ghtly, who has
raised himself from nameless poverty, and whom, therefore, I judge to
be worthy of wealth and honour: Provided always, that he shall pay to
Jane and Alice Melville, my beloved nieces aforesaid, the sum of twelve
pounds a year each, in quarterly payments in advance, for three years
following my decease, when such payments shall cease, as by that time I
believe they will be independent in circumstances: Provided also that
he shall give to the said Jane and Alice Melville, the furniture and
personal effects belonging to them, as mentioned more particularly in
the schedule marked A, appended to this instrument; and that he shall
give to the said Jane and Alice Melville no further assistance either
in money or in money's worth, directly or indirectly, whatsoever: Also
providing that the said Francis Ormistown, otherwise Hogarth, shall not
marry either of his cousins; the marriage of such near relations being
mischievous and improper.

"In case of any of these provisions being disregarded by the said
Francis Ormistown, otherwise Hogarth, all my heritable and moveable
property shall be divided among certain benevolent institutions, in the
order and manner set forth in the schedule marked with the letter B.

"All these provisions I have made, as being the best for my surviving
relatives; and I believe they will eventually acknowledge them to be
such."

It would be hard to say which of the three parties interested, felt
most astonishment at this extraordinary will. Jane Melville stood rigid
and silent, with her face flushed and her eyes filled with tears, which
she would not let fall. Alice's face lost all colour, and she seemed
ready to faint. But the greatest excitement was shown by the fortunate
legatee. He shook from head to foot, steadying himself on the
table--looked from the two girls to the two gentlemen with bewildered
eyes--and said at last with difficulty, in a low, soft, tremulous
voice----

"Was Mr. Hogarth in his senses when he made this will?"

"A little excited, but indisputably in full possession of his senses,
strange as the will appears," said Mr. MacFarlane, the lawyer; "and Mr.
Baird will corroborate my opinion."

Mr. Baird bowed his head affirmatively. "Quite true--his head was quite
clear at the time. The will was made six weeks ago, and you, Miss
Melville, know how well he was then. Very grieved, indeed--most
inconceivable conduct--cruel--inconsiderate. I feel deeply for your
disapp