St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1877-01-05


tiful we know she is and that she is ac-
"Yes," answered drily; ''I wish she
ther demand for Montmorencies in their
native land, the supply should have
ceased. l object to the surplus that
has been imported into this country by
the House of Nokes."
However, it ended, as may be sur
missed, in my giving way to Clara and
in our all three going down to the
Tamarisks; though Cbickabiddy took
my side of the argument, and protest
ed against the proceeding throughout
the journey.
We walked from the station to the
Tamarisks, partly because we had no
money to spare for a vehicle, and part
ly because 1 was glad to put off the
dreaded interview as long as possible.
1t was our last chance, and though
Clara called it (afterward) coup detat,
it seemed just then much more like
forlorn hope. At the garden gate we
separated my wife going straight up
to the house door-for she had the
courage of lion, since she was about
to do battle for her husband and child
while l remained in the laurels with
Chickabiddy, who was to be sent for as
a last resource. His appearance in the
first instance would have excited sus-
picion; while the sight of me would
have acted on my uncle like a red rag
on bull.
That l should be in a position to re-
cord what took place between Clara
nd hx 10 of
natural enough: but that l should have
been able to set down what my uncle
said to Susan at the Hotel of the Four
Seasons may have seemed to verge on
the domain of fiction. Before this
little history is closed, however, it will
be seen that the matter admits of an
easy explanation. Similarly, it will be
found that do not draw on imagina-
ton when describe what went on be-
tween Mr.. and Mrs. Nathaniel Nokes in
their country house. They lived, am
bound to confess, most happily togeth-
er. My uncle's conscience by no means
troubled him as it ought to have done,
considering his cruelty to me and mine,
but it did prick him a little, which
mbined with his unparalleled Obsti-
nacy-nO doubt caused him to set his
wife on her guard against us. The only
bitter drop in his cup, however, was the
terror with which he regarded any in
cursion from his London friends, and
their discovery of his having married
beneath him. His neighbOrs had no
suspicious of anything amiss. To hear
his Susan talk broken English to the
squire's wife was, he protested, as good
al Qtrf 10
as he said, would believe anything
and London people believed nothing
only gave credit. Especially he feared
three persons of his acquaintance
named Sponge, Rasper, and Robinson
''all London bOrn-but especially Ras-
per-"
The following conversation took
place, as it happened, on the very
morning of our visit: "If they come
down here, my darling" said he, re
ferring to this trio-"and they never
will if they wait for me to ask them
we must throw up the sponge. The
game will be over. For my part,
shall never be able even to call yOl
Bella before them and as for you
"Well, it is true | am not so accom-
plished as the lady you intended t.
marry" interrupted Susan .'but still
you see, they think l am born lady
and appearances do such deal in thi
world"
swell, yes, have noticed that in TIN
wine trade. If you were to sell eide
at eighty shillings dozen, it would b
considered uncommon good tipple b.
the customer who bought it. Tell then
Madeira has been twice to China" ian,
here my uncle repeated "twice to Chi
na!" with great unction,) ''and hoy
they smack their lips And talking @
appearances, Susan, that reminds IN
to warn you against another sort G
apprenticeship pretence and show c
poverty. You must learn to steel you
, tender heart against that. Since m
nephew's wife wrote you that begin
letter"
, "Oh, sir, it was not begging letter,
! she interrupted.
5 sit was, Susan why do you call m
, sir?"
? because" answered she, "when yO
f look so stern and talk so severely, yo
: don't seem to be the good kind d-hearte
husband that l know you are. Pll kee
8 my promise not to hold out my hand
Q your unfortunate nephew, but pleas
: don't let us talk about it. 1t makes II
y have less reverence and even less gra
] itude toward you, since your very ger
T. erOsity has made me the instrument
f punishment and-as feel of wrong.
S have been poor myself, and what mu
' that poor young creature have thOugl
d of my never answering her touchiI
e letter 7"
j, Touching letter. It's all nonsens
: Oh heavens, there's the front door bel
= It's Sponge, and Rasper, and Robinso
t L know
e 1t was an immense relief to my unc
k when he found that it was only lac
It who wished to see his wife, and he
= once withdrew to smoke a cigar.
It There would have been less smol
and more fire had he known who tn
O lady was.
= When Clara entered the drawn
/ room, she was at once favorably in
+, pressed with my aunt-by marriage, wi
r had very gentle, if not very refine
is expression of countenance, and receiv,
st her kindly, and this determined her
g throw herself upon her compassion
a once.
It 81 did not send in my name, madal
:e because fear it would prejudice "
le against your visitor. l am Charles
20 that is,-your husbands niece by ma
1t riage. Not near relation to yOurse
le you might say, if you wish to be u
kind, which l do not think you do"
a "Oh, DEAR" said Mrs. Nokes, We
e. much distressed, and quite forgettil
t. her broken English, "but do, ma'al
ID l wish to be as hard as a stone."
y 'The poor give you no such chara
to ter, madam and taking courage
L | thair rannrt nnd hoinr rn1nn ,,n,rno