The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

means and ability, for the use of cur expect
ed guest. 'About how old should you
think he is?"
isI,et me see. Well, it must be nearly
thirty years since Philip left England. and
he could not have been less than 20 at the
time, should Think
"Thirty and twenty-eight are fifty-eight,"
/ reply, automatically. "Sounds oldish,
doesn't it? But never mind; SO long as he
is not addicted to snuff and gambling L
know I shall like him. Fancy how the
neighbors will stare when we walk out with
him: but really, mamma, that chair does look
terribly shabby" 1 add, with rueful glance
at the Anticipated piece OF furniture, which
no amount of rubbing and brushing seems
to brighten. 81 believe had better go and
buy few yards Of cheap cretonne, and
make smart new cover for it."
A remark that is followed by the familiar
sound of the postman's knock; and the next
moment mamma and l are quiveriRg over
large, square envelope, from which the fol-
lowing is extracted:
DEAR Mainland SO it is still the same
warm-hearted little Mabel OF old-so ready to
offer a home to the brother whom she has not
seen for SO many years. My dear, accept
your offer and that of my niece, with graft
tudeI / was afraid, as we had heard nothing
from each other so long, thft you must have
forgotten me, and very glad [ am to find my
self mistaken. Expect me sometime to-mor-
row; and many thanks, my dear, for your
kindness to aionely, homeless old man.
Yonr affectionate brother,
PHILIP LUDLOW.
ssTo-morrowr' gasp, with glance at the
date; 'sthat means to-day! Good gracious !!
Mamma. I must go after that cretonne di-
recSlv." And ten minutes later ] am in the
little linen-draper's shop at the corner
grayely considering the relative merits OF
couple of gaily-tinted fabrics, which the
obliging young man behind the counter
foorishes under my eyes, with the remark
that Zone is fve-three farthings and the
other six-three."
Influenced by motives of economy, de-
cided upon the five-three, and hurry back
to No. SO, to find a cab in front of the open
street door, and fine, tall, hale-looking
man, with pair of broad shoulders and a
magnificent dark beard, in the front parlcr,
in the very act of kissing my mamma.
Like a statue of establishment stop dead
short in the doorway, my parcel going down
at nv feet. and my tongue, for about the
first time in my life, too firmly tied to utter
a word.
"And here is Ada. What do you think
of my daughter, Phillip" mamma inquiries.
.tPhilip! Why mamma, you don't mean
to tell me that this is Uncle PHILIP" gasped,
staring up in amazsment at the handsome,
stalwart stranger, who, upright as dart,
and without a gray hair in his head, is
about as little like the feeble, pottering old
man / have pictured to myself as 1t is posi-
BILE to conceive.
.sYou look as if I had rather disappoin ted
your expectations concerning nae, nay
child" the stranger exclaims, as he takes
nv hand and kisses me heartily. Never
mind, Ada, perhaps shall improve on ac-
quaintance."
ooh. it isn't that" begin, with second
glance at the strong, broad shoulders and
the erect dark head, "only you don't look
as if you stood in very much need OF easy
chairs and walking sticks, and mamma and
I have been making such immense prepare
tions for your reception in that line."
s.No, thank heaven, not yet" he smiles,
ssbut for all that shall know how to appre-
ciate any little kindness you can afford 20
show me, my dear"
The DAYS that follow are the happiest we
have known since Roberts departure for
China; and in some strange, almost imper-
ceptible way, our financial affairs seem to
have improved TO an almost incredible ex-
tent since the coming of Uncle Phil. Mann
ma and had always lived very plainly and
simply, and for time Uncle Phil seemed to
fall into our WAYS with all the ease imagina-
BILE: and then came time when SO many ex-
pensive little luxuries found their way to
our table, that mamma began to look grave
and troubled.
81 tell you what it is, Uncle Phil" I re-
monstrate one day, with grave look at the
tempting pair Of roast fowls that garnish
our humble board, ''we are all poor people
in this establishment, and if you go on at
this rate you will be ruined, and mamma
and SO pampered and spoiled, that we
shall never be able to descend to a plain diet
any more. Fowls to-day, turkey on Sun
day. and all sorts of extravagances last
week. wonder what soLle people can be
thinking of?'
tI know what am thinking of-that you
had better eat your dinner and mind your
own business, Madame Impudence!,' Uncle
Phil replies.
Of his money losses he says nothing, nor
does he enter into detail concerning his
present circumstances. From motives OF
| delicacy mamma and / forbear to question
him, although we tremble in private over
what we consider Uncle PhiPs extrava-
gance. for not only do the contributions to
our larder continue, but he often brings
home tickets for the theatre; and in addition
to all this, he is falling into the habit OF
making us little presents, which make me
shudder when think of what the sum-total
of cost must be.
In this way November wears away, and
Christmas is close upon us, when one day
the parcel delivery cart deposits box at No.
go the contents of which almost take my
breath away when it is opened.
A diamond locket and sealskin jacket
| for me: with silk dress and set of sables
real sables-for mamma!
Speeches. with amazement l drop into
the nearest chair, and stare at our mysteri-
ously acquired treasures.
'Who can have sent themT' exclaims the
| madre. pale from establishment.
SIT must be Aunt Frances" interpose
| ssbut what can have possessed her? She
never did such thing in all her life be-
foreF'
ssNo, my dear, disinterested generosity is
| hardly your Aunt Frances's distinguished
| characteristic, believer is the rather dry
reply that emanates from behind the Times
Early in the new year something occur;
that occupies great deal more OF Uncle
Phirs time. An old friend, who isshortly
to arrive in England from Australia, has
commissioned him to purchase and fit up {
house in readiness for his reception on his
arrival; and the business connected with this
| takes him so much from home we miss hin
sadly.
elias your friend any ladies in his family
| Uncle Philip asked one day, wondering
| why he does not tell us more about this Mr.
Low, for whose reception SO much prepare
| ton is being made.
"Yes, tive. Why, my dear?'
81 was wondering why he does not defer
the furnishing of his house until his arrival
| One would think he would prefer his OWL
| taste in the matter" reply.
perhaps ne has confidence in mine, "
| was the brief response.
One day few weeks later Uncle Phil
| throws us into little futter of excitement
b. the proposal that mamma and should
| 90 and inspect this new house, which il
| quite ready now for the reception of the
| owner. He is anxious, he tells us, for oul
| opinion on his taste and judgment, and the
following day is fixed upon for the visit.
"But how are we to get there" inquire
cit is at Richmond, is it not?"
"Mr. Lows carriage will fetch you a.
| once, my DEAR" is the quiet reply.