Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-03-28
The Widows Lodqer.
CHATTER X.
AN UNSPOKEN RECOGNITION.
fContinuod from laat weakN

But ne slept so long tnaJ MISS Alien
by had been in the house some time be-
fore he awoke, and the pleasant clink
OF the tea things going past his door
was the first sound he heard. lie look
ed at his watch, 1t was four; he put his
head into the basin and emptied the
water over it, dressed with an unhappy
consciousness Of feeling and looking as
If he had been very drunk, and waited
to be sent for. He had to wait long
time, it seemed, when he was dying for
cup of tea.
Much as they liked him, he would
have been in the way, for the two girls
had great deal to say. Mary had al
ready answered the letter from Arthur's
mother, but it had not arrived when
Margaret left home, and Mary had to
tell her the contents.
ut is very curious Margaret said
"but Uncle Michael, who had been out
since quite early this morning-he is a
very early riser-came home not long
since, and said he should very much
like to see the boy this evening as he
Is going away for day or two, perhaps
for week or two, and he thought you
would not mind letting him go for an
hour or so with me-"
81 made the same suggestion in the
letter | sefft little before twelve said
Mary, with smile; land | will see
your mother at any time within the
next few days"
Did you say that, too?'
Yes"
Dearest Mary, l am so glad.
20
wish it."
And you wish it, too" said Mary,
wiping the tears from her friends eyes,
and kissing her; "but it must make no
difference to us, Margaret. You will
come here just the same, for | shall
never be at home in your house; my
|, visits must necessarily be purely formal.
l can accept the position, and that is
all. My home is here, and here you
must see me when we want to love each
other"
II know Margaret said; land /
would rather come here. Still, shall
be glad to see you received on q proper
footing at our home"
Mary could have said how little she
cared fol- that, but she would not pain
her friend.
Another curious thing" Margaret
said, sis that Uncle Michael asks very
few questions about you, though | am
often in his room; he likes me to be
there and talk to him.
Perhaps he does not wish to know
much about me-"
II am sure it is not that, for he speaks
of you in the kindest manner. Some
times | think he must have some source
of information; he did, if you remem-
Der, mention friend who knew Ar
thur and you"
Has he mentioned this friend since?"
Never. Mamma found courage to
put the question once as to who this
friend could be, and he simply said, in
his quiet way, simplya very old friend,
madam'-he said madam as he does
when he is not quite pleased-'and one
whose word | can depend upon Have
you the least idea?'
1--WE have known so many people"
Mary said-"Arthur as doctor, and |
as a clearinghouse keeper. 1t may have
been one of his patients, or my ledger;
it does not matter, Uncle Michael will
see me for himself, daresay, after
your mother and | have met"
Another curious thing" Margaret
said
You seem to deal in curosities to-
day" Mary interposed.
Yes, but this is very, very curious.
Uncle and George Hyde have become
inseparable friends. They sit and talk
of Arthur by the hour together
There is nothing curious in that,
Margaret; George was always Arthur'S
truest friend"
Yes, but they are more confidential
than that would make them; and now,
dear, had we not better have tea and
dress baby? l promised to be home
with him before six
The tea was rung for and Mr.. Parker
sent for in the ten minutes that seemed
such an age to him. Baby was having
game on his own account with him in
the big room, and was brought in so
| tumbled and full OF glee that dress
ing him for reception seemed to in
yolve some time and consideration. He
wanted to commence another fracas
with Mr.. Parker directly he saw him.
And / really am not equal to it,"
Mr.. Parker pleaded. Il have had too
much tobacco, little man. filled that
magnificent pipe twice, you know and
| he addressed both ladies apologetically.
| "Iought to have remembered that though
| one would be very soothing, there would
be too much nicotine in two-the pipe
Mr.. Barker so kindly gave me, you
| know"
| "Bakol" said the baby on the alert,
instantly, on the sound of his friend s
name-"Unky Bakon
Yes, my little man-Uncle Bake, as
you call him, and n very objection
able Bake used to think him, though
we are the best of friends now.'
us that your eccentric lodger?' Mar
garet asked.
Yes, the dear old gentleman who is
so kind TO me and baby. Every gentle
man is an uncle or unky to baby, and
Bake is his attempt at Barker. He was
here this morning, but not for long"
| Much more might have been said con-
corning Unky Bake, but the time was
| going, and Master Arthur had to be
dressed. Mr.. Parker retired, not quite
knowing what to do with himself unless
he took walk round the square. He
cast longing look at the magnificent
pipe and was nearly tempted, but the
recollection of his channel journey il
the morning made him pause, so he
went for walk round the square. lie
was sure, at least, of seeing Miss Allen
by again, and if he judged his time well
touching her hand once more. AS il
happened, however, he missed them by
about minute; the carriage had called
for them. Nothing less than the car
riage and pair, with liveried servant
by the coachman's side, was gooC
enough for Arthur Allenby's little son
Michael Allenby was in a singular
state of excitement and expectation fol
him, while waiting for the carriage; SO
in truth, were his brothers widow ant
| Victoria. lie paced the whole length
Of the drawing-room to and fro, will
his hands behind him, and did not hea