The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1872-05-09

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with all the sef-possession and coquetry
of a woman of thirty. was, as 1 said,
often about her father, and met Arabel-
la-that was her name-frequently.
She was so kind to me, so gracious, had
SO many winning ways, that she had my
heart i'll her grasp in less than a week.
My love was fairly worshipping, and
when she would give me smiles and
words of encouragement, how was l. a
poor country boy, to know it was all
skillful coquetry, the sport of hard
hearted flirtI then John Miller came,
and he too loved her. He was a young
lawyer who settled in town, but came
over here very often, sometimes for a
weeks visit at one time. Arabella play
ed her part 50 well, that L never sus-
pected the truth till l summoned up
courage to ask her to be my wife in the
future, when she told me she was en-
gagged to JOHN Miller. While we were
talking, John Miller came in, and she
told him my cherished hope and secret
as a good joke. Together they laughed
at the country pumpkin, and John made
sneering remarks that stung me almost
to madness. think l would have struck
him to the ground but kindly hand
was placed upon my arm, and turning,
l found the squire had entered the room
unperceived. Sternly rcbuking the 9TH
erS, he led me away, and sent me d
long journey the next day, upon some
private business. When returned, John
was gone with his bride. The old squire
left her thirty thousand dollars, but he
left me tho farm. l was nearer to him
than his own niece. Herman, don't ask
ME to welcome the child of John and
Arabella here. l cannot do it."
You know that her parents are both
dead. She lives with her fathers sis
ter"
Il know. John died insolvent in
spite of his sharp practice and avarice.
Arabella only lived few years after her
husband"
Another long silence followed. Then
Herman spoke:
Uncle James, L cannot give Fanny
up. But l promise never to bring her
home as my wife until you consent to
the marriage. VIII you see herr"
"No, no. Wait till l die, Herman.
l won't live very long, Doctor Hodges
says"
"Uncle james"
Il did not tell you before, lad, for
fear Of paining you. Doctor Hodges
said last week that L was failing. l
made him tell line. may live few
years longer-I may be called any day"
And l was worrying you," said the
young man, penitent and fearful.
NO, lad l like to know all you are
doing. You will come home often."
DO you think I will go away again:
My place is here"
- should be very glad to have you,
Herman. 1t is hard to find an honest
overseer when the farmer himself is
sick. But your prospects in town, Her
man: Z"
Let them go. Uncle James, do you
think l could leave you now? You have
been more than father to me let me
try now to fill sons place to you"
And Fanny Miller Z"
1--WE will talk of her some other time.
Tell me how farm matters stand"
The conversation that followed awak-
ened still further the kindly emotions of
the young mans heart, and his remorse
for the past years absence. 1t seemed
like desertion, when he heard of his un-
cle's loneliness; of how badly outdoor
matters had gone, in hired hands; of
the waste, the domestic difficulties and
losses.
Il would not have told you all this,
if you had not offered to stay" the old
man said.
Il should have stayed before, had l
known you were so i'll. You have al
ways been about when l came over"
81 have never been confined to my
room. Still, l grow weaker. l wish
we had good servant. Eliza is very
wasteful, impudent, and, 1 think, dis
honest"
81 will drive over to Tournay to-mor-
row, and see if good servant can be
found, uncle"
But the first call the next day was
not in search of a servant, but to the
doctors, and Herman Wilson came out
of his Office with a very grave face.
Il am glad you are to be at home"
the doctor had said. Though the first
relief may not be as complete as you
would desire"
What do you mean: You said that
rest and freedom from care or response
bility might prolong my uncle's life for
years"
81 say SO still. But the first reaction
from the long strain and worry may be
serious. He has kept up by sheer force
of will now, when he may rest, he will
be i'll for many days. 1 wish
ne had IL good servant. Eliza is not a
pleasant nurse, l should Judge. She
ooks to me as if she had lived npon
emons and pickles all her life"
" am going to look for IL good SER
yant to-day"
"Why don't you take the old man u
lice little niece!"
"Au in good time, doctor. L must |
ay good-day. l have to tell Mr.. Grey |
If my new plans, and find a servant"
Good-day, then. Send for me, if l
IN needed"
The day seemed long one to James
Wilson, watching for the nephew who
vas like son i'll his heart. Eliza, re-
enting the new arrangement that |
threatened to disturb her much-abused |
eign, was slamming doors, and making |
which were very trying to |
he invalid's nerves. A dinner, badly
cooked, and served with bangs of spite
md ill-nature, did not improve matters,
md made the arrival of Herman's COM
'anioR almost as welcome as himself. |
For he had found servant, whom he
scorted to the house with pardonable |
,ride, and introduced as
Annie, uncle She has been high
Y recommended to me, and Il think will |