The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-07-22

dreamy or lazy !" said Mrs. Kimberly.
81 thought you were all energy and
activity"
When work, 1 work." was the
reply; but when / rest, 1 want to
rest"
"Uncle Rupert" broke in Rupert
suddenly, "what will you bet / can't
fool you next week Y"
" Bah The idea of getting to my age
to be fooled by boy like your'
Then you defy me ~
"Of course do"
"I'll do it. Keep your eyes open"
Forewarned is forewarned. But
come, stop chattering. 1 want my
music.n
Pretty, saucy, mirth-loving Flora,
with her dancing black eyes and bril-
liant smile, did not look like a very
prominent interpreter of "dreamy,
lazy music - but once her hands touch
ed the keys of the grand piano forte, the
girls whole nature seemed to merge
into the sound she created. Merry
music made dancing elves of her fingers
as they flew over the notes; 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 the sweet, low
cadences. She would look like an in
spired Joan of Are when grand chords
rolled out under her hands in majestic
measures, and sacred music transformed
her into something sanity. Once the
rosewood case was closed st. Cecilia be-
came pretty, winning Flora Kimberly
again.
There were few influences that could
soften the outer crust of the 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 hovered 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 noe
turne melted softly into silence, the old
bachelor stole away and left the house,
bidding no one farewell. They were
accustomed TO his singular way, and no
one followed him: but Mrs. Kimberly
sighed as she said:
Rupert gets older and crustier every
year."
But he is as good" Flora said, leav-
ing her piano stool with a twirl that
kept it spinning around very giddily.
ha taI
Rupert. "It's a downright shame to
keep that splendid house shut up year
after year, except just the few rooms
Uncle Rupert and Mrs. Jones occupy"
mean to ask him." Flora exclaim-
ed, impulsively.
"No, no." said Mrs. Kimberly, hasti-
ly; never speak of that to your uncle,
Flora, never"
But why not P"
81 never told you before, but your
uncle was engaged years ago, and there
was some trouble. L never understood
about it, exactly, for was married and
left Wilton the same year that Rupert
came to New York. But this i do
know, the lady, after waiting three or
four years, married, and Rupert has
never been the same man since. / am
quite sure he was very much attached
to her, and that you would wound
him, Flora, if you jest about mar
riage."
" But don't mean to jest at all. 1
think he would be ever so much happier
If he had some one to love and some one
to love him in return. 1t must be terri
bly, lonesome in that house with no
companion but Mrs. Jones, who is 100
years old, am certain.''
"He ought to marry her." said Ru-
pert. "She Away calls him dearie."
Don't children, jest about it any
more," said the mother, "and be sure
you never mention the subject to your
uncle"
The first of April was clear, rather
cold day, the air bright and swapping,
and the sky all treacherous smiles, as be-
came the coquettish month of sunshine
and showers.
Uncle Rupert, finishing his lonely
breakfast, soliloquized to himself:
g must be on the lookout to-day for
Rupert's promised tricks. He won't
find it as easy as he imagines to fool his
old uncle. Who's there ?" The last
two words in answer to a somewhat
timid rap upon the door.
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