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