Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/204

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the fit was over for the present, though he apprehended a very speedy return. The next morning the colonel was able to leave his bed. Resuming the conversation with his son, he opened to him the whole state of his affairs, the disposition of his property, and strongly recommended to him, his mother, sister, and younger brother. "I know, my dear son, my respite is only short, but it is very satisfactory to me, that it permits me to unfold to the chief pride of my heart, my thoughts, sentiments, prospects, and wishes. To you, my eldest son and representative, I have left the half of a very moderate fortune, and the other half divided between Eliza and Henry. Your mother, during life, is to have the half of the interest of the whole, besides the pension which she will receive as a colonel's widow. What I have acquired will, if properly managed,