The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1883-01-20
MIR. FARQUHAR'S NIECE.

Mr.. Farquhar certainly did not in
tend to invite his niece to Join him in
Paris when he wrote to inform her that
he was making short stay there, en-
route to his native country The fact
was that he had never set eyes on the
young lady, having been absent in India
nearly twenty years, and, consequent
ly, he did not feel much personal inter-
ect in her. But he had generously paid
for her education and maintenance
since she had lost her parents and was
prepared to make home for her on his
return to England, Therefore he had
written her kind letter to announce his
return. .-f -..
But he was very much surprised and
somewhat disconnected when, two days
later, he was informed on reaching his
hotel after an evening stroll on the
boulevards, that young lady who had
just arrived from England was await
inc him in the salon, and before he had
recovered from his establishment he
found himself in the presence OF his
niece. who greeted him atfectionately.
and dutifully held up aremarkably pref
ty face to be Kissed.
''Pon my word, my dear" said old
Mr.. Farquhar, after availing himself of
the privilege, ''your arrival is quite a
surprise to me. l should certainly have
met you at the station had known you
were coming"
Il thought you would be surprised,
uncle" said the young lady, blushing,
1.-The fact was my friends, Mr.. and Mrs.
Howard, were coming over to-day, and
l avaled myself of their escort. Other
wise | should not have come for day
or two, at all events until l had an
swered your letter"
MIR. Farquhar was on the point of say
ing that he did not recollect anything
in his letter which could be construed
into an invitation, but being kind
hearted, susceptible old gentleman, he
refrained. The truth was he was very
much struck by his niece's PROPOSES
ing appearance. He possessed pho
tograph of her taken some years back,
which had given him q very Inadequate
idea of her attractions, though it must
be owned that he had not examined it
very attentively. He regretted now, as
he gazed with undisguised admiration
on the young lady's fair face, tall,
graceful figure and frank blue eyes, that
he had banked himself of the pleasure
of anticipating such charming revela-
ton.
IL hope you are not angry with
me, uncle. for arriving so un cere-
monously" said his niece, interrupt
ing his reverie.
''Angry my dear child. On the con
trary, delighted! Quite delightedr'
said Mr.. Farquhar, heartily. ''I1i! wait
er. Tell the chambermaid-femme de
chambre, you know-to conduct this
lady to room near mine. And bless
my soul you must be hungry, my dear!
Dinner, waiter, directly"
While the neice was making the nee
essary alterations to her toilet, Mr..
Farquhar superintended the details oil
a dainty little repast, which the young
lady found awaiting her when she came
down. The old gentleman was more
delighted than ever with his niece's .ap-
pearance when he beheld her Invested
of her hat and travelling attire, and
could hardly take his eyes off her. In
fact, admiration and establishment rem.
dered him strangely silent, and as the
young lady was evidently fatigued afteI
her journey, their conversation was not
of very confidential nature.
"Now, my dear. you are tired, dom
hesitate 10 60 to your room, " said MIR.
Farquhar, noticing at length his niece
fatigue. You mustn't spoil your roses,
Ada, and We have lot of sightseeing
before u.s." III =
"Thank you, uncle" said the young
lady, rising from the table; ''but my
name is Amy, you know, not Ada"
Amy. to be sure. l was thinking il
was Ada" replied Mr.. Farquhar, in
some confusion; and having submitted
with good grace to another -dutiful sa-
Lutte, he opened the door for her, and
made his way to the smoking-room to
discuss oheroot before turning in.
1t was astonishing what an exhilarat-
ing effect the arrival of his niece hat