The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-06-10
s.AYser diner, will. ("

for the reception of her uncle, the
dinner did not pass off very plea
sanity. There was reserve on his
part, which threw cold water on the
whole affair. But it was finished. at
last, to tho relief Of all.
Now, uncle, come into the par
lor, and Ellen shall play you a tune
or two on her piano. said Fred, lead
ing the way
son her what, said the old man.
with start of surprise.
"'On her piano, of course"
Then You keep piano?"
Certainly; we could not possibly
get along without pione, could we.
Ellen?'
I'm sure We couldn't" replied the
young wife.
80, it is such comfort.
''ouch luxury, you mean," an
swered Uncle Luke: s'wlrat did Won
give for it p
Five hundred
rs it paid for?"
Certainly, it is.
And your note Luc iv-norrow.
which You cannot meet
Fred. glanced at Ellen, who looked
a. woe-begone Us though shc had lost
every friend she had in the world
1T was not his fault, uncle:
teazed it out of him said she.
''Then be is bigger fool than
took him to be replied Uncle Luke,
contemptuously.
And then he is not doing business
enough to pay his expenses; you dine
on roast turkey aud MI manner Of
fancy stuff.
Uncle Luke, though conscious that
he was neddling with that which did
not concern him, could not control
his Indignation at the wanton extra
vagance of the young people. He
felt kindly towards them ns he al
ways had, and though his words we're
harsh and cold, he intended to DO
them kindness
"1es; and, Ellen. YOU wear q silk
gown for every day, and, to crown
all, you have got piano Do you
expect to pay your notes in this man
her, Fred.?' continued he. Here is
the secret cf hard times-extruva-
gance-silk dresses, roast turkey, ice
creams ana pianos
"Things were going very we'll with
me when l bought the piano. sug-
gested Fred.
NO matter. you aro fool; nov I
will tell you what the philosophers
stone is"
Uncle Luke paused, and looked
coldiy into the eyes of the vonng
merchant.
"Well, uncle, what is it?
Live within Your means. II YOU
do not earn but dollar, spend only
seventy-tive cents and Uncle Luke
put on his great coat and edged to-
wards the door, without even allnd-
ing TO the important topic in which
Fred. felt SO much interest.
But, Uncle Luke, can YOU lend
me the money I want?" asked Fred,
dismayea at the thought of failure.
NO. I cannot.
''Ihen ] must fail
You ought to hay, thought of
that when You bought the piano.
replied Uncle Luke. sternlv ''Do
you know Waters:'
''The carpenter?'
Yes. Apply to him. ana he will
lend you the money!
"Bnt he is almost a stranger TO
me-
'iNo matter, go to him. " and Uncle
Luke left the house.
On, Fred, this is all my fault.
said Ellen, bursting into tears.
Fred. did apply to Waters.
What security can yon give?"
asked the carpenter.
Il don't know" replied Fred,
doubtingly My stock is mort
gagged.
"Household fulnture?'
NO"
''What have YOU got:
"A piano and --.
That will 10; give Inc !. bin Of
;!lat. If not paid within thirty days.
the piano is mine
Fred assentcd a:.G received the mo-
ncy. The papers were cXccuted. and
Fred. got ont Of the scrape.
During the succeeding thirty days,
he tried to raise the money to redeem
the piano, without success. Waters
took it at the appointed time, and
seemed perfectly satisfied with his !
bargain.
\ few days after, the young couple /
We're surprised to receive an invita- /
tion to dine with Uncle Luke, and,
to their nstonishment, when they al
rived, they found their piano in III. ,