Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-08-07

''This is funny 60, aud no mistake Here
Old Monograph don't mind calling him 30
TO you. Carrie, only don't tell the Mater-te-
egraphs for Walter to be at his house at a
quarter TO four this afternoon, and and the
Mater are 10 go at four precisely. It's q
shame you are not included in the family ar
engagements; however, daresay Walter will
let him know OF your existence. BY the way,
couldn't you climb up somewhere and look
in, Carrie could FIX you up comfortably,
I'll bet, somewhere about, and then You could
see all the fun, and there will be fun, l feel
positive!" concluded Johnny.
But Carrie laughingly refused his consider
ate offer, feeling not at all sure in her own
mind that she was excluded, for her old gen.
tleman had the day before asked her il she
would meet him at about hRlf-pas three that
very afternoon and help him in the transac-
tion OF q little business matter, adding that
she would be fully at liberty TO acquaint Mrs
Cumberland with all the circumstances imme-
diately afterwards.
Carrie agreed, keeping her own counsel
still, and more than ever convinced that her
old friend was in some manner connected
with the mysterious uncle, and spending her
time in q mixture Of fear and hope that was
far from pleasant.
II all should be we'll, Walter aud his moth
or would forgive her secrecy and want of dis
cretion; II not, il any further trouble should
fall upon them through her inadvertence, then
her repentance would be bitter indeed.
1t was with feelings of mingled relief and
dread that she found herself free from her
duties at three O'Clock, when she at once
turned her steps in the direction Of the meet
ing place appointed by the old gentleman, as
she still designated him, not even now know
ing his name.
Aaauutksla IA Lal
don and walked straight from the station 10
his uncles house, knowing his mother would
be too busy with her pupils to soc him, and
being, besides, anxious to carry out his unclss
curious directions TO the letter.
The same old woman who had been there
on his former visits and who had then made
the strongest objections TO admitting him,
now appeared, and repeated her former aa-
seVeratiOns that Mr.. DObell was not able TO
see any one that day.
my good woman, you are mistaken" said
Walter, impAtiently. ~ am here by Mr.. Do.
bells own invitation 10 settle some important
business therefore, | will go in here, ad-
vAnoing Rs he spoke 10 a small room leading
from the hall; land you please he good
enough TO go at once aud tell him Mr. Walter
Cumberland Is here at his request"
The old woman departed, with an evil, sus-
picioua look, and muttering about ''some peo-
ples airs and impotence"
she soon returned, bidding him follow her
upstairs into the large drawing-roOm.
There he remained some minutes by him
self, and then the door slowly opened and an
old man of most forbidding aspect entered,
or rather totteTed into the room.
His face was brown and wrinkled, two
small bead like eyes glittsred through enor-
nous blue speotAoles an old skull-oap hall
concealed a few withered, grey locks, his
shoulders we're bent, and his knees shook As
he walked.
There was an unmistakAble air OF hatred
and aversion on his face a. his eyes met Wal
tsrs for a moment aud were then cast on the
ground.
swell, young man, and what do You wanI
OF me nOwP" he asked, in a high querulouG
voice