The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-03-30
Select Story.
From GOdey's Lady's Book for April.
TWICE AN APRIL FOOL.
BY s. ANNIE FROST.

J
Herbert lretou looked ap from his
occupation lie had besn carefully
penuiug few lines upon a sheet of
snowy paper, aud evidently trying to
disguise his handwriting
Copy that for me, that's good fel.
low, and will tell you all about it,"
Give me your pen and fresh sheet
of paper" replied Mark Leslie, his
friend, aud in few moments he tossed
over the result Of his labors
"Now direct this envelope to Herbert
lreton, Esq"
"Yourself?"
"No u Elm Row."
"Oh your uncle"
Now, | will fold aud seal this, and
then tell you all about it"
Read II, aud see il it is all right"
DELR Sra ;-will you oblige me by accept
Ing hamper OF live game, which | will senp
TO your re;idenee this aitsrnooni
Yours truly, A. p. RiLFooL.
April |, 1850.
IAN right. Do you know my uncle,
Markg"
II have heard you speak of him as 40
old bachelor OF rather crusty temper,
who resides with maiden sister as cross
as himself"
Correct, as far as it goes. Uncle
Herbert, Tor whom | was named, is not
50 very old, about forty years of age,
aud Aunt Matte is i've years older; but
they have lived aloue so many years that
all the mix OF human klndncss is being
curdled ia their veins. Sister Amelia
aud myself have come TO The conclusion
that II IS time they were coaxed out Ol
their secIusion, aud, with mothers per-
mission, We are going to try our luck us
doctors for the mind diseased Last
month our washerwOman died, leaving
a babe seven mouths old, II pretty little
girl, bright aud active, but, alas the
eleventh blessing IN the family, Her
Iather has gladly consented to let us
have her. Mother aud Amelia have
made her abundance Of clothing, aud
We are gOIng to pack her ia hamper,
aud send her 10 Uncle Herbert. Walt,
my little brother, nine years old, is
crahy 10 he the messenger, aud, after
dark this evening, he aud will carry
the hamper, sending the aote by mail
This morning"
Sure enough, it is April Fools Dayl
But suppose your uncle won't accept
his live game r
mother aud Amelia will take her.
They will probably have the most care
OF her, at any rate Aunt Matte was
always very kind to US, and mother
thiuks she will be perfectly happy to
have baby to pet, now Walt is out
growing Jumping jack aud nine pins
She is always lameuling that he is not
"a girl, aud ever since tather died has
been lavish Of pennies aud sweetmeats
for the young scamp"
"lf you want to get that precious
document 10 this mornings mail, it is
time you started it" said Mark, and the
two young men strolled out together to
the post oihco
No q Elm Row was lovely home,
situated about five miles from the heart
Of u great city, but easily accessible by
stage or carriage. 1t was not very
large house, cottage 10 style, but sub
stautially built, aud finished with every
convenience aud comfort taste could
suggest or money procure The grounds
surrounding it were large, aud flowers,
fruit, aud vegetables grew there in pro
fusion. The fancy little stable accom-
modated COW as well as the two sleek
horses aud family carriage, and about
the whole establishment there hung the
ai- Of staid respectability that will hover
aronud single people no longer young.
The only break upon the quiet monot
ony of the house was when the three
young Iretons--llerbert, Amelia, aud
WalIer--came TO visit their uncle and
aunt, which was not very otter, as they
we're agerse to the rather strict rules
regarding flowers, fruit. aud the use OF
he best furniture.
MI. aud Miss lreton, II truth must
be told, although ioud Of their brothers. 5
widow aud children, only half enjoyed
any break in the calm monotony of their
existence; aud even Walter, his aunt's
lavUrite, was watched with terrified eyes
when near hls uncle's library or his
auut's pets. Books were the compau
ions sufficient Tor the happiness o. the
gentleman; aud birds, rabbits, cats, and
goldfish, Tor that OF the lady. They
lved IN perfect harmony, each giving
iuil scope TO his or her peculiarities,
aud each having an ample income lor
their own comlorts aud many acts OF
charity; for they were kind hearted,
even II IN manner their gay nephews
aud uIeces lound them formal aud pre-
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