The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1857-08-12

ton Of her uncle, the dinner did not Dass
off very pleasantly. There was reserve
on bis part, which threw cold water on the
whole affair. But it was finished at last to
the relief of all.
Now. uncle, come into the parlor, and
Ellen shall play you tune or two on her
piano." said Fred, leading the way.
Son her what!" said the old man, with
start of surprise.
"On her piano, Of course"
s'Then you keep piano I"
"Certainly, we could not possibly get
along without one, could we Ellen
"0h, no, it's such comfort"
/" Such luxury, you mean" ausN red
Uncle Luke, with cold sneer, & what did
you give for il :"
" Five hundred"
Is it paid for"
Certainly it is."
" And your note due tomorrow which
you cannot meet?"
Fred glanced at Ellen, who looked as woe
begone as though she had lost every friend
she had in the world.
g II is not his fault, uncle teased it
out of him. said she.
aThcn he is a bigger fool than took him
to be-" replied Uncle Luke contemptuously.
" And when he was not doing business
enough to pay expenses, you dine on roast
turkey, and all manner of fancy stuf.''
Uncle Luke, though conscious that he was
meddling with that which did not concern
him, could not control his indignation at the
wanton extravaganza Of the young people.
He felt kindly towards them, as he always
had, and though his words were harsh and
cold, he intended to do them a kindness.
Yes, and Ellen, you wear silk gown
for every day, and to crown all, you have
got piano. Dou you expect to pay your
notes in this manner, Fredi' continued he,
i" here is the secret Of hard times-extrava-
gance silk dresses, roast turkeys, ice
creams, and pianoes."
"Things were going on very well with
me when | bought the piano., suggested
Fred.
sNo matter, you are fool. Now will
tell you what the Philosophers stone is.'
Uncle Luke paused and looked directly
into the eyes of the young merchant.
"Well, Uncle, what Is tF"
"Live within your means. If you do not
earn but dollar spend but seventy five
cents" and Uncle Luke put ON his great
coat and edged towards the door, without
even alluding to the important topic in
which Fred felt so much interest.
But, Uncle Luke, can you lend me the
money wants" asked Fred, dismayed al
the thought Of failure.
NO, I cannot"
UThen / must fail -
"You ought to have thought Of that when
you bought the piano." replied Uncle Luke
sternly. "Do you know Waters;"
The carpenter !"
Yes. Apply to him, and lie will lend
You the money"
q But he is almost stranger 10 me-"
No matter, 90 to him )" and Uncle LUX,
left the house.
"0h. Fred, this is all my fault" said FL
len, bursting into tears.
I Fred applied to Waters.
What security can you giyei' asked tn
carpenter.
Il don't know said Fred. doubtingly
MY stock is mortgaged."
Household furniturei'
No."
"what have you goti,
n 81 piano, and -
"That will do; give me bill Of sale o
that. If not paid within thirty days, th,
piano is mine."
Fred assented and received the money
The papers were executed, and Fred 20
out Of his difficulties.
During the succeeding thirty days he trio,
hard to raise the money TO redeem the piano
without success. Waters took il at th,
appointed time, and seemed perfectly salts
fed with his bargain.
a few days after, the young couple wer
surprised 10 receive an invitation TO din
with Uncle Luke, and 10 their astonishmen
when they arrived. they found their piant
IN his little parlor.
"Did you buy this - asked Fred.
But Uncle Luke would answer no qnes
tions, yet lie promised to make him presen
Of il as soon as he paid all his debts.
The dinner consisted Of cOrned beef an
baked potatoes, with an apple pie for desert
Uncle Luke was in unusually good spirits
aud never once apologized for the singula
fare he had placed before his guests.
But they understood tie meaning Of i
II was intended as lesson for them, IN,
they pro6ted BY il.
They brought home the Philosopher
stone and began toliye by a humbler system
The hired girl was discharged. and Ellie
had so much to do in attending to her house
hold duties, that She had no time 10 be lone
some, aud they we're mach happier tha
when she moped all DIV II tie paflOr: an
better than this. the times began 70 mend
aud Fred's business prospcred again. u
paid oil his mortgage, and the piano va
daily returned to them.
--->-..--.~.--~.
THE LAW OF LOVE.