The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1875-10-21

snowy bed linen, the white counterpane,
the bureau covers with their knotted fringe
were all his sisters work. stored away in
chests since She died, long, long years
ago. Even the chintZ on the chair was
part OF some Old curtains he had stuffed
away ina long forgotten corner Of a closet.
"lt is very comfortable. and You are D
good thoughtful girl" he said looking
around with keen appreciation of the
added comfort. II wonder we never
| thought of using these things"
"Now let me read the rest of our book
to you. ! have some new periodicals in
my trunk if you will look at them"
The days flew by, cold weather strength
ening, till Robert wrote he was coming
home one chill January day. Margaret
had been busy for Il fortnight before III
Franklin asked no questions. He had
been very i'll. but was recovering so that
he hoped to welcome Robert, in the sit
tingroom. How he shrank from return
ing to its dreariness and sending Margaret
away. he told no one till he held his
nephew hand fast clasped in his own.
II can never tell YOU Robert" he said
then, "What Margaret has been 20 me.
No daughter could have tended me more
patiently and faithfully, and when could
listen, she read to me and talked rs pleas
antly as if We're a companion to her, in
stead of a grumpy old bachelor past siXty.n
Il am glad you have been we'll cared
ior," Robert said, turning his head to hide
a merry smile in his eyes; lyon look very
fine here
But when he carelully led the old man
to the sitting room, both stood amazed.
Was the handsomely carpeted, cheerully
furnished room the drcary old place in
which they had been so well conlented?
While they wondered new sound greeted
them : the tones ol a piano touched by
skllliul fingers. and y voice sweet and clear,
singing song OF praise.
Throwing open a door to disclose a
beautifully furnished parlor, Robert saw
also little figure ON the piano stool, clad
in a shining black silk, with lace and pref
ty jewelry to adorn it,
'Margmet." Uncle James cried.
But Robert said softly:
"Margaret Franklin, Uncle james. Dai-
sy, my wite?"
Then She came forward with shining
eyes.
Il wanted TO make You love me. she
said in a low, tender voice, ''ior Roberts
sake"
And for your own" he answered
''but am bewlldered, my dear. Where
did these things come trom?"
From my old home. They are all mine,
and you will let them stay here will you
not, for our new home?" she added shyly
slipping her hand into Roberts. 81 don't
want to take Robert from You, Uncle
James, when he is all you have to love,
but if you will give me a place here, too,
| will try to be Il good daughter to You"
"Give you y place here ~ the old man
cried; II think no greater grief could
come to me now Margaret, than the thought
of losing you. God ever bless You child! for
few at your age would have cared to so
kindly overcome so obstinate nm old mans
stupid preiudices."
"Thank you," She whispered. touching
her lips to his tor the first time; 'you
have made me very happy"
And as she presided over the carefully
appointed table in n costly furnished dim
ing-room Uncle james had used for spare
harnesses and bags Of grain, hnt which
was Transformed beyond recognition. there
was no clonu on the brightness nl the iror
of "RubcrtS Wife"