Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1881-12-28


Il believe said he, Il am not mis-
taken In thinking that your name before
marriage was Anna Beaumont
you are right, sir, that was my
name
And you have no recollection OF an
uncle who wandered away from home
and friends, aud from whom no tidings
have come for many q long year.
Yes, sir, ] remember him we'll
my uncle Henry, aud have many
times wished | could learn something
Of him, can you give me any inior-
nation !
Il can, for l am he,
you my unclcY' said Mrs. Lowe,
surprised, 'then you are indeed welcome,
Emma bring your uncle the arm chair,
and place il close TO the fire, aud Mary
bring your fathers slippers, for ! am
sure your uncle must long to get of
those heavy boots. And now, uncle,
when you are quite rested, must de-
mand recital Of your adventures.
But your brother Alexander inter-
ruptcd Mr.. Beaumont, let me first in
quirc about him. lie lives in the city,
does he notT
A slight cloud came over Mrs.
loves face.
'Yes,' said she, he does live in the
city, yet, strange as it may appear, !
seldom or never see him. He has sue
ceedcd well, and is wealthy, but ever
since he married with wife's small
property and greater pride, he has
kept aloof from us. | do not so much
blame him as his wife, who is said to
have great influence over him. !
have called once, but she treated me so
coldly that have not felt disposition
to renew my visit.
Il can easily believe it, was the
reply, for too, have been repulsed.'
You repulsed Did you give your
name and inform her of your relation
to her husband?'
Il did, but she did not invite me to
enter, and as she was evidently impa-
ticnt for mo to be gone, I took the hint,
and here l am"
AT least uncle said Mrs. Lowe
smiling, you feel no repulsc here
'Of that l am quite surc,' said the
old gentleman, looking aifectionately
into the face of his niece. But you
have not told me of your husband.
Let me know whether you have made
good match, he added playfully.
'That depend, upon what is meant
by the term. If it implies rich hus-
band, then have failed, most certain
ly, for Williams salary is only eight
hundred dollars year, and that is
what we have to depend upon. But
for all that l care not, for u kind and
affectionate husband is of far more
worth than a magnificent dwelling and
costly furniture.
You are right said her uncle,
warmly, 'and I infer that your husband
is of such character.
He is, in truth
'Still,' continued her uncle, there
must be some things which your limited
income will not permit you to obtain,
but which would be desirable, are there
not!
'Yes,' said Mrs. Lowe, Il am anx-
ious to give Emma and Mary musical
education, but Williams means will
not allow of such q piece of extravi-
gance as the purchase of a piano; so
that it is one of the things which we
must be content to deny ourselves.
Mr.. Lowe then entered, and, being
informed of the character Of his visitor
extended him o warm welcome. A
comfortable repast was soon spread, OF
which Mr.. Beaumont partook heartily.
His spirits rose, and he seemed to grow
younger as he saw the cheerful faces
around him, and felt himself at home.
Soon after the evening meal he arose to
depart.
Surely you are not going?' said his
niece. You must henceforth take up
your abode with us
sWe will see about that, and if you
don't think you will get tired of me
perhaps 1 will come. But Ihave hired
lodging, and must undoubtedly re-
main in it for few days.
But you must call in every day and
make yourself perfectly at home, even
before you come here to stay persisted
his niece.
BE assured of that
In accordance With his promise, MIR.
Beaumont made his appearance the