North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-05-01
tenants we're not regardless of outward ap-

the furniture, though of kind which
would hardly be selected for drawing
room had comfortable, homelike ap-
pearance, which amply satisfied the de-
sires of those who derived their happiness
from higher and less mutable source than
outside show.
Mrs. Lowe was seated in a rocking
chair, engaged in an employment which
am aware is tabooed in all fashionable So
ciety-I mean darning stockings.
| Emma, girl of ten, was brushing up
the hearth, which the ashes from the
CRATE, in which a blazing fire was now
burning, had somewhat disordered; while
Mary, who was two years younger, was
reading. Charlie, little rogue of five,
with smiling face which could not help
looking rogush, was stroking the cat the
wrong way, much to the disturbance of
poor Tabby, who had quietly settled her.
self down to pleasant dreams upon the
hearth rug,
All at once a knock was heard at the
| door.
Emma" said her mother, "you may go
to the door and see who it is, and invite
them in, for it is a cold day."
Emma obeyed her mothers direction.
as Mrs. Lowe at home?" inquired
| Henry Beaumont--for it was he.
"Yes, sir" said Emma; please come in
and you shall see her."
So she usaered the old man into the
comfortable sitting room.
| Mrs Lowe rose to receive him.
II believe" SAID he, Il am not mistaken
in thinking that your name before mar
riage was Emma Beaumont"
You are right sir, that was my name"
"And you have no recol Election Of an
uncle who wandered away from home
and friends, and from whom no tidings
have come for many long year"
YES Sir, l remember him well--my
uncle Henry aud | have many times
wished could learn something Of him.
Can you give me any information ?"
II can, for am he.
"You my uncler said Mrs. Lowe, in
surprise; "then you are indeed welcome.
Emma bring your uncle the arm chair,
and place it close to the fire, and Mary,
bring your fathers slippers, for | am sure
yonr uncle must long 10 get off those
heavy boots. And now. uncle, when you
are quite rested, must demand a recital
of your adventures"
"But your brother Alexander" inter
rupted Mr.. Beaumont; let me first in
quire about him. He lives in this city,
does he not?'
a slight cloud came over Mrs. loves
face
eyes, says she, e,"he does live in the city;
yet strange as it may appear, | seldom or
never see him, He has succeeded well,
and Is wealthy; but ever since he married
with wife Of small property and greater
pride, he has kept aloof from US. | do not
so much blame him as his wife, who is said
to have great influence over him. | have
called once, but she treated me so coldIy
that have not felt the disposition to re-
new my visit"
"I can easily believe It," was the reply,
g for too have been repulsed."
"You repulsed did you give your name
and inform her of your relation to her
husbandY e. .. r. ...
IL did but she did not even invite me
to enter; and as she was evidently impa-
ticnt for me to be gone, l took the hint,
and here | am
CAT least uncle" said Mrs, Lowe, smil
ing, ''you fear no repulse here"
"Of that am quite sure," said the old
gentleman, looking affectionately in the
face of his niece. "Butyo have not told
me your husband Let me hear now
whetf er you have made good match" he
added playfully.
4" That depends upon what is meant by
the term. If it implies a rich husband, then
| have failed most certainly, for Williams
salary is only eight hundred dollars year
and that is what ws have to depend upon.
But for all that [ care not, for kind and
affectionate husband is of far more worth
than a magnificent dwelling and costly fur
niture."
"You are right" said her uncle, warmly;
"and l infer that your husband is of such
a character"
| Z" lie is, in truth"
"Still," continued her uncle, 'there must
be some things which your limited income
will not permit you to obtain, but which
would be desirable, are there not ?"
Yes" said Mrs. Lowe. 81 am anx-
ious to give Emma and Mary a musical
education but Williams means will not
allow of such piece of extravaganza as
the purchase of a piano, SO that is one OF
the things which we must be content to
deny ourselves .....
Mr.. Lowe had entered and being in
formed of the character of his visitor, ex-
tended to him a warm welcome. COM
Portable repast was soon spread, of which
Mr.. Beaumont partook heartily. His spir-
its rose and he seemed to grow younger, as
he saw the cheerful faces around him, and
felt himself more at home. Soon offer the
evening meal, he rose to depart.
"Surely you are not going" said his
niece ''You must henceforth take up
| oboJo NTH Ta ~