The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1885-06-20
Now Aunt Jane was in reality a very


less of Aunt Jane, who sat placidly in
rocking chair at the window, knitting
stocking. She appeared to take little
notice of them, but occasionally an
amused look fitted over her face. Prob
ably she was thinking of something.
Aunt Jane had been fortnight at
the house of Mrs. Graves, when one
morning she said at the breakfast table:
Il should like to 60 over to Merriam's
to spend the day.
very we'll, said Belle, with alacrity,
I'VE can carry you down there immedi-
ately after breakfast. What relief
said she, turning to her mother, ito be
rid of her single day!'
'Yes,' said Mrs. Graves, who, being
older, was little more prudent, 'but
you must consider that he is as nearly
related as I am, and we must not let
her stay there too long,
yes, suppose so, said Bell, with a
sigh.
you had better tell her that you
hope she will not stay longer than one
day.
'Well, said Belle, if 1 must 1 must.
Aunt Jane, you must be sure and not
stay longer than day or two,' said the
young lady through the trumpet.
you are very kind said the old
lady. Il didn't know but was getting
troublesome.
ooh, no, we are delighted to have
you here,' said Mrs. Graves. 'We hope
you will stay a long time
'How could you say that, mother2 p
protested Belle.
Because, my dear, your aunt is too
old to last very long, and we ought to
feel willing to submit to some incon.
venience for the sake of being remem-
bered in her will. If we work our
cards right she may leave the whole.
That would be worth having; twenty
thousand don't grow on every bush.
'As likely as not she'll live to be a
hundred muttered Belle.
After breakfast Aunt Jane was carried
to the house of James Merriam, her
nephew, the only son of her sister.
Mr.. Merriam was 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
pretentions 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 looked concerned.
Il am sorry that you have lost your
hearing he said.
'Old people can't expect to hear
well as young folks, said Aunt Jane.
| 'You must make us good long visit,
said Mrs. Merriam, who now appeared.
Il will see, said Aunt Jane.
4 always liked Aunt Jane, said Mrs.
Merriam to her husband, she is always
so gentle and kind, it seems very pleas
ant to have her in the house..
so it does, said Mr.. Merriam. The
only thing I think of is that we have a
small house and can't make her as COM
Portable as at your cousin's.'
well, we will make up in the warmth
of our welcome
Aunt Jane seemed unusually happy
that day. AS night approached she
seemed thoughtful, and finally consent
ed to stay longer.
Il must write a note to my niece tc
explain it, she said.
An hour later the note was placed
in the hands of Mrs. Graves.
Niece Eleanor Il have concluded
to stop where am during the rest ofmy
visit. AS you remarked to Belle wher
1 came that you should be delighted
to have me 60, this information viii
doubtless be pleasing to you. AS fol
Belle, she will be easily consoled fol
the departure of her grumpy old aunt
who must have annoyed her with hel
odd ways. AUNT JANE.
P. S.-My hearing has been wonder
fully restored, so that can now dis
pense with my trumpet.
This letter filled Mrs. Graves anC
Belle with dismay. They had sinned
deeply against the old lady that they
felt that no apologies would be ade
quate. To add to Bellies misfortune
when the young clerk learned what had
occurred between herself and her aun
he unceremoniously deserted her fol
another.
Aunt Jane bequeathed the bulk O
her property to her nephew. The viii
contained the following provision:
I bequeath to my niece, Eleanor
my ear trumpet, which I found on one
occasion of excellent service.