The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-01-07

any one into fever Open every door
and window-quickl !"
Without moments hesitation, Theo-
dora unbarred the blinds, and threw
| open the four large windows and two
| doors. The light from the western sky
streamed like II flood of fiery radiance
| into the room, the draft, whirling
through, caught up newspapers, flutter-
ed the leaves of books, and even upset
Uncle Joseph's pet bottle of medicine.
"O-w-w-w !" roared the sick man
with vehemence, and proved his lungs
at least to be quite free from disease;
"do you want to blind to blow me
away 2"
" You told me to do it, Uncle Joseph"
6 Shut the windows quick-draw the
curtains !" groaned Uncle Joseph
"Who's that battering down the door ~
"It's only very gentle knocking,
uncle"
"Then Pm nervous. Go and seel"
Presently Theodore returned.
" It's Major Crawford uncle he sends
his compliments, and wishes to know
how you are"
" Tell him to go to the deuce /"
" Yes, uncle.''
"Well," " said Uncle Joseph, as his
niece returned to his bedside after a mo-
mentary absence, "what did he say :"
" He seemed very much offended,
uncle"
Offended at what, pray ?" demand
ed Uncle Joseph.
9 l suppose at being told to go to the
deuce !" answered Theodore, quietly.
"Girl !" calculated the invalid, rails
ing himself halfway upon his elbow,
you didn't tell him that ?''
Yes, did, uncle. You said your
self, "Tell him to go to the deuce"
Mr.. Joseph White fell back, flat and
motionless, among the pillows.
Theodore, you are fool"
"I'm very sorry, uncle," said Theo-
dora, beginning to whimper.
Uncle Joseph stared at her in sur
prise. Could it be possible that the
dreary days and weeks of her steadfast
attendance had weakened her intellect
and turned her brain
"Give me my water-gruel," he said
briefly, after few moments's pondering
over the unwelcome possibility.
Theodore brought in neat little
china bowl, with silver spoons lying
on the snowy napkin that flanked it on
the tray.
Uncle Joseph took one taste; and
threw down the spoon with petulant
sound not unlike bark.
Trash trash insiped as dishwater
Throw it to the pigs"
Theodore took up the bowl and started
obediently for the door.
Here, here!' roared Uncle Joseph,
where are you going to ?"
Z" To the pig-pen."
"Are you crazy? The gruel's we'll
enough, only Mrs. Perkins forgot the
nutmeg"
6 But, uncle" said Theodore, tasting
daintily of the contents of the bowl, sit
is insipid as dishwater."
Will you allow me to have an opin-
ion of my own 7" snarled Uncle Joseph.
"It's very good, if that crone down
stairs will add the nutmeg and give it
another boil. Quick now-I'm getting
hungry. A man must eat, if he is at
deaths door"
A minute afterwards Mrs. Perkins
was surprised at Theodora's entrance.
WELL" said the housekeeper, Z" what
is awanting now?"
GA little grated nutmeg in this Cruel,
and uncle would like it warmed up once
more"
"What are you smiling about ?''
"Was L smiling2"
e" Your were if your mouth wasn't"
said Mrs. Perkins keenly.
"Will you be quick as you can, Mrs.
Perkins ?" said Theodore. 50 He says
he is hungry"
But when Theodore re-entered her
nncle's room, the invalid had taken
another track.
"Why didn't you stay all day." he
growled.
Indeed uncle, hurried all could, :"
pleaded Dora. I" Here's the Cruel, all
smoking"
But Uncle Joseph shook his head.
It's too late, I've lost all my appe-
tite," he moaned.
Won't you have the cruel 20
And Uncle Joseph closed his eyes, as
II. g L