Page:History of Cinderella, or, The little glass slipper (1).pdf/18

18 ”Dear, dear brother,” said the dying lady, “you must be father, mother, and uncle too, to these dear innocent lambs. First let William be taught to read; and then he should be told how good his father was. And little Jane, -Oh! brother, it wrings my heart to talk of her; think of the gentle usage she will need, and take her fondly on your knee, brother, and she and William too will pay your care with love.”

How does it grieve my heart to see you, my dear relatives, in this mournful condition! replied the uncle. "But be comforted, there may yet be hopes of your well-doing: but should we have the misfortune to lose you, I will do all you can desire for your darling children. In me they shall find father, mother, and uncle; but, dear brother, you have said nothing of your wealth.” “H-e-r-e, h-e-r-e, brother, replied he, is my will, in which I have provided for my dear babes.”

The gentleman and his lady then kissed their children, and a short time after they both died.

The uncle, after sheding a few tears, opened the will, in which he found, that to William was bequeathed three hundred pounds a-year, when he became of age, and to little Jane five hundred pounds in gold on her marriage day. But if the children