The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-04-17
THE BRIDES TRIAL.

Il is strange what different estimates peo-
pie will put on mans character according
to the eyes with which they may view him.
Ia the opinion of some, Mr.. Benjamin Bene.
dict-nOt our hero exactly, but the next
thing 10 it, his uncle-was gentleman, a
scholar, and philanthropist; while others,
quite as well qualified TO reason and decide,
wondered that such a monster was allowed
to walk the earth unchalleDged. For old
Ben Benedict was just the sort OF man to
provoke and please IN alternatiOns-a human
March day, with streaks OF sunshine and
chilling gusts sandwiched through his
nature. People who knew him liked him
passing we'll, but it sometimes took . life
time TO know him as he really was.
You will be sure to like my uncle, darl-
irg," 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 inscru-
table riddle. whom she feared more than she
was willing TO acknowledge. For Hugh's
future depended 10 a certain extent upon
Uncle Benedict, and with Hugh's future her
own was bound insepaTably.
She was a fair, fresh looking girl, with
velvety cheeks, brOnze bright hair, and fea-
lures as correct and delicately cut as a cameo.
Hugh was quite certain that Uncle Ben
could not see her without loving her; but
then 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; aud the only warning she had OF his
presence she saw reflected in Hugh's eyes.
my dear, how do you do?' said the old
gentleman. kissing Rachel on both cheeks.
And she thought he was not so terrible
after all
He turned to Hugh when he had thus un.
tremendously made himself acquainted with
his new niece-in-law.
''Well, young man, are you ready 10 leave
these lodgings and 20 TO your home" be
asked; for be it known that the old gentle
man had given Hugh and Rachel a wedding
present of a new house, wherein they were
20 live.
Quite, SIR" Hugh answered, cheerily.
Shall 1t be to morrOw21
Yes"
''All right"
And Mr.. Benedict sat down to spend the
evening and enjoy himself.
"Well, STRIP said Hugh, when his uncle
was taking leave, and paused on the front
door steps TO light cigar.
well, sir?" said U ncIe Benedict, calmly
How do you like herr" asked Hugh.
How can | tsil?" dsmanded the Old gen.
tleman, irritably. "She's pretty 10 look at /;
always the prettiest calicoes that wash the
best Good evening"
And Hugh Benedict, albeit he 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, ehP'
-'An but the last one, uncle" and Rachel
lifted her pretty head out of the tray, as you
may have seen a red clover blossom rise up
from beneath child's footstep.
Tn going TO take you down 10 Bloomdale
myself, my dear" said Bncle Ben. Hugh,
/ want you to go off to Canterbury with
these letters They're of importance. I'd
go myself if | were ten years younger; but
sudden journeys don't agree with old bones
like mine "
Hugh looked aghast at the proposal
Rachel turned pale.
''Can not the business be postponed, sir?"
said Hugh, hesitAtingly.
mo, II cantI' replied Uncle Ben, CURLY
''If you don't want to go say so. dare say
can find some one else to oblige me-"
'Ol course l shall go" said Hugh. But
Rachel"
Il suppose I'm old enough to take care of
a little girl like that" said Uncle Ben, in an
aggrievsd zone. You'll find us both in the
new residence, with the table laid for din
ner, when you come back tomorrow"
go there vas nothing for il but for Hugh
TO kiss his little bride half-scOre of times
and commission Uncle Ben to take the best
possible care of her until he should return
Foolish chiidreni" said Mr.. Benedict, as
he saw Ric1el sobbing on Hugh's shoulder
But there a CHEEKY twinkle in his own
keen sTag eges nevertheless.
Poor little girl! the atmosphere had lost
sOmewha, of It's sparkle, and the world
hrfsr nh. xra1
Ben's b rouche toward her new home, with
Uncle Ben's newspaper rafting by her side.
As he autumn twilight began to fail, her
Thoughts became busy, as a woman's will, at
times
Uncle" she said, turning suddenly to-
ward the old gentleman, what sort ola house
is ~ Ours | meanW
WELL" said Uncle Ben, refectively tits
a cottage, should say"
"A modern cottage?"
"Well, no; rather of the antique order
than otherwise"
"Ohr' cried Rachel, 81 am glad. despise
those new, stiff, formal places that look as il
they were merely to be admired, not lived
in and enjoyed. Uncle, what are you laugh.
ing atY'
AT your curiosity, my DEAR" replied the
old gentleman.
Then | won't ask another question:
aid Rachel. resOlutely.
But she fully stoned for thatudeprivation
0y sketcbiBg on the tables of her own fancy
An endless variety of little Gothic struct-
ares, with bay windows, and trellises COW
cred with climbing roses and honeysuckles;
while Uncle Benedict watched her from
behind the screen Of his newspaper, with the
queerest expression on his brown old face.
Pm almost sorry / commenced the
thing" he said to himself. IF l should be
disappointed in herl But poohl it's the
only way 20 find out if she is worth my
boys love-"
Presently the numbering old chariot came
to q stand still; but TO Rachel's surprise, In