The Cecil Whig., 1883-01-13

overcoat, he strobe along with the basket
in one hand and tie bag in the other, in
qniring his way with persistence which
would have done credit to a second Chris,
t"pher Columbus in search of new
Western continent. And !. was Just
noon when Uncle David at last found
himself in East Barron street.
"My man." said he to a policeman
who was trying to keep himself warm by
vigorously slapping his arms across his
chest. (which is M. 99?"
"Ninety-nine ?" said the policeman.
Half wav down the block-that big
house with the blinds all closed"
"Can't be-" said Uncle David.
But it is." retor,ed the policeman.
"Look -a-here, my man." argued the
old gentleman. I'm looking for m.
rirce. married to store clerk. Mrs.
E gin by name. Now is it likely they d
h- li"ln in a palace like Matf'
D ant know anything ahnnt that. ="
sad the Policeman. But it's No 90"
And he went on slapping himself more
vindiciivel, than ever.
Uncle David stood staring at the tall
house IA fsw moments more. and then he
ascended the steps and rang the bell.
1T can't do no harm to inquire, any
how" said he to himself.
A maid in tiVed muslin cap, trimmed
with m! rtle- green ribbons. and flounced
merino dress, answered the far-off tinkle
of the bell.
"Does Mrs Evelyn Elgin live here o.
said Mr.. Dhy.
Guess you We mistook the door, Mis-
ter said the damsel, superciliously,
gancing at the basket and bag.
Does Mrs. Evelyn Elgin live here -
repeated Mr.. Doty.
Yes, she lives here, but she's receiv-
ing"
ID ling what ~ said Uncle David.
Amt it New Years day p said the
gil. with toss of the myrtle ribbons.
Receiving calls. stupid,'
"Eery well, said Uncle David, staring
past the girls head at vista of gas
lighted hall, paneled in pink and gold,
and decorated with stands Of flowers
Then RI call
She's now receiving her gentlemen
friends, demonstrated the maid.
Very well-Tm a gentleman friend
of hers
And he pushed uncerelnoniously past.
Your card, sir. if you please said
the maid, holding out her hand in some
consteInat on.
II haven't any card said Uncle
David.
Aud he walked. basket. bag shaggy
great coat and all, into an elegant suite
of parlors. where the velvet carpets. mir
rored walls, gil led furniture. and great.
ghtteripg chandelier, all seemed to glis-
ten and sparkle together In a bay win
dow at the end of a refreshment table
was set out, with goodIy show of cut
glass dccanters. silver coffee urn. and
piled up tropical fruit. while near by.
chatting gaily to a group of gentlemen.
stood lady in a trailing pink silk dress,
with flowers in her hair. and Jewels
sparkling at hel throat. Uucls David
Doty could scare ly believe his eyes.
Niece Eselvn," said he slowly, "is
1t possible that this is-yous'
Mrs. Elgin uttered little, terrific
scream. and then covered her face with
her hands.
''Cncle David" she gasped.
The old man locked dry ly around him.
"Poor!' commenced he. Very poor
utmost ecnnomy-denying yourselves
every luxury. Yes. see! see"'
But. Uncle David
ID mt trouble yourself to explain.
Niece Evelyn he interposed. at isn't
worth while. Do you see this?" holding
up narrow slip of paper. It's check
for Thousand dollars which | was bring
ing you. But I see you have no need ,or
it, may as we'll destroy it,
Aud he tore it into strips, which he
scattered OH the low sea-coal fire. and
then walked out of the room.
When Mr.. Septimns Elgin came home
at night, not much the better for the
champagne which he had contrived to
absorb during the day, his wife met him
with 4 pale, scared face, which sobered
him at once.
Uncle David has been here" said
she.
"H1w much did he give you, my
dear?' quickly demanded her lord and
master.
I" Nothing and he is estranged forever"
"Then," said Mr.. Septimus Elgin,
slapping one hand vehemently upon his
knee. Were ruined"'
Mr.. and Mrs. Elgin sat looking at each
other, with the faded flowers exhaling
sickly perfume around them. and tbs gas
lights tllckering overhead. Nor is it as
serting too much to say that they were
not happy.
1t was scarcely month afterward that
Uncle David and Aunt Pandora were sit.
thug by their blazing pine longs. with it's
resiuous drip, drip bubbling down ill.,
TO the ashes below, when there was a low
click to the latch. and a slight, yelled
figure came hurr, ing in.
"Wh..' cried Uncle David. rising to
his feet in br,a'hless amazement, 1t
amt never-our Evelyn"
She threw herself, s,bbing into Aunt
Pandora kindly arms.
"Oh. take me back. take me back,
she sobhrd. g" for have no other home
lett"
Aud then she explained t., th.rn that
the brilliant St.ptlmu> having forged his
employers name to q check bad been
compelled to flee the country. and that
shsriifs officers we've even then in pos
session III the handsome house in Est
Earron street.
MY dear, let bygrncs be byganes.
said Uncle David. kindly. We'll blot
out the past, now and forever. You are
our little Evelyn again-and now let's
say no mere about it,
And so the good old farmer forgot and
forgave it all; but if Evelyn lives to the
age of feminine Methusaleh she never
can forget that New Years Day.