Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-05-21

{
so glad you've come. Now all can be
explained
Brownjohn firmly withdrew from his
niece's embrace, and, gazing sternly at
her, said in a tone evidently meant to pen
citrate from the cellar to the attic of the
semi-detached villa: Yes, if you please.
An explanation, by all means. First of
all, how is it that you, Matilda, and your
mother, made me promise to stand god
father; and that, after getting up the de-
tails of the important ceremOny-to say
nothing of preparing long speech for
the luncheon-I'm told I'm not wanted ?''
Alasl it was all over. Henceforth the
Brown ohm property was to be diverted
from the HighfYs and their successors:
by an unluckv accident their future homes
were blighted. The disappointed par
ents saw all this staring them in the face
as plainly as though old Browniohn had
written il upon the wall of the PASSAGE in
which he stood Ere Matilda had con
Guided a laundering attempt an excuse,
the loud-voiced Browniohn roared ::
" Madam! no more; [ shake your dust
from of nv feet. Expect nothing fromm me-"
During this conversation Job had heen
attentivelv examining Matilda's uncle
gazing at him from top to toe, and eve
ing him from right 10 left. At the mo-
ment when the great Aristides was about
to depart Job was, with his hands upon
his knees, intent upon minute observa-
ton of the burly oilman's boots.
Browniohn looked down and Job
looked up-the result being that their
eyes met-when Harry and Matilda saw
the sturdy Brownjohn turn pale and the
hitherto submissive Job adopt a defiant
air, as he said:
ooh, Mr.. Bob Steppit, I've found you
at last, have ] ~
Could it be possible? Browniohn, the
prosperous tradesman ofthe Borough, was
no other than the man who many wears
ago had so disgracefully defrauded that
good-hearted, trusting Job!
The doubt which dwelt in the mind of
the Highfys was but momentary. Who
could resist the evidence afforded by the
sudden change in Brownjohn's face, the
air Of abiect submission with which he
begged Uncle Job to speak in more sub
dued tone, and, finally, the promise he
gave that he would make restitution?
"Come into this room, where we cannot
be heard" said the discounted braggart,
leading the way to the back parlor. You
also, Harry and Matilda"
They complied, and then Uncle Aris-
tides explained, that having quarreled
with some of his relatives they were un-
aware of his being in business at Bristol;
they imagined he had departed for Aus
tralia; but it was not until two years after
he had hidden them farewell that he left
England. The adoption of the name
Steppit precluded discovery. Of course
he had heard Harry speak of his Uncle
Smith but never having met the latter
when visiting the Ealing Villa he little
thought it was the same man he had so
injured. He confessed his misdeeds, and
begged Jobs forgiveness; he felt the only
recompense in his power was to offer him
half his thriving business. But Job had
had enough of partnerships, especially in
connection with BroNnjOhn; so, ultimate
ly, compromise was thus effected:
Old Bro wniohn (whO in his penitence
shone with far greater luster than he ever
had done in his life before gave solemn
promise that he would at once proceed to
his solicitor and make will entirely in
favor of Harry and Matilda. AS for the
christening-well,r recent events had some
what upset him; so, if Uncle Job would
not mind taking his place, he should be
obliged.
Matilda looked appealingly at Job and
hoped her dear uncle lit was wonderful
how suddenly he had risen in her estima-
tionD would pardon the neglect with
which she had hitherto treated him. She
was about to make lengthy appeal; but
he stopped her with a kiss; and giving
Harry hearty shake of the hand in
quired whether the clergyman would not
be impatiently awaiting them.
Five minutes after the crestfallen and
repentant Browniohn had departed the
rest of the party were on their way to the
church. That artful Mrs. Highly took
occasion, while proceeding thither, to
ask Uncle Job whether he would like the
child called by any special name; she
choose to forget that she had settled the
matter week before. But that unof-
tended creature shook his head, and said
he thought simple names were the best :;
so, at the last moment, it was decided to
have the infant called Harry" and
nothing else.
At luncheon old Brownjohn was not
missed, for Uncle Job was in such high
spirits, was so rich in humorous anec-
dote, and, finally, uttered such a pretty,
modest speech when he proposed the
health of the infant, that the whole affair
passed off in the most agreeable manner.
To Harry's delight, Job Smith is now
a constant visitor, and he always receives
genial welcome from Matilda The
great Aristides does not come very often,
and displays to them none of that bonn
bast which was in former times his char
acteristic. Chambers Journal.