Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/62

Rh Her parents died and left her a large fortune, and an aunt, who had a ſtill larger, adopted her.

Mrs. Trueman, her couſin, was, ſome years after, adopted by the ſame lady; but her parents could not leave their eſtate to her, as it deſcended to the male heir. She had received the moſt liberal education, and was in every reſpect the reverſe of her couſin; who envied her merit, and could not bear to think of her dividing the fortune which ſhe had long expected to inherit entirely herſelf. She therefore practiſed every mean art to prejudice her aunt againſt her, and ſucceeded.

A faithful old ſervant endeavoured to open her miſtreſs's eyes; but the cunning niece contrived to invent the moſt infamous ſtory of the old domeſtic, who was in conſequence of it diſmiſſed. Mrs. Trueman ſupported her, when ſhe could not ſucceed in vindicating her, and ſuffered for her generoſity; for her aunt dying ſoon after, left only five hundred pounds to this amiable woman, and fifty thouſand to Lady Sly. Rh