The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-05-16
seized all the things Jenkins had put under

seized all the things Jenkins had put under
her charge-rugs, carpet-bag, umbrella
case, loose shawl and provision basket
and was trying to stagger away under the
load, when Jenkins came back very hot
and nurried, seized half the packages, and
hurried her to the train. The guard un.
locked the special carriage, and put her in.
"No hurry, ma'am," he said; ".our
minutes still"
~ don't at all like it, now it has come to
the poirt, Jenkins" said Edith, leaning out
of the window.
"Nor I, miss and how your mamma
could let you go all alone like this passes
me. But / have spoken to the guard and
written to the station master, and you've a
good bit to eat, and not blessed soul to get
into the carriage from end to end; SO don't
be afraid, my dear, and I make no doubt
that your dear uncle will meet you at the
other end"
"I have no doubt that one of my uncles
will---I hope Uncle John, as have never
seen Uncle George"
Everything you want, miss ?" said an
extra porter. "I have put in all the rugs
and hot water tin, and the luggage is all
right in the van just behind"
GAIL right, all rightp said Mrs. Jen'
kins.
"Thank you, ma'am," said the porter,
pocketing shining half crown.
A gentleman suddenly came running on
to the platform; the train Was just about to
start. Here porter, take my portmanteau;
quick smoking carriage"
Cali full, sir! quick, sir, please"
dts Mr.. George" cried Jenkins, sud
denly. Edith started forward. "Oh!
The gentleman caught sight OF Jenkins.
"Here, guard, guard! put ME in here |"
"Can't, sir--special."
"Quick; let ME in it's.--its my niece"
The train began to move.
"Confound you, be quick"
The door was opened just in time, and
Edith, as exciteI as Mr.. George, seized him
with both hands by the coat sleeve and
pulled him with all her might into the car
riage. They were off.
Mr.. George sat down opposite to Edith
with sigh Of relief.
"I am so glad to see you, Uncle George"
id Edith, timidly; l." for though am gen
orally bold enough, 1 was rather afraid Of
this long journey"
"I will take care of you," said the uncle.
/ am vers glad to make your acquaint-
ance, my dear" The "my dear" sounded
little strained, as though il were not a
common expression on Uncle Georges lips,
and Edith looked up at him. She had not
expected her uncle to be SO young in ap-
pearance, but she had often heard her moth
er say that he was theyoungest looking man
of his age she had ever known; and now she
quite agreed, for though she knew him to
be really about fifty-eight years OF age, he
might from his appearance be taken for five
and.twenty, or even less. He was remark
ably good looking---more 30 than she had
expected land his eyes looked very young
ant. frank and blue. There was twinkle
in them also; she was sure that he was fond
of fun. Edith felt quite fond of her uncle;
she was not one bit afraid of him---his face
was so open, and good, and kindly.
"Now we must make ourselves comfort
able," said Uncle George, and he proceeded
to set to work. He put the rugs and baskets
into the nets, he pushed the carpet-bag and
portmanteau under the seat, took off his hat,
put on very becoming Turkish fez, ex-
tracted newspapers from his pocket, spread
shawl over Edith's knees, and then wris-
gled himself comfortably into corner seat
GLOW well old Jenkins wears" he said
"She looks like young dairy maid"
"Oh!" said Edith, little shocked at his
irreverence.
81 remember how she used to feed me
with dried fruit and macaroons out of the
storeroom."
"Really surely she is not old enough for
thatw
ooh, ah L forget her age; but the fact
was, l wasn't OF course boy"
"Of course not. Why, l think mamma
said that you and Jenkins were born the
same day.--or was she the eldest?"
ooh, was the eldest"
"No, you were not; I remember she was
three weeks older than you, and it was be-
cause she was your foster sister that she al
ways was 30 fond Of you. Indeed, mamma