Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1884-01-03

time, but with no Detter result. .SHcle
Phil evidently did not hear the bell, for he
never kept the table waiting for him. The
door was wide open, and she went IN.
There was a letter on the table. 1t was
addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dykes"
With the letter in her hand she fastened
down to the dinner-room. To say that she
was astonished and chagrinned would not
half express her feeling.
Uncle Phil had gonew she exclaimed.
''He has left for good, bag and baggage"
She tossed the letter upon the table, for
she had not the courage to open it.
Then l suppose you are quite satisfied,
Marian. You have got the horse, and got
rid OF Uncle Phil" said Mr.. Dykes, greatly
grieved to learn that the worthy man had
gone; and he saw that he must have heard
the impulsive words Of Mrs. Dykes the
evening before.
Charles opened the letter. IL was very
short, but there was not a particle of bit
terness in it. He should still pray for
them, and desired to do all ne could TO
serve and make them happy.
II viii 90 to him and beg him 10 come
back. Charlesw exclaimed the weeping
wife You will never forgive me-"
II am very sorry he has gone, but will
not hate you Marian. We will call upon
him this evening at the hotel"
They did call. Uncle Phil was exactly
the same as he had been before. He was
glad to see them. Both Charles and his
wife tried to say something about his leav-
ing their house; but he headed them OH
every time. He would not permit the
matter to be mentioned. They went home,
unable even TO get in an apology.
Both of them missed the kindly words
and wholesome advice of the good man,
though Mrs. Dykes would not acknowl-
edge it, His coed influence upon both
was lost. Even Charles became reckless in
his finances.
At the end of the year the balance-sheet
was not pleasing TO look upon.
His next balance-sheet showed that he
was three thousand dollars in debt and his
stock was not worth half the sum. He
saw that he must fail. After supper one
evening he told his wife all about it. 1t
would be terrible humiliation to fail, as
Tinkham had and poor Miriam wept as
though her heart would break.
In the midst of the scene Uncle Phil
walked into the Ioom as he always did
without the ceremony OF knocking. lie
often called.
"Uncle Phil, / am going TO fail, for can
not pay note Of four hundred dollars
that falls due tomorrow" said Charles bit
terly, when he saw that he could not con-
ceal the facts from the good man.
How much do you owe III all, Charles:'
asked Uncle Phil.
About three thousand dollars" groaned
Charles.
will three thousand put you on your
feet solid 2"
"Yes, sir, bat I can't raise three hun
dred"
II will give you check for three thou
sahd in the morning. ! will be at the
store at O'Clock have noticed that you
have looked worried lately, but you said
nothing to me-"
II could not say anything 10 you, uncle,
and cannot take your money, after what
has happened"
Nothing has happened yet, and with
the blessing of God, nothing shall happen"
Uncle Phil would not understand him.
You may help me on one condition,
added Charles. after some discussion. And
| that is that you will come back and live
| with u.s."
! Marian joined in insisting upon this
/ condition, and the good man yielded. lie
used no reproaches: he would no. even say,
Il told you So" The note was paid the
next day, and in the evening Uncle Phil
| was domiciled in his old apartment, quite
as happy as the young people.
Charles sold the lady's horse, the buggy,
the piano, and other extras, and reduced
all his expenses TO a very reasonable figure.
Marian was happy again, and did not be-
! lieve there was any too much salt about
Uncle Phil She had given up the busi-
ness of conquering a husband. In fact
both of them have come to believe that
neither should conquer or try to conquer,
the other
After while it came out that Uncle
Phil was worth at least fifty thousand dol
lars. Doubtless the church and, the mis-
sions will get some of it; but it is probable
that Charles Dykes will be remembered,
! though both he and his wife sincerely hope
that the good man will live till he is a
| hundred.