Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-05-19
dfliscellanp.
The Brides Trial.

people will put on mans character, ac-
eording to the eyes with which they may
view him. In the opinion of some, Mr..
Benjamin Benedict-not our hero, ex-
actly, but the next thing to it, his uncle
was gentleman, scholar, and a
philanthropist; 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 the sort of
man to provoke and please in altera-
tions-a human March day, with streaks
of sunshine and chilling gusts sand
wiched through his nature. People who
knew him liked him passing well, but it
sometimes 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
| al fn rtat, TT.alo
Benedict, and with Hugh's future her
own was bound inseparably.
She was fair, fresh looking girl. with
velvety cheeks, bronze bright hair, and
features as correct and delicately cut as
cameo. Hugh was quite certain that
Uncle Ben could not see her without
loving her but then these young hus-
bands are not apt to beimpartial judges.
She was sitting in the freight 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 dear, how do you dor" said the
old gentleman, kissing Rachel on both
cheeks.
And she thought he was not so terri
BILE after all.
He turned to Hugh, when he had thus
rather unceremoniously made himself
acquainted with his new niece-in-law.
Well, young man, are you ready to
leave these rooms and 60 to your new
home? ," he asked for be it known that
the old gentleman had given Hugh and
Rachel wedding present of new
house, wherein they were to live.
"Quite, sir" Hugh answered, very
cheerily.
Shall it be tomorrow ?"
"Yes."
"All right"
And 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.
Well, sir?" said uncle Benedict,
calmly.
How do you like her ? I" asked Hugh
How cen | tell? 2" demanded the old
gentleman, irritably. "She's pretty to
look at, so is china doll, or white kit
ten. 1t isn't always the prettiest cali
Goes that wash the best, Good even
ing"
And Hugh Benedict, albeit he was
was very fond of his uncle, did not know
whether to be vexed or not.
Early the next morning, however,
Uncle Ben made his appearance before
the young couple, breathless and eager.
Trunks packed, eh?"
"All but the last one, uncle"
And Rachel lifted her pretty head out
of the tray, as you may have seen red
clover blossom rise up from beneath
child's footstep.
I'm going to take you down to
Bloomingdale myself, my DEAR" said
Uncle Ben. Hugh, want you to goof'
at once with these letters. They're of
Importance. I'd go myselfif / we're ten
years younger, but sudden journeys don't
agree with old bones like mine.
Hugh looked aghast at the proposal.
Rachel turned pale.
"Cannot the business be postponed,
sir?" said Hugh, hesitatingly.
"No, it can't" replied Uncle Ben,
curtly "If you don't want to go, say
SO. dare say can find some one else
to oblige me-
"Of course l shall go" said Hugh.
But Rachel"
al suppose I'm old enough to take
care of little girl like that" said Uncle
Ben in an aggrieved tone. You'll find
us both in the new residence, with the
table laid for dinner, when you come
back tomorrow"
So there was nothing for it but for
Hugh to kiss his little bride half score
of .;oaa and commission TTncle Ren to