The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1882-09-08
RUTH's CHOICE.

A very pleasant little group gathered
about Mrs. Damon's cosy breakfast Ia
BILE that bright spring morning. First,
Mrs. Damon herself. fair, fat and-well,
no matter about the age-ten years q
widow with not over plenty of means,
and the mother of three girls; Miss
Laura, the oldest and the beauty; Miss
Isabel. beauty also, and musician
beside; and little Ruth, who was re-
garded by the family as neither very
brilliant nor very beautiful. but very
useful to help mother and the sole serv-
ant with the household affairs.
This morning there was an extra one
in the group, Mrs. Damon's brother Ed
ward, an improvident youth who had
run away to California years ago and
just come back, not much the better, as
Mrs. Damon could discover, for his long
wanderings.
1--WE never need have expected poor
Uncle Ed to make anything" she re-
marked to her daughters the night af-
ter his sudden return. HE says he has
saved enough to buy himself little
house somewhere, but suppose that is
all. I'm sorry, for did hope he would
have been able to do something for you,
girls. But suppose we must make the
best Of it, and treat him as well as we
can. l do hope he won't try to buy a
house in the city, for it won't help YOU
to have shabby relations close by. l
shall advise him, as his means are small,
to buy over on the Jersey Shore"
Uncle Ed received this advice and
consented to adopt it, with sly twinkle
in his gray eyes. which Mrs. Damon did
not notice. She rather expected to be
asked to assist in the selection of the
little place, but as Uncle Ed did not in
vite her to accompany him, she did not
offer her services.
At the table this morning Uncle Ed
announced that the little house was
ready for occupation, and that he was
going to take possession.
.'And now / want housekeeper," he
said, in slow way. wont you lend
me one of your girls, MaryP"
Everybody looked up rs Uncle Ed
made this astonishing request. Laura
blushed with yexation; Isabel shrugged
her pretty shoulders and smiled, and
even little Ruth looked astonished.
.'Of course you needn't do the rough
work." continued Uncle Ed. .Pll hire
a kitchen girl for that; butt thought I'd
rather have one Of my own relations to
look after things. You see I'll not have
many years to live, and'I would like to
be among my own kim"
Nobody answered, so poor Uncle Ed
went on slowly
.rll tell you what I'll do. If one of
you girls will go over to my home and
live there with me, I'll give her her
board and clothing while she stays, and
whenever she marries I'll give her what
can for set-out. Now I'll leave you
to think over it. I'm going over to-day,
and when come back this evening you
can have your choice made"
After Uncle Ed left the room there
was 4 chorus of EXPLANATIONS.
Isabel leaned back in her chair and
laughed until she was tired.
..Wouldn't look pretty playing the
piano in Uncle Eds six by nine parlor,
with an ingram carpet and wooden
chairs?" she exclaimed.
"And wouldn't feel like asking Col.
Richardson TO call on me in some little
mutfy, stuffy Jersey habitationP cried
Laura, Indignantly.
"It's pity, KNOW" said Mrs. Da-
mon, "but l don't see but what one OF
you ought to go. 1t would relieve us;
and you know Uncle Ed would dress
yOu-he said So"
"Dressr' cried Laura, Indignantly.
Eyes; calico gowns and cotton shawls,
and maybe cheap alpaca for Sunday.
Thank you; not for me. Let Ruth go;
they'll suit her." -,
IF ma is willing, l will co." said
Ruth, speaking for the first time. 'if
Uncle Ed feels lonely and wants one OF
us, we ought to 60 and stay with him;
and am willing to 60"
"Well, don't you suppose you would
be best for him?' said Mrs. Damon,
thoughtfully. at would leave more,
too, for the other girls, and then when
they marry they can help YOU"
.'You forget Uncle Ed has promised
her q .set-out,'" said Isabel, with q
scornful laugh.
And Laura added
"a pretty 'set-out,' no doubt. i don't
suppose, after his house is furnished,
Uncle Ed will have fifty dollars in the
world. Go along, Ruth; wish you joy
in the bargain"
Laura, Isabel, hushr' said Mrs. Da-
mon, reprovingly. IF Ruth has mind
to go, you ought not to put obstacles in
her way. Let her do as she likes"
When Uncle Ed came back, it was
announced to him Ruth had decided to
superintend his establishment.
''Thank you, DEAR" he said, laying
his hand on her head. "Pll try to
make you as comfortable as can. Will
you be ready to 60 over day after to-
morrow"
Eyes, sir" answered Ruth.
The girls had great deal of sport
about her going next day, but little
Ruth, whose heart was warm with pity
for her lonely old uncle. held firm and
was ready to 60 early the next morn
ing.
Uncle Ed invited the rest to 60 over
and see her installed in her new home.
Laura haughtily declined. but Mrs. Da.
| mon and Isabel resolved to go. Isabel
enjoyed the anticipation OF turning up
| her pretty nose ut Ruth's humble quar-.
tiers.
They crossed the river, and Uncle Ed
| told the ladies TO wait at the office few
moments till he found some sort of q
carriage.
He hired a very handsome one.
must confess" was Isabers mental com
ment, as they were seated little late
in a stylish carriage with its splendid
horses. 81 didn't know they kept sucl
elegant ones outside of the CITY,"
Seated in corner, Miss Isabel enjoy
ed the ride very much, commenting OF
all the handsome residences they pass
ed.
"What an elegant placer she cried
as they drew near fine old mansion il
the midst of stately grounds, with
CLEAN of marble statuary among tn
trees, and a sparkling fountain iiingin!
its bright drops in the air upon a well
kept lawn.
1--WE will stop here" said Uncle Ed
aa tho 600 Gilman draw nm his horses,