The Cecil Whig., 1885-05-23

hope she will not stay longer than one
day."
"Well," said Belle, "if l must l
must. Aunt Jane, you must be sure
and not stay longer than day or two, "
said the young lady through the trum-
pet.
"You are very kind" said the old
lady. Il didn't know but l was get
ting troublesome"
ooh, no, we are delighted to have
you here" said Mrs. Graves. eve
hope you will stay long time"
Chow could you say that, mother?"
protested Belle.
Because, my dear, your aunt is too
old to last very long, and we ought to
feel willing to submit to some inconve-
nience for the sake of being remem-
bered in her will. If we work our
cards right she may leave US the whole.
That would be 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
ried to the house of James Merriam,
her nephew, the only son of her sister.
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 a very
worthy man, however, and far from be-
ing as worldly as Mr.. Graves. He had
three children, all at home. His wife
was an excellent housekeeper and far
more amiable than Mrs. Graves, though
her pretensions were much less.
"I'm glad to see you, Aunt Jane,
said Mr.. Merriam Hospitality, as he
came to help her from the carriage
We have been hoping to see you ever
since we heard of your arrival in town.
Clara will be delighted to welcome
you"
The old lady drew out her trumpet.
Mr. Merriam locked concerned.
Il 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 ap-
peared.
II will see," said Aunt Jane.
Il 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 I think of is that we
have small house and can't make her
as comfortably as at your Cousins"
"Well, we will make up in the warmth
of our welcome"
Aunt Jane seemed usually happy that
day. As night approached she seemed
thoughtful, and finally consented to
stay longer.
Il must write 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 concluded
to stay where l am during the rest of
my visit. AS you remarked to Belle
when | came that you should be de-
lighted to have me go, this information
VII doubtless be pleasing to you. AS
for Belle, she will be easily consoled
for the departure of her grumpy old
aunt, who must have annoyed her with
her odd ways. AUNT JANE.
P. S.-My hearing hes been Won
derfully restored, so that can now dis
pense with my trumpet.
This letter filled Mrs. Graves and
Belle with dismay. They had sinned
so deeply against the old lady that they
felt that no apologies would be ade-
quate To add to Bellies misfortune,
when the young clerk leaned what had
occurred between herself and her aunt
he unceremoniously deserted her for
another.
Aunt Jane bequeathed the bulk of
her property to her nephew. The will
contained the following provision:
l bequeathed to my niece, Eleanor,
my ear trumpet, which l found on one
occasion of excellent service.