The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1884-10-03

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horse and buggy. 1t appeared to be the
only way in which he could induce his wife
to allow Uncle Phil to remain in the house.
Doubtless he was weak to yield the point
against his own Judgment.
In the evening Squire Graves made a
friendly call. Mrs. Dykes was very glad
to see him, for he had a lady's horse to
sell. 1t was just the animal she wanted
and as she had conquered her husband once
that day, she intended to have the horse
trade settled that evening
'Glad to see you, Squire; anything
new p the young merchant began, doing
the usual commonplace.
''There is news, but / suppose you have
heard it, )" replied the visitor.
Il haven't heard anything; what is 2"
Haven't you heard that Tinkham has
been attached ?'
''Tinkham! Is it possible ~ exclaimed
Mr.. Dykes, glancing at his wife.
Its fact; keeper was put into his
store this afternoon, and an attachment put
on his horses and carriages"
THAT was because he kept two horses
when one was enough for him." interposed
Mrs. Dykes.
With her the moral was between two
horses and one.
Before the Squire left he had sold his
lady's horse. Mrs. Dykes was perfectly
happy, and her heart began to warm to-
ward Uncle Phil. When the retired ship
master came in from the meeting, there
were dozen things she wanted to do for
his comfort. The lady had beaten her hus-
band and his uncle and she was satisfied.
Before breakfast the next morning
Squire Graves man led the horse over and
put him in the little stable. One of the
clerks was to take care of him. Uncle
Phil saw the purchase, but he said moth
ing unpleasant. He looked the animal
over, said he was worth the hundred dol
lars to be paid for him in goods from the
store. Marian even thought she liked
Uncle Phil then. He did not prophesy any
evil or disaster
After breakfast the lady thought she
would drive over to her fathers in the
next town.
She returned in season for dinner.
But Uncle Phil did not come down to
that meal. The lady rang the bell the Sec
ond time, but with no better result. Uncle
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. The
shipmaster was not there; his trunk was
not there; the picture of the Seabird, in
which he had sailed many voyage, had
been taken from the wall
Was it possible that Uncle Phil had gone
without saying goodbye to them? There
was a letter ON the table. 1t was address,
ed to Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Dykes. With
the letter in her hand she FASTENED down to
the dining-room. To say that she was
astonished and chagrined, would not half
express her feelings.
''Uncle Phil has gone!' 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.
''rhen suppose you are quite satisfied,
Marian. You have got the horse and got
rid of Uucle 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.
Mrs. Dykes dropped into her chair at the
table, and burst into tears. Just as she
had become reconciled to the boarder, he
had fled without even word of explana-
ton. She intended to treat him with the
noble warrior treats fallen foe. Just then
she felt as though she would be willing to
lose the horse to regain Uncle Phil.
Charles opened the letter. 1t was very
short, but there was not particle of Bit
terness in it. He should still pray for
them, and desired to do all he could to
serve and make them happy.
81 will go to him and beg him to come
back, husband exclaimed the weeping
wife. you will never forgive me-
Il 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, and there was not par
tcle of change in his tone or manner.
Both Charles and his wife tried to say
something about his leaving their house;
but he headed them OFF every time. He
would not permit the matter to be men
toned. 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 acknowledge
it. His good influence upon both was lost.
Even Charles became reckless in his fl
nances.
The close of Tinkham's store brought
more business to the young merchant for a
time, though the bankrupt's successor soon
made things exciting for him. A ruinous
competition followed. No longer restrain
ed by Uncle Pills prudent counsels,
Charles branched out, and grasped more
than he cold possibly handle.