The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1882-02-23

inclinations in regard to appearances
tended in the same direction as his
wife's. Horace had to make position
in the world and Nell to be settled.
The two other members of the family
were Kate and her brother Jack lem
ployed in bsnk). When they had been
left orphans Mrs. Grashaw had con-
sented to receive them into the family,
as their keep would be a mere nothing,
considering one must have good din.
ners because of the servants tattling;
while what Kate could pay out of her
small income Of sixty pounds a year
besides making herself useful) and
Jack out OF his salary would go into her
own private purse and afford many
toilet luxuries. Besides she knew, as
Nell did too, that society, who was ig-
norant of any payment being made,
spoke highly of their kindness to their
poor relations.
Their sole other relation was Uncle
Jeff-a restless, sanguine spirit, who
had been always going to make for
tune, and who had at last in Australia
done so. He had gone there when Nell
and Kate were children, so all they
knew of him was that he was very kind
and was ever sending pleasant letters
and handsome presents to his little
nieces and nephews. When Nell
danced in her Joy from tie room, Kate,
at work On her aunt's dress, thought of
these presents, and it is to be feared
mentally commented on Uncle Jetf's
coming home in very mercenary
fashion.
Supposing, as Jack and I are Or
phans, he were to adopt us?" she pom
ders. "At any rate, if he be so rich
he will hardly let his sisters children
remain so poor. If he does not do
something for Jack, II shall hate
himw
Uncle Jeffl Before two days were
over everybody in Monkbourne knew
about him, of his immense wealth, and
how lie was to live with the Grashaws,
who were his only relations. Mr.. Gra.
shaw dropped into the estate agents to
inquire casually what mansions or small
eNates were to let in the neighborhood.
Horace talked of Uncle JEFF at his club
until the members were sick of Uncle
jeff. Mrs. Grasbaw and the girls
made visits and received them on pur-
pose to let Monkbourne society know
III about him,
"The train will lie the l so, no doubt
that he'll arrive by" remarked Mr..
Grashaw on the day of Uncle Je1f's
coming, as he contemplated the recher-
che luncheon prepared. 81 hope, my
love, there is nothing to make a hitch
il his welcome?"
il. was moment Of great excitement.
Nellie fitted eveIy where; Horace
iounged about, assuming indifference;
Kate sat at the drawing room window,
recretting her bright, bonnie Jack, who
Uas so work ed he could not get holi.
lay. Suddenly, as q cab stopped at
the door, she eprapg up and ran with
the rest.
"He has come Uncle JEFF has comel"
she exclaimed.
"Gracious! Why, he must have
got up at dawnH calculated Mrs
Grasbaw. Where are Neil and Hor-
ace?"
A futte1ing bevy they proceeded into
the hall to receive the lucky speculator.
The page had alieady thrown wide the
door, and coming up the step they saw
a tall, thin, gray-haired man, with
stopped shoulders and sad, careworn
visage.
Welcome to England Welcome
home, JEFF p cried the merchant,
wTinging bis hand. "Dear me, how
delighted 1 am! I congratulate you,
brotherw
The welcomes and congratulations
were echoed all around. they clustered
about him like bees round honey. Hor-
ace took his hat, Kate his walking-slick.
"Ah, George P' exclaimed Uncle jeff,
in feeble voice, as he slightly waved
his hands, let me sit down some
where, please. L have much to tell
yCu"
They had all got into the dining
room now. The softest chair was
pushed forward by Horace; Kate gave a
shake to tie cushions; Ellen brought
foot stool. Uncle JEFF dropped down
YEARLY.
ooh, Georgel" he exclaimed, almost
piteously, show can I ever tell you
how hundred times l have wished
that had never written you that let
ter much has happened since. I am "
- the gray head dropped Oh the with
cred ruined!"
Had the listeners suddenly been con-
fronted by the face of Medusa they
could not have been more aghast more
silent. They were hOrrifed-paralyzed.
The first thought of Mr.. Grashaw, in
deed Of all, was that they had been
grossly taken in.
"What do you mean. Jeff?" demanded
the merchant.
"That the speculation in which 1
foolishly invested my all, George, was
but bubble. 1t burst week before
l started for home. 1t has ruined hun
dreds."
"Homel I wonder if he thinks this
is his homer" reflected the merchant.
Circumstances alter cases."
whatever will Monkbourne sayp"
thought the wife. "We shall be per-
feet laughing stock. To have a pauper
instead of q millionaire on our hands!'
Horace and Nell looked at each other
helplessly.
Kate felt inclined to cry. Then she
filled glass with water and handed it
to Uncle JEFF.
Chow very oficious that girl isl"
thought her aunt.
81 always said you were the idiot of
the family. jeff" remarked the mer.
chant, hufishIy "Ihere. we may, /
suppose, have luncheon; then you can
tell us about it,"
"Well2" inquired Jack Wakefield,
eagerly, on Kate waylaying him as he
was creeping upstairs to change his
coat after returning from the office,