The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-04-10
THE BRIDES TRIAL.

It is strange what different estimates
people will put on mans character, nc
cordlng to the eyes with which they may
view him. In the opinion Of some, Mr..
Benjamin. Benedict-not our hero, er-
actly, but the next thing to it, his uncle
was n gontloman, q scholar and phil.
anthropist; while others, quite as well
qualified to reason and decide, Won
dered that such monster was allowed
to walk the earth unchallenged. For
old Ben Benedict was just tho sort Of a
man to provoke and please in alterations
"a human March day, with streaks Of
sunshine and chilling gusts sandwiched
through his nature. People who knew
him liked him passing well, but it some
times took lifetime to know him as he
really was.
"You will be sure to like my uncle,
darling" said Hugh Benedict to his
young wife. " He is eccentric, but he is
sterling"
Rachel did not answer, but her blue
eyes were wistful and full OF perplexity.
Uncle Ben, whom she had never seen,
but OF whom she had heard much, was
to her an inscrutable riddle, whom she
feared more than she was willing TO ac-
knowledge. For Hugh's future depend.
cd to q certain extent on Uncle Ben
Benedict, and with Hugh's future her
own was bound inseparaOly.
She was fair, fresh looking girl, with
velvety cheeks, bronze bright hair, and
features rs correct aud delicately cut rs
q cameo. Hugh was quito certain that
Uncle Bon cJuld not sec her without
loving her; bnt then these young hus-
bands are not apt to be impartial judges.
She was sitting in the tirelight at their
lodgings. when the old gentleman first
beheld her; and the only warning she
had Of his presence she saw reflected in
Hugh's eyes.
"My deHr, how do you dol" said the
old gentleman. kissing Rachel on both
cheeks.
And she thought he was not SO terri
bic after all.
He turned to Hugh, when he had thus
rather unceremoniously made himself
acquainted with his new riece.inlaw.
"Well, young man, are You ready to
leave these rooms and go to your new
homer" he asked; for be it known that
the old gentleman had given Hugh aud
Rachel wedding present OF now
house, wherein they were to live.
"Quitc, SIR" Hugh answered, very
cheerily.
"Shall it be tomorrow
eyes"
Gan right"
Ard Mr.. Benedict sat down to spend
the evening and enjoy himself.
"Well, SIR" said Hugh, when his
uncle was taking leave, and paused on
the doorstep to light cigar.
"Wcll, sirl" said unclc Benedict,
calmly.
"fow do you like herr" asked
Hugh.
"How eau telli" demanded tho old
gentlemman, irritably. "She's pretty to
look ut, so is china doll, or white kit
ten. 1t isn't always the prettiest cali
Goes TINT wash tho best. Good even
ing"
And Hugh Benedict, albeit he was
very foud OF his uncle, did not know
whether to be vexed or not.
Early the next morning, however,
Uncle Ben malc his appearance before
tho young couple, breathless and eager.
"Trunks packed, ehl"
"All but the last one, uncle"
And Rachel lifted her pretty head
ont Of the tray, asyou may have seen q
rcd clover blossom rise up from beneath
child's footstep.
"I'm going to take you down to
Bloomingdalc myself, my dear" said
Uncle Ben. "EIugh, I want you to go
of ut once with these letters. They're
OF importance. I'd go myself, II were
ten years younger, but sudden journey,
don't agree with old bones like mine.
Hugh looked aghAst ut the proposal.
Rachel turned pale.