The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-05-23

Take that for your impertinence,
sir" said the young lady, pIayfully
tapping him with her fan. II must
be charming if that were the case"
Now Aunt Jane was in reality
very good-IoOking old lady; not, of
course, as attractive as when young.
The conversation thus ran on entirely
regardless of Aunt Jane, who eat
piacidly in rocking chair at the
window, knitting Il stocking. She
appeared to take little notice of them,
but occasionally an amused look fit
ted over her face. Probably she was
thinking of something.
Aunt Jane had been fortnight at
the house of Mrs. Graves, " hen Gne
morning she said at the breakfast
table: II should like to 90 over to
Merriam's to spend the day"
VERY WELL" said Belle. with alac-
rlty, 1--WE can carry you down there
Immediately after break fast. What
IA relief" said she, turning to her
mother, ITO be rid Of her Il single
day!"
YES" said Mrs. Graves, who, be-
ing older, was a little more prudent,
but you must consider that he is as
nearly related as | am, and we must
not let her Stay there too long"
"Yes, suppose So" said Bel, with
a sigh.
"You had better tell her that you
hope she will not stay longer than
one day"
"WeII," said Belle, eff l must
must. Aunt Jane, you must be sure
and not stay longer than day or
two" said the young lady thro ugh
the trumpet.
"You are very kind" said the old
lady, 81 didn't know but was get
ting troublesome"
"Oh. no, we are delighted to have
you here" said Mrs. Graves. 1--WE
hope you will stay long time"
"How could you say that, moth
er 2" protested Belle.
"Because, my dear. your aunt is
too old to last very long, and we
ought to feel willing to submit to
some Inconvenience for the sake of
being remembered in her will. five
work our cards right sne may leaye
the whole. That would he worth
having; twenty thousand don't grow
on every bush"
GAS likely as not she'll live to be a
hundred" muttered Belle.
After breakfast Aunt Jane was car
ripd to the house Of James Merriam,
her nephew, the only son of her Sis
ter. Mr.. Merriam was "A poor man.
He had met with reverses, and now
lived in much less expensive way
than Mrs. Graves, his cousin, who,
despite the relationship, looked upon
him as her social inferior. He was
very worthy man. however, and far
from being as worldly as Mr.. Graves.
He had three children, all at home.
His wife was an excellent house.
keeper and far more amiable than
Mrs. Graves, though her pretenslons
were much less.
"I'm glad to see you, Aunt Jane.
said Mr.. Merriam Hospitality, as he
came to help her from the car
riage. We haye been hoping to see
you ever since we heard of your arri-
val in town. Clara will be delighted
to welcome you"
The old lady drew out her trumpet.
Mr.. Merriam looked concerned.
II am sorry that you have lost
your hearing" he said.
"Old people can't expect to hear
as well as young folks" said Aunt
Jane.
"YOu must make us a good long
visit" said Mrs. Merriam, who now
appeared.
81 will sec,"' said Aunt Jane.
81 always liked Aunt Jane" said
Mrs. Merriam to her husband, "she
is always SO gentle and kind, it
seems very pleasant TO have her in
the house."
$50 it does,". said Mr.. Merriam.
"The only thing l think of is that
we have a small house and can't
make her as comfortable as at your
Cousins"
"Well, we will make up in the
Warmt h of our welcome"
Aunt Jane seemed unusually happy
that day. As night approached she
seemed thoughtful, and finally con-
sented to stay longer.
II must write a note to my niece
to explain it," she said.
An hour later the note was placed
in the hands of Mrs. Graves.
NIECE ELEANOR: | have conclud
ed To stop where am during the rest
of my visit. AS you remarked to
Belle when came that you should
he delighted to have me 90 this i'm.