Smyrna times., 1879-10-15
Ruth'S Choice.

very pleasant little group gathered
about Mrs. Dermot's cosy breakfast table
that bright spring morning. First, Mrs.
Dermot herself, fair, fat and-well, no
matter about the age-ten years widow,
with not over-plenty of means, and the
mother of three girls; Miss Laura, the
| oldest and beauty: Miss Isabel, a beauty
| also, and a musician beside, and little
Ruth, who was regarded by the family as
neither very brilliant nor very beautiful
but very useful to help mother and the
sole servant with the household affairs.
This morning there was one in the group.
| Mrs. Dermot's brother Edward, an i'm
| provident youth who had run away to Cali
fornla years ago and just come back, not
| much the better, as Mrs. Dermot could dis
cover, for his long wanderings.
1--WE never need have expected poor
Uncle Ed. to make anything" she re.
marked to her daughters the night after
his sudden return. "He says he has saved
enough to buy himself little home some
where, but | suppose that is all. I'm sorry,
for did hope he would have been able to
do something for you, girls. But suppose
we must make the best of it, and treat
him as well as we can. do hope he won't
help you to have shabby relations close.
shall advise him, as his means are small, to
buy over on the Jersey Shore
: Uncle Ed. received this advice, and con-
sented to adopt it, with a sly twinkle in his
gray eyes, which Mrs. Dermot did not
notice.
She rather expected to be asked to assist
in the selection of the little place, but as
Uncle Ed. die not ask her to accompany
him, she did not offer her services.
At the table this morning, Uncle Ed. an
| hot ha e.,
occupation, and that he was going to take
F., possession in two or three days.
"And now | want a housekeeper," he
said, in slow way. won't you lend me
one of your girls, Mary?"
Everybody looked up as Uncle Ed. made
this amazing request. Laura blush he'd will
vexation; Isabel shrugged her PRETTY
shoulders, and smiled, and even Ruth look
ed astonished.
"Of course you needn't do the rough
work." continued Uncle Ed. an hire
kitchen girl for that; but thought II
II rather have one Of my own relations t.
look after things, You see, I'll not hav
many more years to live, and I'd like to b
among my own kin"
Nobody answered, SO poor Uncle Ed
went on slowly; "pll tell you what II
do. If one of your girls will 20 over to m
L
give her her board and clothing while sh
stays, and wheneve: she marries I'll Civ
her what | can for a setting out. Now, II
leave you to think over it. I'm gon
over to-day, and when l come back thi
evening, you can have your choice made.
After Uncle Ed. left the room there wa
chorus of EXPLANATIONS.
Isabel leaned back in the chair an
laughed until she was tired.
n Wouldn't l look pretty playing til
piano in Uncle Eds six by nine parlo
with an ingram carpet and wooden chairs 2
she exclaimed.
"And wouldn't feel like asking Co
Richardson to call on me in some littl
muffy, stuffy Jersey placer" cried Laur
Indignantly.
ats pity, know" said Mrs. Dermo
"but | don't see but what some of yo
ought to 60. 1t would relieve us--and yo
- know Uncle ed. would dress you; he sal
So"
"DressW cried Laura Indignantly aye
calico gowns and cotton shawls, and ms
be cheap alpaca for Sunday. Thank yol
not for me; let Ruth go they'll suit her
off ma is willing, Twill co." said Rut
speaking for the first time. "If Unc
Ed. feels lonely and wants one of us
ought to 60 and stay with him, and a
willing to CO."
DWELL do you suppose you would be be
for him?' said Mrs. Dermot, thoughtful
1T would leave more, too, for the 9th
girls, and then when they marry, they CT
help you"
"You forget Uncle Ed. has promised h
setting OUT" said Isabel, with scor
full laugh.
And Laura added, "a pretty setti
out, no doubt. l don't suppose after !
house is furnished, Uncle Ed. will have s
in the world. Go along, Ruth wish y
joy in the bargain"
Laura, Isabel, husl," said Mrs. Derm
reprovingly. eff Ruth has mind to |
you ought not to put obstacles in her wa
Let her do as she likes"
When Uncle Ed. came back il was
500 nounced to him that Ruth had decided
go with him.
"Thank you, DEAR" he said, laying
!, hand on her head. "I'll try to make y
" as comfortable as | can. Will you be rea
ion to go over day after tomorrow 2"
ely ayes, Sir" answered Ruth.
ated The girls had a great deal of sport abe
$1,000 her going next day, but little Ruth, VIII
heart was warm with pity for her Ion,
Uncle, held firm, and was ready to go
e, 8 next morning.
Uncle Ed invited the rest to 60 over a
Il. see her installed in her new home. Lal
- haughtily declined, but Mrs. Dermot a
nee Isabel resolved to go, Isabel enjoying