The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1873-01-30

overcoat to his satisfaction, he murmur-
ed:
You are not the homeliest fellow in the
world by any means, old boy" and he
ran down the stairs whistling gayly as
he went.
Wishing to speak to his wife. and sup
posing her to be in the library, he open
ed the door of that apartment. but found
it vacant.
"Halloor he exclaimed in astoniSh-
ment, what does Kate mean by putting
that old hat on the bust of Dickens p
She must be in an unusually gay mood
this morning.
II don't think it at all becoming Char
lie" he added, knocking OF the hat with
small gold-headed cane he carried in
his hand.
'Where in the world is Mrs. ConwayT'
he asked of the black boy who happened
along at this moment. 'f'
"If you plase sar. / tink dey is in de
parlor.P
"What does he mean by THEY wonder
ed Conway as he looked into the draw
| ing-reom."
There looking over book of cngra-
wings was Mr.. Leonard, and chatting vol
ubly with Kate, was Aunt Betty, as large
as life Conway's face flushed angrily,
as he hastily reeeded. Sol Kate had in
vited them in spite of all he had said.
He did not think she would dare to do
such thing.
She was the only one of the three who
had seen him, and before he had reached
the hall door she was at his side.
II see you have company" he remark
ed with a slight sneer, as she laid her
hands upon his arm.
"Yes, Bertram; 1 did not expect them
indeed, and was never more astonished
than when they came; or more pleased
either" she added
Each one to his taste returned her
husband with dry laugh.
ut is remarkable how easily some pee-
pie can be pleased. Well now that they
are here. i suppose you can entertain
them" and he placed his hand on the
door-knob.
him, you must go in and speak to them.
They have already inquired for you
They may be uncouth in their manners,
but they are my nearest relatives, and
are more to me than any one-she check
ed herself hastily and substituted, "they
are very dear to me, and 1 wish you to
treat them kindly for my sake
DO you suppose l am going to turn
them into the street, There is enough
of the Arab in me to treat civilly at least,
any one who crosses my threshold"
Come and speak to them then, urged
Kate.
He submitted with very bad grace,
and together they entered the drawing
room. The old folks were so glad to see
him, that Conway softened little in
spite of himself, and greeted them po-
litely enough. Mr.. Leonard's costume
filed him with horror
The old gentleman wore suit of home
spun clothes, made in n style that had
prevailed some six years previous. His
boots, which shocked his fashionable rel
ative beyond measure, were of the coar-
sest kind of leather, and having pinched
the wearer across the instep, had been
slit down with knife for a few inches,
for comfort 1t would have been we'll if
he had been as kind to his neck as he
was to his feet; but having made up his
mind to make some sacrifice for appear
ance sake he wore the stiffest of stand
ing collars. which cut his chin at every
turn of his head, and black neckcloth
wound twice around his neck, and tied
in an enormous bow in front. Knowing
that.his suit was new and clean, the far
mer troubled himself but little about the
texture of the cloth, or the style in which
it had been cut:
You have a powerful big house here"
remarked Aunt Betty to Conway. II
should think you'd make money by ta-
kin in boarders.
at would be most profitable invest
ment dare say replied her nephew
dryly.
BE you lame?' she asked, noting his
cane, and without waiting for him to re-
ply, she continued: But l wouldn't be !
a bit s'prised, for they say the rheumatis |
is powerful bad now. The best thing you
can do would be To
But l don't happen to be troubled /
with the disease" interrupted Conway
with look Of annoyance. ~ carry the |
cane merely to have something in my
hand"
She was about to inquire why he didn't /
put his hands in his pockets this cold
weather, but seeing that for some reason
he was not in the best of humors,, she /
kept silent |
You must excuse me- said Conway at
length, "but am obliged to meet gen.
tleman at the ST. Nicholas, and it is now
almost the appointed hour. shall not
be here for luncheon Kate, but will come
home in time for dinner" ie
"The ST. Nicholas; that's q tavern aint
it ?" inquired the farmer.
at is hotel, yes" @
"Well, l think I'll go with you, I've
heerd that it's sich tearin' big house
and I'd kinder like to see it. What did
do with my hat? Oh yes. left it on
that pale feller in tother room. I'll 60
and get it" u
my dear sirr' interrupted Conway