The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1879-05-03

Ben, whom she had never seen, but OF
whom she had heard much, was to her an
inscrutabla riddle, whom she feared more
than she was willing to acknowledge; for
Hugh's future depended to certain extent
upon Uncle Ben Benedict, and with Hugh's
future her own was bound inseparably.
She was 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 be-
held her, and the only warning she had of
his presence she saw reflected IN Hughs
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 ALI
He turned to Hugh when he had thus un-
tremendously made himself acquainted
with his new niece-in-law.
DWELL, young man, are you ready to
leave these lodgings and go to your new
home ?" he asked; for be it known that the
old gentleman had given Hugh and Rachel
a wedding present of new house wherein
they were to live.
"Quite, sir" Hugh answered, cheerily.
"Shall it be to- morrow %
Yes"
"All right"
And Mr. Benedict sat down to spend the
evening and enjoy himself
DWELL, ?" said Hugh, when his uncle
was taking leave, and paused on the front
door steps to light cigar.
DWELL, sir ?" said Uncle Benedict calm
ly.
How do you like herr" asked Hugh.
How can tell?" demanded the old
gentleman, irritably. "She's pretty to look
at; SO is china doll, or white kittenI 1t
isn't always the prettiest calcoes 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, eh ,"
"All 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.
"I'm going to take you down to Bloom
dale myself, my dear" said Uncle Ben.
Hugh, want you to go off to Canterbury
with these letters. They're of importance.
I'd go myself i'll were ten years youngerj !
but sudden journeys don't agree with old
bones like mine"
Hugh looked oghast at the proposal.
Rachel turned pale.
"Cannot the business be postponed, sir ?"
said Hugh hesitatingly.
No, it can't!" replied Uncle Ben curt
ly. I" If you don't want to 60, say so.
dare say can find some one else to oblige
me /"
"of course shall CO." said Hugh. "But
Rachel -"
suppose am old enough to take care
of little girl like that" said Uncle Ben
in an aggreved tone. You'll fnd us both
in the new residence, with the table laid for
dinner, when you come back tomorrow"
So there was nothing for it but for Hugh
to kiss his little bride hall score Of times,
and commission Uncle Ben to take the best
possible care of her until he should return.
Foolish children" !" said Mr.. Benedict,
as he saw Rachel sobbing on Hugh's shoul-
derj but there was a CHEEKY twinkle in his
own keen gray eyes, neverthel ss.
Poor little girl the atmosphere had lost
somewhat of its sparkle, and the world
looked less bright, as she journeyed in Uncle
Ben's barouahe towards her new home, with
Uncle Ben's newspaper rattling at her side.
AS the autumn twilight began to fall, her
thoughts became busy, as a woman's will,
at times.
"Uncle," she said, turning suddenly to-
wards the old gentleman, "what sor. Of
house is it2 Ours, 1 meanl"
"Well," said Uncle Ben, refectively, "it's
a cottage, should say"
"a modern cottage7"
Well, no, rather of the antique order
than otherwise"
"Oh,' cried Rachel, F" I'm glad. despise
those new, stiff, formal places, that look as
if they were merely to be admired, not liv-
ed in and enjoyed. Uncle, what are you
laughing at?"
"At your curiosity, my dear" replied the
old gentleman.
"Then l won't ask another question"
said Rachel resolutely.
But she fully atoned for that deprivation
by sketchng on the tablets Of her own fancy
an endless variety Of little Gothic structures,
with bay windows and trellises covered with
climbing roses and honeysuckles; while
Uncle Benedict watched her from behind
the screen Of his newspaper, with thequeer-
est of expressions on his brown, old face.
"pm almost sorry commenced the
thing" he said to himself. "If should be
disappointed in her But pooh it's the on
ly way TO fnd out if she is worth my boys
love-"
Presently the numbering old chariot came
to a stand still, but to Raehel's surprise, in
front Of no fairy cot, or low-eayed edihee
surrounded by veandahs aud flower par
terres tumble-down unpainted farm
honss stood q little hLek from the rad, with