The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-08-09
UNCLE RUTHERFORD.

st must be a music box that plays at
least seven tunes" said Mrs. Langley,
land one of them be Annie Laurie
and can't possibly afford to give more
than FIVE iineas.' -
"I'll speak to Mr.. Malcolm, the pro-
prietor," said Miss Elson the girl be-
hind the counter, little bewildered by
the loud voice and overwhelming pres
ence of the stout lady in the sealskin
dolman, aud flashing diamond ear drops,
who stood opposite her.
"But I'm in a hurry" said Mrs. Lang
ley, imperiously. Cant you show me
some music boxes? 1t seems to me that
you must all be very stupid here"
''Ill speak to Mr.. Malcolm, ma'am,"
said Ella Elson, who was as accustomed,
mutely, to receive and endure insolence
as is the "Aunt Sally" of lawn-games to
be buffeted and maltreated.
And Mr.. Malcolm came, all smiles, to
minister to the whims of the rich custom
er, whose carriage flashed back the sun
shine at the door.
INA, amt she pretty?' whispered
Miss Amanda Langley, all over-grown
girl of fourteen. leaning her elbows on
che showcase. II say, ma. won't you
buy me new set of lawn tennis? Won't
you, ma? What's this? A canary.
didn't know they kept birds here"
cit is an automaton," smiled Mr.. NAL
colin, who had just reached down an
ebony music box, inlaid with glistening
mother-of pearl ornament. "Mlss Elson,
wind up that bird. Let Miss Langley
hear" .'Yes, ma'am," to the elder lady,
&c - hos A pr,io I rfo in 70
repertoire. also"
And Ella Elson wound up the artificial
songster, set it where Miss Amanda
could feast her ears and eyes on its
beauty, and then turned to show back.
CANNON boards to a new customer.
In second or, at least, as it would
seem-there was crash! The bird-cage
was overturned, the brilliant.plumed
songster crushed, and the solid sheet of
glass that formed the top of the show
case splintered into a score of broken
fragments.
Mr.. Malcolm's very hair bristled with
surprise and indignation, as he turned
to view the general ruin.
Miss Elsop, he exclaimed. wrath
fully, "how did this happen?'
Il am sure, sir, do not know" said
poor Ella, who was as much frightened
as il tine ceiling had fallen. II was
showing this gentleman a backgammon
board"
DO no. attempt to cover your faults
by falsehood," sternly spoke the proprie-
tor. 1T could only have been your
carelessness'
While Miss Amanda Langley, the actu.
al culprit, stood staring at the over
throw, and lacked the moral courage to
confess her own guilt.
Ma would be so cross If she had to
pay for the artificial bird" said Miss
Amanda to herself. "And maybe she
wouldn't buy me the music-box; and,
anyhow, / dare say the shop-girl won't
mind little scolding."
IF yon did not do it, Miss Elsop,
said Mr.. Macolm, majsstically, who
dido"
Il do not know, sir" Ella answered,
with varying color, but it WAS not
me-"
Don't contradict me-" said the pro-
prietor.
81 must speak the truth" said Ella,
with pleading look. You asked me
and
That will do" said Mr. Malcolm, wav.
ing his hand. II am not accustomed to
handy words with my employees. Go to
Miss Mason; she will settle with you 10
date. I shall not require your services
any longer"
Miss Elson turned and obeyed. al
though BLUR seemed to come before
her eyes, and deadly weight oppressed
the beating Of her heart.
Very proper" said Mrs. Langley .ap-
provingly. The young lady needs
disciplining. She seems both obstinate
and stupid.
While Amanda, clinging TO her moth
er's side, still maintained Q resolute
silence.
The late AFTERNOON sunshine was just
fading out OF the little home under the
roof OF shabby old house near the
British Museum. where Mrs. E'son sat
At work all surrounded with roses.
Literally, not fgurstively-for Mrs.
Elson worked for . dealer in artificial