American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-03-08

Three days later the house was de-
serted. Aunt Sophy and Alice returned
to their home, and Alice cheerfully
paid out of her small patrimony for the
board and expenses of her venerable pa
tent.
She little guessed how deep an i'm
preston her care and tenderness had
made upon the heart SO long closed
against human affection, so distrustful
of any advances from his fellow-cTea-
lures. 1t was revelation to him, this
active charity to an utter stranger. He
had gone to the hotel merely to see Nal
colm's choice, and had purposely left
all clew to his identity behind him. He
had intended meeting Alice, if possible,
unknown, and watching her unobserv-
ed; but accident had thrown them to-
gether in way he little anticipated.
The first use he made of his recovery
was to write To bis nephew, and NAL
colin met him at the station when he re-
turned home.
Knowing nothing of the recent acct
dent, the young man was shocked at the
change in his uncle's face.
"You have been Il?" he cried.
every ILL.,"
"Why did you not send for meP"
al had even better nursing than
yours, Malcolm. Don't ask me any
questions now, but tell me about your
N arriage preparations"
"Alice has gone home, and will re-
main until November Then she comes
to Mrs. Haydon's, and will buy her fur
niture.''
SIN November"
eyes"
Late in November she came, her
trunks full of Aunt Sophy's presents,
and Aunt Mary gave her cordial greet
ing. A grand wedding was the display
upon which the lady had set her heart,
and Alice shrank little at the COM
ments upon the rich uncle and her own
good fortune in the g first-rate match
But just before the wedding day a lit
tie note was brought to Alice by gor'
geous footman, who was driven to hel
aunt's behind private carriage. The
note was from Malcolm, and begged
her to come to him in the carriage.
Wondering, but obedient, Alice was
. speedily ready, and was driven to {
handsome house, where the door wa:
opened to usher her into stylish draw
: ing room, where gentleman awaited
J her, and Malcolm, advancing, said, ''My
uncle Hubert, Alice!"
} Kindly blue eyes looked into her own
: withered hands were extended and 4;
! voice she knew well said, awe are ole
: friends, Malcolm. Are we not, Alice?'
Then, before she could answer, thu
old man continued, 81 have thought
Alice, that it was unkind to have my
nephew wait for my death before shar
ing in my wealth. have borne curse
of distrust in my heart for many years
thinking my money won me all the af
lection, save Malcolm's, that was offer
ed me; but, though you were we'll con
tent to wed the young clerk and pu
your own patrimony into his home, yol
must not refuse my heir, who has &C
cepted from me an income that make
him independent, and this home"
"My love for Malcolm can bear richie
or poverty" was the answer; ''but, sir
our home needs you. You will come
will you not, to the children, who vii
try to make your life happy by lovin.
|, careP Long before 1 knew you Nal
colin told me he hoped, when he had
home, to win you to live in it. VIII
you let me, too, beg of you to come t.
us?''
} "Gladly, child! gladly" the old maj
, said
"I understand now," Alice said t
) Malcolm, "why you wanted to wal
until after the wedding to take our house
, You wanted to surpr Sc me.'
} 81 assure you am as surprised a
| you are, though it was Uncle Huber
who persuaded me to watt
So where the rich, lonely man ha
feared to lose the one love of his life, b
gained another tenderer, sweeter Low
? to brighten his declining years by
= daughters devotion and Affection
, English Magazine.