Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-07-03

bit stuck up with all her money"
"a real little lady, aud ever so pretty"
"She kissed me lots, and don't tell me to
run away, so | love her."
/ The group Of brothers aud sisters standing
round the Gre laughed as little May finished the
chorus Of praise with these GROWING virtues.
Tall Alf asked the question, aud seemed
satisfied with the general approval Of the new
cousin just come from Engand to live with
them. They had often heard Of Kate, and
rather prided themselves on the fact that she
lived 10 a fine house, was very rich, aud sent
them charming presents. Now pity was ad.
dcd to the pride, for Kate was an orphan, and
all her money could not buy back the parent,
She had lost. They had watched iupatiently
for her arrival, had welcomed her cordially
aud after day spent in trying to make hei
feel at home, they were comparing notes in
the twilight, while Kate was having quiet
talk with mamma.
hope she will choose to live with US.
You know she can % to any Of the uucles she
likes best" said Alf
We are nearer her age than any Of the
other cousins, and papa is the oldest uncle, So
guess she will, added Milly, the fourteen.
year-old daughter of the house.
She said she liked America" said quiet
Frauk.
Wonder if she will give us lot Of her
money p put in practical Fred, who was all
ways in debt
Stop that commanded Alf Mind
now, if you ever ask her for penny I'll
shake you out Of your Jacket
Hush she's coming cried Nlilly, and q
dead silence followed the lively chatter.
a iresh-laced, bright-eyed girl office came
| quietly in, glanced at the group on the rug
and PAUSED as if doubtful whether she YVES
wanted
Come on 90 said Fred, encouragingly.
Shall | be in the way ?'
Oh dear, no, we were only talking, an
swered Mily, drawing her cousin nearer will
an arm about her waist
1t sounded like something pleasant" ," sale
Kate, not exactly knowing what to say.
We were talking about you" began ittl,
May, when poke from Frank made her stoT
to ask, whats that for2 We loere talking
about Kate, and we all said we liked her, 50
it's no matter if do tell"
You are very kind" and Kate looked so
pleased that the children forgave Mays awk,
ward frankness
Yes, and we hoped you'd like us and sta,
With US, :" said Alf, iu the lofty aud polite man
ner which be thought became the young lore
of the house.
am going to try all the unoles in turn,
and then decide papa wished it," answered
Kate, with a sudden tremble Of the lips, for
her father was the only parent she could re-
member, and had been unusually dear for that
reason.
"Can you play billiards ?" asked Fred, who
had horror Of seeing girls cry
"Yes, and I'll teach you
You had pouy-carriage at your house,
didn't you ?" added Frank, eager to help on
the good work
At grandmas-l had no other home, you
know" answered Kate.
What shall you buy first with your mon
ey ?" asked May who ,coald ask improper
questions.
I'd buy grandma if could" and
Kate both smiled aud sighed.
How funny We've got one somewhere,
but We don't care much about her" contn-
ued May, with the nconvenieut canlor of a
child
" Have you Where is she % aud Kate
turned quickly, looking full of interest.
Papa's mother is very old, aud lives ever
so far away in the country, so Of course we
don't see much Of her" explained Aft,
But papa writes sometimes, aud mamma
sends her things every Christmas. We don't
remember her much, because we never saw
her but once, ever so long ago, but we do care
for her and May mustn't say such rude
things" said Milly
| shall 20 aud see her can't get on
without grandmother" and X .te smiled so
brightly that the lads thought her prelter than
ever " Tell me more about her. Is she u
dear old lady 2'
Don't know She is lame aud lives in
the old house, aud has maid named Dolly,
and that's all can tell you about her" and
MiIly looked a little yexed that she could say
40 more on the subject that seemed to inter
est her cousin so much
Kate looked surprised but said nothing,
and stood looking at the fire as if turning the
matter over 10 her mind aud trying to answer
the question She was too polite to ask--llow
could they live without grandmother Here
the tea.bell rang, and the flock ran laughing
down stairs. but though she said no more
Kate remembered that conversation, and laid
plan in her resolute little mind which she
carried out when the time came.
According to her fathers wish she lived
for while in the family Of each of the four
uncles before she decided with which she
would make her home. All were anxious 10
have her one because Of her money another
because her great-grandiather had been a lord,
third hoped to secure her for his son, while
the fourth aud best family loved her for her
self alone They were worthy people as the
world goes, busy. ambitious and prosperous,
and every one old and young, was fond of
bright, pretty, generous Kate. Each family
vas anxious to keep her, little jealous Of
the rest, aud very eager to know which she
would choose.
But Kate surprised them all by saying de-
cidedy when the time came
| must see grandma before | choose
Perhaps ought to have visited her first, as
she is the oldest | think papa would would
wish me to DO it. At any rate | want to pay
my duty to her before | settle anywhere, so
please let me 60"
Some Of the young cousins laughed at the
idea, and her old-fashioned, respectful way of
putting it, which contrasted strongly with
their free-and-easy American speech. The
uncles were surprised, but agreed to humor her
whim, and Uncle George, the eldest, said soity
" ought to have remembered that poor
Fanny was mothers only daughter, aud the
old lady would naturally love to see the girl.
But, my dear, it will be desperately dull
Only two old women and quiet country
town No fun, no company, you won't stay
long"
" shall not mind the dullness if graz dina
likes to have me there. | lived very quietly