1856.] or, a Family Fracas. 35 



' His motlier ! From no other source could I have believed the tales 

 I was told. But I did not then know enough of the world to think that 

 there were mothers who could malign their own children. "We were 



separated my husband died, leaving me that last little one, of many. 



We are very, very poor — no one will help us — an acc[uaintance showed 

 me the advertisement, and urged me to come — it was a false hope. But 

 I find that there are strong arms and brawling tongues below, that I 

 can not contend against.' 



' iSTever mind that,' said the solicitor ; ' it is my duty to read the will 

 on Monday, and as a relation it is your duty to attend at the same time. 

 I tell you to have no expectations.' 



I saw ]\rr. Shaw try to slip some money into her hand, and I saw a 

 crimson flush come over her face as she said, ' We can still work :' and 

 then, fearing she had been harsh to one who wished to be kind, she 

 shook his hand in both of hers, and said. ' God bless you, sir, I thank 

 you from my heart.' - 



Bang, bang, came to the door of the chamber, a minute after Mary 

 had left, and upon its being opened, a man of about six and thirty 

 made his appearance. 



'Something advantageous I' he gasped, for he was out of breath; 

 ' what — what is it ? Give it me, give it me I How much ? Good God, 

 do'nt let any body else have it. I'm his youngest brother — give it to me.' 



' If you will attend here at 12 o'clock on Monday, the will will be read.' 



Bang, bang, bang ! 



'I'm thoroughly besieged,' said Mr. Shaw; 'now, madam, who are 

 you ?' 



' Something advantageous.' screamed a masculine looking woman ; * I'm 

 a relative — what is it? Come on, my dears. Here's my five dear 

 daughters, and my baby — come along.' 



' Be off with you,' cried the younger brother. 



' Did you speak to me, you wretch,' said the lady, and she planted a 

 blow in his face that made him reel again. ' Take that ; I know you 

 are a sneaking hound ; you used to be called the chimpanzee, in the 

 family, you poor, scorched-up-looking bundle of cat's-meat.' 



Several more arrivals now took place, and poor Mr. Shaw was fairly 

 bewildered. Sounds of contention arose on the staircase — shrieks from 

 family combatants came upon our ears, and finally, I advised Mr. Shaw 

 to paste a placard on the outer door of his office, on which was written, 



' The will of Mr. Jordan will be read here on Monday next, at twelve 

 o'clock, precisely.' 



The riot gradually subsided. The evening came on, and all the 



