Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-03-17

that niece of mine. Plenty of good
looks: but hasn't sixpence--not six
pence TO bless herself with.
II was wonderful how the old house
was frightened up by the presence of
its blithe young inmate. But by none
was its pleasant influence more felt than
by the domestics, who had vowed such
hostility before her arrival. The old
woman especially was devoted to her;
loving her for her own sake Ak well NJ
for the kindly help and good Offices she
was always receiving from the deft and
willing hands of the young girl. In the
storeroom-that sacred retreat which
her foot was never to invade-the latter
was to be found on company-days,"
busy aud happy ns bee; with sleeves
tucked half way up her plump arms,
her heavy Grape skirts slowed away
under one of the old ladys capacious
Holland aprons, and laplets pinned high
over her head, while, laughing merrily
at the queer figure she had made Of her
self, she worked away at cakes and
sweets, taking world of trouble off the
housekccper's hands.
And so thoughtful She is, and gay
bless her - his wife would tell old
John. She'll come tripping mp to
me, and Now, do as you're bid, she'll
say, playfully, forcing me down into my
big chair Sit you down and rest,
there's AN old dear, and take your tea.
I'm not a-going to let you do a turn
more And then she'll work away, her
tongue going all the time n fast as her
fingers running on about her mother
and her home her flowers and pets,
dogs and birds, and what not, but never
IA word about husband or married days.
And if touch upon them or ash qucs-
tion, she'll get quite silent and strange
like in minute, and turn off the sub
iect rs if it burned her. Perhaps for
all she's so merry outside she's frctting
in her heart for him that's gone, and
can't a-bear TO talk Of him"
Nothing Of the sort p cried old
John. Don't you go think such stuff
She'd take a husband tomorrow; mark
my words. And it's my opinion there's
a young gentleman comes to this house
that has fairish chance. He's dcspcr-
ate sweet upon her. | haven't eyes in
my head for nothing, and | see plain she
doesn't dislike him, or hold herself mp
distant from him, as she does from
others
Old John was right. Matters were IN
due time so far satisfactorily settled be
tween the young couple that an appeal
TO the uncle was deemed cxpedicnt.
The old gentleman received the an
nouncemcnt with a lf-plcasant, half
satirical grimmace.
a" Ha. | thought so" he muttored
- But are YOU aware, my friend, that
there is no money in the case? The lady
hasn't sixpcncc, and"
Il know it, Indignantly interrupted
the suitor. You have made that re-
mark before. | want no fortune with
my wife, my own being ample: and my
love"
"Oh, spare your mpturcs, young sir
Not So fast Don't he too sure of the
prize; for when you hear what have tn
tell YOU there may be- perhaps, change
in your views | have no time to go
into the matter now; but come to-mor-
row, and he prepared to hear what will
surprise you;" and the old gentleman
went off. nodding back malcvolently,
the lover thought--over his shoulder,
leaving the poor fellow in a state of
most uncomfortable suspense and uucer-
tainty
What could this dark hint mean
and why was he not to make sure ?
Could it he possible there was any
doubt, any mystery "a to the demise of
the loved ones husband He could not
help calling to mind her confused and
manner at times: certain
want Of frankness; an evident cmbar-
mssment at any allusion to the past
The possibility OF an obstacle made the
Young man realize as he had not before
done how deeply his affections were en-
gagged. He spent miserable night,
awaiting in vain conjecture and sleep
less anxiety the tidings which the NOR
row might bring forth.
In order to explain matters it will be
necessary TO go back for some months
previous to the arrival of the young lady
at her uncle's house; as well as to change
the scene from it to country cottage in
a remote part of England home OF
the widowed sister of the eccentric
bachelor. In it we find him pacing
mp and down the small drawing
room and listening TO the querulous