The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1876-06-14


thoughts. Uncle Benedict had meant
kindly; they were poor, and could not
afford to dispense with even the mean.
est of roofs over their heads. No, she
must gratefully accept the present in
the spirit in which it was given, and
check in the bud all her rebellious and
unamiable repinings.
II told you it was a cottage, you
KNOW said Uncle Ben, keenly scru-
tinizing her face, as they stood on the
doorstep, waiting for the door to be
opened.
Eyes, I know said Rachel, glanc-
ing around with Frightening eyes.
''That is a very choice climbing rose
over the window it it was only proper
ly trained
''It's rather lonesome,' said Uncle
Ben.
81 like the country Rachel an
swered hopefully
as she spoke slipshod old woman
appeared to- let them in, and led the
way to the best room, a green-cur-
tanned apartment, with shabby car
pet on the floor, and a fire in the CRATE
ORIG.
''Snoky chimneys, Ell? said Uncle
Ben.
''The draught seems to be poor,''
said Rachel, ''but I dare say it can be
altered.''
II hadn't any idea the ceilings were
so low" grumbled the old gentleman.
cts partly the effect Of the large
pattern Of the wall paper,'' said Ra-
che1, with a glance at the red and
green mOnstrosities. "A narrow
striped pattern will improve it,
"What queer little cupboards by the
sides of the mantel - said Uncle Ben.
''Oh, they will be nice for our best
china, . said Rachel.
''My dear,'' said the old gentleman,
II believe you are determined to be
pleased. Do you really think you shall
like this place!'
II shall like any place where Hugh
is - said Rachel bri htly.
She went all over the house with the
old gentleman, planning improvements
and suggesting and continuing until he
really began to think she would make
an Arcadia out of the tumble.down old
farm. And if she shed few tears on
her pillow when she went to rest I'M
der the caves of the roof, in an apart
ment which must have been built for
Tom Thumb, Uncle Ben Benedict never
suspected it.
There was the chariot at the door
when Rachel rose from her breakfast
OF bread and butter and coffee the
next morning.
''Come my lass,'' said the old gentle
man, 81 want to show you place
farther up the road, which has been
taken by friend of mine.''
The drive and the delicious Septem.
Der air were like an invigorating tonic
to our wearied little bride; and pic
ture after the. style of Vatican awaited
them, in the exquisite villa, with it's
rose-clad bay windows and pictur-
esquely sloping roof. Rustic iron
chairs stood under the bowling branch
es of the elms on the lawn, and a mar
BILE Cupid, holding up carved conch-
shell, scattered bri ght rain into a
flower-bordered basin directly in
front of the gate.
''Oh, how beautiful - cried Rachel.
81 never saw such superb scarlet gera-
NUNS in my life; and what a lovely
marble.paved hall -
''You like the appearance?
ooh, yes ; tbs beautiful.
''Come in, my dear, and see how
you like the interior,' said the old
gentleman serenely.
1t was perfect, from the drawing
rooms, with their superb Brussels car
pet and exquisite silk hangings, to the
chambers, all in white and pink, like
the inside of a roses heart, and the
conservatory, all stocked with came
las, heliotrope, and rare fuchsias, at
the south end of the house.
''Its like fairyland - cried Rachel,
enthusiastically. ''Do tell me, Uncle
Ben, who is to live here?''
Uncle Ben turned round and faced
her.
"You my DEAR
"And Hugh, of course q
ITO be sure!'
''But. Uncle,' gasped little Rachel,
quite overwhelmed by this unexpected
good luck, "the other house,
''That's only little joke of mine.
This is the real home, and I give it to
you with all the more pleasure that
you were disposed to make the best
of the bad bargain you thought you
were in for. My dear, the contented
mind you possess is worth thousand
houses
And Rachel felt something warm
and wet on her cheek, like a tear, as
the old gentleman stopped to kiss
her.
When Hugh came home, to find his
little wife upon the verandah, all wei.
coming smiles to greet him. he ex.