American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1878-04-20
THE BRIDES TRIAL.

THE BRIDES TRIAL.
1t is strange what different estimates
people will put on a mans character,
according to the eyes with which they
may view him. In the opinion of some,
Mr.. Benjamin Benedict-not our hero
exactly, but the next thing to it, his I'M
cle-was gentleman, a scholar, and a
philanthropist; while others, quite as
well qualified to reason and decide,
wondered that such monster was al
lowed to walk the earth unchallenged.
For old Ben Benedict was just the sort
of man to provoke and please in alter
nations-a human March day, with
streaks of sunshine and chilling gusts
sandwiched through his nature. Peo-
pie who knew him liked him passing
well, but it sometimes took lifetime
to know him as he really was.
I" 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 mot 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
ed to a certain extent upon Uncle Bene-
dict, and with Hugh's future her own
was bound inseparably.
She was a fair, fresh-looking girl,
with velvety cheeks, bronze-bright
hair, and features as correct and deli
cately cut as a cameo. Hugh was quite
certain that Uncle Ben could not see
her without loving her; but these young
husbands are not apt to be impartial
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 doP" said the
old gentleman, kissing Rachel on both
checks.
And she thought he was not SO terri
BILE after all
He turned to Hugh when he had thus
unceremoniously made himself ac-
Iuainted with his new niece-in-law.
swell, young man, are you ready to
leave these lodgings and go to your
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,
,heerily.
"Shall it be tomorrow"
eyes"
"All right"
And Mr.. Benedict sat down to spend
he evening and enjoy himself.
"Well, sirP" said Hugh, when his
lncle was taking leave, and paused on
he front door-steps to light cigar.
well, sir?" said Uncle Benedict.
,almly.
"How do you like her?" asked Hugh.
elbow can tellp" demanded the old
gentleman, irritably. I" She's pretty to
ook at; so is china doll, or white
Kitten! 1t isn't always the prettiest cal
Goes that wash the best Good even
ng."
And Hugh Benedict, albeit he was very
ond of his uncle, did not know whether
o be vexed or not.
Early the next morning, however,
Jncle Ben made his appearance before
he young couple, breathless and eager.
Trunks packed, ehP''
"All but the last one, uncle and
Rachel lifted her pretty head out of the
ray, as you may have seen a red clover
blossom rise up from beneath a chiId's
ootstep.
I'm going TO take you down to
'loomdale myself, my DEAR" said I'm
lie Ben "Hugh, want you to go to
with these letters. They're
# Importance. I'd go myself if 1 were
en- years younger; but sudden journeys
ion't agree with old bones like mine"
Hugh looked aghast at the proposal,
;achel turned pale.
Can not the business be postponed,
ir?" said Hugh, hesitatingly.
No, it can't" replied Uncle Ben,
urtiy. e. If you don't want to go. say so.
dare sayI can find some one else to
.blige me-" $50
"0f course I shall CO." said Hugh.
But Rachel"
81 suppose I'm old enough to take
are of a little girl like that" said Uncle /
Zen, in an aggrieved tone. " You'll |
ind MS both in the new residence, with !
he table laid for dinner, when You come |
'ack to morrow"
SO there was nothing for it but for
ugh TO kiss his little bride a half score