Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-07-25

Htf son ana daughter. cdIuo w 1.-Two Ii NJ"
York for educational advantages. Rupert
the First was certainly what his saucY
nephew called him-a crasty old bachelor.
Yet, in that sore disappointed heart IA
ties desertion had so wounded, the bach
elor uncle took with warm love and great
indulgence his nephew and niece, bright,
handsome children of ten and twelve, who
child-like, imposed upon, his good nature,
rioted over his quiet, orderly home till his
staid housekeeper declared they were worse
than a pair of monkeys; caressed him
stormingly one moment and pouted over
some refusal for monstrous indulgence
the next, and treated him generally as
bachelor-uncles must expect to be treated
by their sisters children.
There was some talk. when Mrs. Kimb-
erly came to New York, of making one
household of the family, but the idea was
abandoned, and the wealthy widow select
ed residence three doors off, in the same
block.
rupert was so set in his fidgety old
bachelor ways" she said, THAT it would
be positive cruelty to disturb him."
Probably young Rupert and Flora did
not consider their bright young faces dis
turbers of their uncle's tranquility; but it
is quite certain that out of school, No. 46,
their uncle's house, saw them quite as fire.
quently as No 43, where their mother re-
sided. With the lntuitive perception of
children, they understood that the abrupt,
often harsh voice, the sur]y word, and the
undemOnstrative manner covered heart
that would have made any sacrifice for
their sakes, that loved them with as true
love as their own dead father could have
given them.
AS they ontgrew childhood, evidences of
affection ceased to take the forms of dolls
and drums, and cropped up in Christmas
checks. in ball dresses and bouquets. a
saddle horse and various other delightful
and acceptable shapes till Rupert came Of
age, when he was taken from college into
his uncle's counting house. and closer
intimacy than ever was cemented between
youth and the downward path to old age.
There had been family gathering at
Kimberly's one evening, late in the month
of March, and conversation had arisen
upon the traditional customs and tricks of
the first of A pril.
'sSenseless, absurd tricks" Rupert
Smithson had called them, in his abrupt,
rough way. eft only to amuse children or
ldiots.'
son, pshaw, Uncle Rupert" Flora said;
''you played April fool tricks, too when
you we're young"
"Never! never could see any wit in
them. And what's more, Miss Flora, 1
was never once caught in any of the shall
| low deceits."
"Never made an April fool?''
"Never, and never will be, was the re-
ply. "But, there, child, go and play that
last nocturne you learned. 1t suits me. I
I hate sky-rocket music, but that is a
dreamy, lazy air and like it,"
1.-THE idea of you liking anything dreamy
or lazy" said Mrs. Kimberly. Il thought
you were all energy and activity"
"When work, work. was the reply;
''but when I rest want to rest"
"Uncle Rupertr' broke in Rupert, sud
denly, ''what will you bet can't fool you
next week."
''Bah! The idea of getting to my age to
be fooled By a boy like you!''
''Then you defy me?''
'.Of course I do
''I'll do it. Keep your eyes open."
"Forewarned is forearmed. But come,
stop chatting, want my music.
Pretty. saucy, mirth-loving Flora; with
her dancing black eyes and brilliant smile,
did not look like very promising inter-
prefer of ''dreamy. lazy music;" but once
her hands touched the keys of the grand
piano-forte, the girls whole nature seemed
| to merge into the sounds she created
Merry music made dancing elves of her
fingers as they flew over the keys; dreamy
| music drew mesh Of hushed beauty over
her face, and her great black eyes would
dilate and seem to see far away, as the
room filled with her sweet low cadences.
! She would look like an inspired Joan of
Arc when grand chords rolled out under
her hands in majestic measures, and sacred
music transformed her into something
sanity. Once the rosewood was closed,
| st. Cecilia became pretty, winning Flora
Kimberly again.
There were few influences that could
soften the outer crust or manner of Rupert
Smithson, but he would hide his face away
when Flora played, trying to hide the tears
that started, or the smiles that lowered on
his lips, as the music pierced down, down
into that warm, loving heart he had tried
to conceal with cynical words and looks.
SO when the final chords of the nocturne
melted softly into silence, the old bache-
lor stole away and left the house, bidding
no one farewell. They were accustomed
to his singular ways, and no one followed
him; but Mrs. Kimberly sighed as she
said:
Rupert gets older and crustier every
day."
s'But he is so good" Flora said, leaving
her piano stool with whirl that kept it
Spinning around very giddily.
"Why don't he get married?" said Ru-
pert. otis downright shame to keep
that splendid house shut up year after
year, except just the few rooms Uncle Ru-
pert and Mrs. Jones occupy"
Il mean to ask him. Flora exclaimed
impulsively.
mo, no." said Mrs. Kimberly, hastily,
s'never speak of that to your uncle. Flora,
never
II never told you before, but your uncle
was engaged years ago, and there was some
trouble. I never understood about it ex-
actly. for was married and left Wilton
the same year that Rupert came to New
York. But this do know-the lady, af-
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