The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-05-19

which blazing fire was now burning, had
somewhat disordered, while Mary, who was
two years younger, was reading. Charley,
little rogue of five, with smiling face
Which could not help looking roguish, was
stroking the cat the wrong way, much to
quietly settled herself down to the pleasant
dreams upon the hearth-rug.
All at once loud knock was heard at the
door.
Emma" said the mother, "you may &c
to the door and see who it is, and invite
them in, for it is cold day."
Emma Immediately obeyed her mothers
direction.
''Is Mrs. Lowe at home?" inquired Henry
Beaumont-for it was he.
eyes. sir" said Emma; please walk in,
She ushered the old man into the com
Portable sitting-room.
Mrs. Lowe arose to receive him.
II believe" he said, "I'm not mistaken
in thinking that your name before marriage
was Anna Beaumont"
"You are right. sir, that was my name"
'And you have no recollection of ar
uncle that wandered away from home and
friends, and from whom no tidings have
come for many long year?"
'Yes, sir, I remember him well-Iny
wished could hear something from him
Can you give me any information?"
81 can, for I am he."
s'You my uncle!" said Mrs. Lowe, in sur
prise, "then you are indeed welcome. EN-
ma, bring your uncle the arm chair, anc
place it close to the fire; and, Mary, bring
your fathers slippers, for I am sure your
dear uncle must long to get off those heavy
boots. And now, uncle, when you art
rested, must demand recital of your nd
ventures"
'But your brother, Alexander" inter
rupted Mr.. Beaumont, ''let me first inquire
about him. He lives in the city now, doe
he not?"
A light cloud came over Mrs. loves face
"Yes," she said 'he does live in the city
strange as it may appear, I seldom or neye
see him. He has succeeded we'll and i
wealthy; but ever since he married wifi
with small property and greater pride, h
has kept aloof from US. do not blame hin
SO much as his wife, who is said to hav
great influence over him. I have callet
once, but she treated me so coldly that
have not felt disposed to renew my visit"
II can easily believe it," was the reply
'for I, too, have been repulsed."
"You repulsed? Did you give youl
name, and inform her of your relation tt
her husband?"
81 did, but she did not invite me to enter
and she was evidently impatient for me t.
be gone; I took the hint, and here am
''At least, uncle" said Mrs. Lowe, smil
ingly, "you need not be afraid of any repuls
here"
"Of that I am quite snre," said the Of
gentleman, looking affectionately into tn
face of his niece. 'But you have not toll
me of your husband. Let me know whe
ther you have q good match," he added
playfully.
''That depends upon what is meant b
the term. II it implies rich husband, the
I failed most certainly, for Williams salar
is only $500 Il year, and that is what W
have to depend upon. But for all that
care not, for kind, affectionate husband
of far more worth than magnificent hous
and the most costly furniture
You are right" said her uncle, warmly
'and / infer that your husband is of such
character.
'He is, in truth
"Still," continued her uncle, "there mus
be something which your limited incom
will not permit you to obtain, but would b
desirable, is there not?'
"Yes, f" said Mrs. Lowe, 81 am anxious t
give Emma and Mary musical education
but Williams means will not allow Of snc
extravaganza rs the purchase of piano; s
that is one of the things which we must b
content to deny ourselves"
Mr. Lowe then entered, and being il
formed of the character OF his visitor, h
extended hearty welcome
A comfortable repast was soon spread, c
which Mr. Beaumont readily partook. Iii
spirits rose, and he seemed to grow youngc
as he saw the cheerful faces around hin
and felt himself at home. Soon after tn
evening meal he arose to depart.
''Surely, you are not goipg?" said Iii
niece; ''you must henceforth take up you
abode with u.s."
"We will see about that, and if you don
think you will get tired of me, perhaps