The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1877-07-05
: All right, all right" said Mrs.

on to the platform; the train was just
about to start. "Here, porter, take
my portmanteau; understanding car
riage!"
"All full, sir! quick, sir, please?"
cts Mr.. George!" cried Jenkins,
suddenly. Edith started forward.
"Ohi'
The gentleman caught sight of Jen-
kins. & Here, guard, guard! put me in
here!"
"Can't, sir-special."
"Quick; let me in! it's-it's my
niece!"
The train began to move.
"Confound you, be quick!"
The door was opened just in time, land
Edith, as excited as Mr.. George, seized
him with both hands by the coat-sleeve
and pulled him with all her might into
the carriage. They were off.
Mr.. George sat down opposite to Edith
with a sigh of relief.
81 am so glad to see you, Uncle
George said Edith, timidly; ''for
though | am generally bold enough, l
was rather afraid of this long journey:
81 will take care of you," said the
uncle. 81 am very glad to make your
acquaintance, my dear" The ''my DEAR
sounded little strained, as though it
were not common expression ON I'm
Gle Georges lips, and Edith looked up
at him. She had not expected her uncle
to be so young in appearance, but she
had often heard her mother say that he
was the youngest-looking man of his
age she had ever known; and now she
quite agreed, for though she knew him
to be really about So years of age. he
might from his appearance be taken for
tive-and-twenty, or even less. He was
remarkably good-looking-more so than
she had expected-and his eyes looked
very young and frank and blue. There
was a twinkle in them too; 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 COM
Portable" said Uncle George, and he
proceeded to set to work He put the
rugs and baskets into the nets, he push
ed the carpet-bag and portmanteau I'M
der the seat, took off his hat, put on a
very becoming Turkish fez, extracted
newspapers from his pocket, spread a
shawl over Edith's knees, and then
wriggled himself comfortably into a
corner seat.
elbow well old Jenkins wears!n he
said. 4" She looks like young dairy
maid"
"Oh" said Edith, a little shocked at
his irreverence.
81 remember how she used to feed
me with dried fruit and macaroons out
of the store-room."
Really! surely she is not old enough
for that?''
sob, ali! 1 forget her age; but the
fact was, l wasn't of course a boy"
"Of course not. Why, think man.
ma said that you and jenkins were born
the same day-or was she the eldest?''
"Oh, l was the eldest.''
"No, you were not; remember she
was three weeks older than you, and it
was because she was your foster-sister
that she was always so fond of you. In
deed, mamma said that she wanted to
leave her to go to you and Aunt Maria
when your eldest children were born,
even out to India
"My eldest children! what do you
meanP Oh! by the by, yes; they are
| dead.n
Dead! my cousin George dead?"
ayes, yes, my DEAR
"Poor little Addie! Was it true that
George never got over her loss?''
"Don't!" said Uncle George, alb
ruptly; and he held up newspaper up
side down.
Edith touched his arm very gently.
C am so sorry, Uncle George" she
said, sweetly. eff l had known that
you had lost them both, I would not
have said any thing; please forgive me.
And poor Aunt Maria, tool Oh, l beg
your pardon"
Uncle George threw down his paper
and looked smilingly at her
"Does your mamma ever speak OF
me?"
Constantly, perpetually," said
Edith, her voice still little choked.
"And what does she say of me?''
"She says that you are the dearest,
kindest, warmest-hearted, most sweet
dispositioned old gentleman existing
she says you have been a gallant officer,
and a loyal, true-hearted soldier. -
Edith's eyes kindled. "And l have
heard how you distinguished yourself in
India, and II am very glad to see you,
Uncle George"
I" Yes, yes, he is all that" said he,
with enthusiasm
"What? who?n asked Edith, con-
fused.
"My father-I-I-I mean my SON.. -
"Poor George! he was most distin-
guished soldier also. 1 wish l had
known him. No, Uncle George, won't
| sneak so do not wish To main ro1, >,