Narley tnree-ScOre-
~nd-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 cousinly jeal-
ousy less amiably eXemplified, 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
viving her; and how to supplant each
other in her will, which she had at last
begun seriously to talk of making, was
the problem which at present engaged
their attention.
On the morning in question, when
Cousin Roger called to wish Cousin
Abigail the usual ''l~lny happy
returns" he was not a 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 outdope in cousinly
attention, he took up POmpey, 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, 81
have been thinking seriously of send
ing for Mr.. Parker, with a 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 off so long?"
"Well, well, suppose there's no hur-
~ about it," said Cousin Abigail
And yet" Cousin Roger ventured to
hint, cit 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 a
DOCTOR" said Cousin Dick, facetiously.
The conversation was interrupted by
the entrance of a young and beautiful
girl, at whom Cousin Dick stared with
a surprised and troubled look.
Pardon me, ma'am," she said, in
voice remarkably sweet and gentle;
mot knowing you were engaged, I came
to see if you wished me, as usual, to
read to you to-day"
Presently, dear" Mrs. Marley an
swered in tone that plainly limited her
visitors 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 some
thing in his companions ear, at which
the latter started suddenly.
Good heavenl the resemblance is
certainly striking. But what is to be
done? Do you think the old-Cousin
Abigail, mean, suspects any thing?"
Not yet, l 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 an
aged lady. It was thus that Hester
Darling had become 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, Rog-
er and Dick again presented themselves
before their cousin.
1--WE havct It it our duty, cousin"
- began Dic;i-
"Our bourden duty" put in Roger.
las painful as it is imperative" Dick
continued.
ITO put you on your guard, ma'am,"
Roger added
Against a deceitful and designing
person." exclaimed Dick
"Who is no better than she should
be!'' shouted Roger, Indignantly.
upon my word, cousins, do not
comprehend a syllable you have ut
tered" said Mrs. Marley; nor shall 1
be likely to if you both keep talking at
once. Come, Dick, you seem least ex-
cited. What is the meaning of all this?"
what means, may venture to ask"
said Dick, did you take to ascertain
the character and antecedents Of the
young woman at present sheltered be-
meath your roof"
''Why, none" replied the good lady.
Her young and truthful face were
recommendation enough on which TO
give her trial"
1--WE have ascertained her to be
most abandoned creature" proceeded
Dick, land 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. Marley was a lady of the strictest
propriety and severest morals. Much
as she pitied and befriended the poor
and friendless girl, she must be prompt
ly freed from this foul and dreadful
charge, or cross her threshold never to
return.
She went directly to Hester's cham
Der.
'You musften me your past history,
child" said Mrs Marley, in a deter
mined but not unkindly tone.
''Oh, madam, pray you pardon me,
but can not, can not tell itI''