The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1884-07-05
RATS


RATS.
Eyla Granger's fntber, in dying
left her and her little fortune to
the guardianship Of an old boyhood
friend, whom he Tad not even met since
they had become men, though an ocens-
ional letter had passed.
Mr.. Granger had been very indulg-
ent parent, and, like many such, imag-
ined that others would be as kind, and
so imposed no limits upon his friends
authority. which was to terminate only
on Eyla attaining the age of 20 or marry
ing.
EylG was engaged, with her fathers
approval to Mr.. Val Hendricks.
Mr., Josiah Trillion and his ward, at
this late dny-eiBhteen months after her
fathers death-bad not met, all neces-
sary business having been transacted by
letter, and she residing with an aunt.
But recently something had happened
in the money market which Lad uuex-
pectedly advanced the Value of Bylu's
lit le fortune fahulously.
She was suddenly very rich young
lady, and her guardian's interest in her
had increased proporIonately.
lie had written expressing strong dis
approval Of Mr.. Hendricks. calling BIN,
iu round terms, "tnwotthy and disre-
pu'nble, and insiuuatiug that if EYla's
h,ihtr had known lin as well MS he did
lie never would have approved of her
marrying Lin the fedl fact being that
Mr. Trllion wasted to handle those
lucky stocks of Miss Grauger's little
longer,
When Eyia excused herself from ac-
cepting his invitation to visit him he at
once proposed 10 come with his daugh-
ter and see her instead.
"Never saw me in his lifeh comment
ed Val Hendricks, on reading his letters.
MOT sparing of his adjsctives, is he?
Let's get married o1.hand, darling, Ond
then he cant help himself
But Eyla would not consent to this.
Il wish we knew something more
about him." Val resumed. "Tniuk l Il
take run ont TO lis town and ,scor
him and bis lovely daughter hither. /
rather owe him that" with threatening g
grin.
Tlree mornings after Val's handsome
curly head suddenly appeared at the rose.
embowered window, beyond which EylO
sat knitting purse.
I've seen him!" he cried, exultantly.
Tue gold seads and gray silks dropped
from Miss Changers star,led fingers.
"Ob, Vail what does he look like?"
''Looks as if he wishes he hud never
been born; and everybody who knows
him wishes the same thing" laughed
Val.
"That must be an adorable expires.
sion" said Eylo. "Did you see bis
dauqhtei?"
II did. She's dashiug old mid
sentimental as putty, aud unsophisucat-
ed as--"
"A century plant?' suggested Eyla.
"Well, yes, rather and" dramatically,
''ler uame--Aer swee. name, is Maud"
They were still laughing, when Val
suddenly uttered an exclamation:
"Oh, Jppiter-he they come! Don't
say any thing about mel
Aud Instantly be had darted through
the low French window, and vanished at
an opposite doorway.
Eyla stared after him in borror for,
instead OF taking the garden exit, as he
doubties intended, the doors being side
by side, Val had gone into the china
closet, and the visitors w,fe now too
near for tim to get out again without
being seen.
Something that sounded wonderfully
like ''swear-word" broke on the air, and
then oil was silent.
With a smothcred laugh Eyla proceed.
ed to greet her guardian and his daugh.
ter.
Mr.. Joseph Trillion was old, wrinkled
nent, and peevish.
HIS daughter was tall, straight, anj
extremely youthful-looking, judged by
the rich tiuting Of her CHEEKS aud th,
abundance Of her raven tresses.
There we're people unehNritahle enougl
to iusinuats that these charms were mat
, tsrs OF purchase.
She had with her very tiny terrie.
which sba called Cupid. and often apos
trophized in the most endearing lar
Z guage, nrd Vhich the moment it got in
s. side, made for the china closet.
The door being well aj.r this inquis
tive creature lost no time in exploTiu
the darksome recesses beyond.
- Whreupon ensued series Of low
mysterious sounds. at which, one M
ment, Eyla felt her hoi- rise up in terrc
Of the impending catastrope, and II
next thought she must choke with SUI
pressed laughter.
. The others did not seem to notice.
Mr.. Josiah Triilion, haviog spent son
moments IN seeking a satisfactory sp
a to deposit his cane, and, not suitiI
himself recklsssly subsided al last up,