Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-06-24
NO. l49.

that Of an incipient duchess; and if their
scrupulously clean, and embellished by the
arts of a delicate taste.
Meta had vowed that she would never
embroidery frame, till every trace of past
disorder was removed, every stitch put
neatly in, and the lessons of the cookery
book as familiar to her as Czerny's Exer-
cises or Rodners Instructions. And she
kept her word. Not the keen eyes of
Mrs. Grundy herself could have quarreled
with the spotless apartments, the appetiz-
ing cookery, or discovered one ten min
ute's employment in the wardrobcs of the
now united pair.
Still it was not quite healed, that deep
wound. She could not look on her hus-
bands rusty coat and seedy hat, or see his
still. thin features, without remembering
that, but for her williul and culpable neg
lect they might have been in affiuence
and ease. The golden moment had es-
capped her; would it ever returnp
She was sitting at the piano, her fingers
idly wandering in a plaintive melody over
the keys, and some unbidden tears falling
on her hands, when she was aroused by
the opening of the door of the sitting-room,
and ere she had time to rise from the in
strument, her uncle's wife was at her side.
''l am glad to find you this time, Netta,n
She said softly. NAY, do not shrink from
me, my dear. | am not surely such an
ogress, am !, as to bring those drops to
your eyes ?" sa'sS
mo, no, no! am glad, very glad
only" And again she fairly broke down
in suppressed sobs.
"Only you were rather tardy, and /,
perhaps rather hasty,' said Mrs, Gerard,
with sweet, bright smile. "But I am
not going to be in a hurry to-day if you
will give me a slice of Your mutton, for
your uncle is away, and am very lonely"
momentary embarrassment dyed Net
ta's checks: then she said frankly ..How
can | be SO sillyp You know that we are
poor, and will kindly excuse our plain
table We shall be very-very pleased to
have you"
Mrs. Gerard certainly did not seem to
think the fare needed excuse. She par
took with relish of the mutton, cooked to
turn, the floury potatoes. and the delicate
pudding; and yet more did she appear to
enjoy and appreciate the sweet voice and
the refined converse OF the accomplished
niece of her husband. ID
1t was about two months after this visit,
and poor Netta's hopes of reconciliation
with her uncle, through the mediation of
his wife, had died away, when letter was
put in her hand by her husband who had
just received it from the postman.
''lt is-yes, surely it is my uncle's writ
ing," she exclaimed, flushing; and in
moment the envelope was lying in mutil-
ated fragments on the floor. There were
bat few lines, but they were worth
volume: f....
Dear Niecc,--As l understand you can
now manage household, and have begun
to comprehend that time is precious enough
not to be wasted, / think your abilities
should have still more employment in
more extended sphere. Unfortunately,
my poor influence was exhausted some
time ago but, luckily, my means have not
been so recklessly wasted, and have e'or-
dered deed of settlement to be made out,
of which | believe you to be far more wor-
thy than at the date when such things are
usually executed 1t will be f20O per an
mum. Your affectionate uncle, saee
PAUL GERARD.
Meta cast herself into her husbands
arms in passion of joyful tears, as she
sobbed out: "Darcy, my beloved, gracious
husband you have long since forgiven
me the blight brought on you prospects;
but now, for the first time, ] can forgive
myseltw