Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1882-11-25

take possession.
And now | watt housekeeper," he
said, ia slow way. won't you lend
me one OF your girls, Nary"
Everybody looked up as Uncle Ed made
this astonishing request. Laura blushed
with vexation; Isabel shrugged her pref
ty shoulders and smiled, aud even little
Ruth looked astohisl,eG.
"Of coarse you needn't DO the rough
work. continued Uncle Ed. "I'll hire
4 kitchen girl for that, but | thought I'd
rather have one of my own relations to
look after things. You see III not have
many years TO live, and I'd like TO be
among my own kim
Nobody answered, so poor Uncle Ed
went on slowly:
"I'll tell you what III do. II one Of
your girls will go over to my new home
and live there with me. I'll give her board
and clothing while she stays, and when
ever she marries I'll give her what can
for Set-Out. Now I'll leave you 10 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
Il 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 OH me in some little
little muiry, stufly Jersey habitation?"
cried Laura, Indignantly.
"It's pity, know" said Mrs. Damon,
"but | 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"
"Dress,' 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 will go" said Ruth,
speaking for the first time. "lf Uncle
| Ed feels lonely and wants one of us we
ought to go and stay with him, and am
willing to 60"
"Well, don't you suppose you would be
best for him:' said Mrs. Damon, thought
! fully. 1T would leave more, too, for the
other girls, and then when the marry
they can help you"
"You forget Uncle Ed has promised
| her 'sel-out,'' said Isabel, with n
scornful laugh.
And Laura added:
"a pretty 'sct-out, no doubt. | don't
suppose. after his house is furnished,
! Uncle Ed will have $50 in the world. Go
along, Ruth; | wish you JOY in that bar
gain"
Laura, Isabel hush, said Mrs. Damon,
reproyingly. "If Ruth has a mind to 60,
you ought not to put any obstacles in her
/ way. Let her do AS she likes"
When Uncle Ed came back it was an
nounced to him that Ruth had decided to
| superlnteHu his establishment.
"Thank you, dear" he said, laying his
hand on her head. 'I'll try TO make you
as comfortable rs l can. viii you be
ready to 90 over day after tomorrow"
"Ycs, 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 10 go
early the next morning.
Uncle Ell invited the rest to go over and
see her installed in her new home. Laura
haughtily declined, but Mrs. Damon and
Isabel resolved to go. Isabel enjoyed the
anticipation Of turning up her pretty
nose at Ruth's humble quarters.
They crossed the river, and Uncle Ed
told the ladies' to wait ut the office few
moments till lie found some sort Of
carriage.
"Ie hired very handsome one, must
confess" was Isabel's mental comment,
as they were sea:ed, little later, In
stylish carriage with its splendid horses.
Il didn't know they kept such elegan.
ones outside of the city"
Seated in corner, Miss Isabel enjoyed
the ride very much, commenting on all
the handsome residences they passed.
"What an elegant place. she cried, as
they drew near fine old mansion In the
midst of stately grounds, with CLEAN Of
marble statuary among the trees and 4
sparkling fountain flnging its bright
drops in the air upon well-kept lawn.
ave will stop here, said Uncle Ed, rs
the coachman drew up his horses.
"Herc! Why, do you know these peO-
pie? Who owns this placer" asked Isa-
bel.
~ do, returned Uncle Ed, quietly, as
he assisted her to alight.
you ~ cried Isabel, with at least three
exclamation points after the word.
Mrs. Damon stopped short OIL the car
riage steps to say:
"Is it possible, Ed xard?"
"Yes, il is even Eo,'' returned Uncle
Ed, smiling. "Come, Ruthie dear, this
is the home have brought you to; let US
90 i'm and see how you like it:''
The surprised party followed him thro'
tie ground to the door, where they were
admitted by neat colored boy.
"GoOd morning, John," said Uncle Ed.
"lIerc is your new nIistress," presenting
Ruth, as John bowed low, after the man
ner OF polite Garkey, TO welcome the