The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-03-22


come had increased their happiness. She
still, however, continued her charities and
one day, when she applied to her husband
for sum to give away, was surprised, when
J he applied, Really, Jane, | cannot afford
, such Donation
Not afford it = exclaimed she why,
il is no more than we have given for sever
al years
But our expenses have greatly increas-
ed
And so has our income said Jane. tri-
umphantly.
Frank looked thoughtful, and shook his
head.
WELL said Jane, cheerfully, we have
been talking about getting a comfortable ;
now suppose we give that up, and devote
the money to charity.
As you please said Frank, coldy.
Jane was silent for moment, and then
said,
No, dear; it is not MS | please, but as
you please
A centre-table was your own proposal,
said Frank.
Il know it; but should not have thought
of il, if Mrs. Reed had no. said it was nee
essary.'
! Mrs Reed seems to have become your
oracle, with all her folly. Then it was on
" because she said so, that we were to have
a Senre-table 2
No, Frank, not entirely | thought it
would he very convenient; and then it gives
room such socisble look; besides, as
we had centre-lampn
Il don't see how that helps your argu-
ment the table don't hang 10 the lamp,
does it =
No, and | begin TO think it is of no con-
sequence. Indeed, should never have
thought of it, if it had not been for Mrs.
Reed
Mrs. Reed again y exclsimed Frank,
peevishly really think that woman's ac-
quaintance is curse
Jane made no reply, but her eyes filed
with tears.
How long it is,' said Jane, one morn
! ing, since uncle Joshua has been here 2
Il suppose said Frank, he feels an
awkwardness on account of our different
rank in lile.'
20, no; that is wholly unlike him. Sup
pose we send and ask him to dine to-day 2
Not to-day. | have invited Professor
r. and DR.. b. You know they are both
intellectual men. He would not enjoy his
dinner
Besides, said Jane, when he comes,
we must let all the children dine at the Ia
BILE. We will ask him tomorrow, and APP
point dinner at two
with all my heart said Frank, as he
went ont to pay visit to the market, fol-
lowed by his servant with the marketbasket.
Jane began her preparations for dinner.
Her constant change of servants, and in
creasing trouble with them, often made this
an arduous task. She was soon in the
mids, Of glass and china and, assisted by
her chamber maid, began to lay the table.
They had got it nearly completed, with its
plates, wine glasses and tumbiers, all an a
rop, when she was alarmed by loud ring
at the door. The chamber-maid was des-
patched, with strict injunctions to let nobody
in, but say she was not at home There
was evidently parley, and the step of
person was heard approaching. With "a
sudden feeling of modification at being
caught, Jane rushed into the closet and
closed the door The sound Of uncle Josh
ua's voice struck her ear as he entered.
'Are you sure she is not at home p said
he to the girl
20, yes, sir, quite sure. | saw her put
on her things and go out
How long has she been gone =
Full an bour,' said the girl, who, as
these kind of people often do, oyeracted her
part.
Then, probably, she will be back soon,
and will wait for her
20, no sir; she said she should not be .
hack till near dinner time
why, you look as if you were going to
have a company of aldermen to dine
The girl answered IN a simpering tone,
No, sir only two or three friends
Jane, during this conversation, felt con- |
sternation that disabled her from acting
iudiciously, which would have been to have
come out from her hiding place, and tell the
simple truth. But she knew her uncle's
straight forward mind, and she was sure he
would not make the distinction which Gus
tora and fashion warrant, Of not at home, as
meaning engaged. The girl, too, had 50
positively implicated her in a falsehood,-.
had shown so completely that she under /.
stood no qualification, that Jane felt the ut .
mos, horror at being detected. She actually
looked out Of the window, to see If there
was no possibility Of escape. In the mean
time, uncle Joshua laid down his hat and
cane, seated himself by the open window,
aud asked for a glass Of water.
Jane, at length, came to the concluslon'
that she had better remain perfectly quiet,
that bis calls were never very long, and
she would send for him the next day. ana
should escape all unpleasant feeling. To
her dismsy. however, she presently heard
him call for the mornings paper. She