Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1888-01-04


Ralph shepley'" exclaimed Katie.
II think do. We did not harmonic"
she said laughing. "He drowned my
doll and then said he was only trying
to see if she could swim. l was but
little thing then, but ! remember call
ing him a murderer for drowning my
pretty Bessie. How | cried whenever
| thought of the drowning! He
bought me some candy; but would
not take it, and refused to be comfort
ed"
His father died some years ago"
said her uncle. land Ralph has settled
up the business, and is coming home
to live. He will be in London next
week. | shall write him to come to
The Heights at once, for l have a
sincere regard for the son of my old
friend, and want to see what kind {
man he has made. Then perhaps
he and Clara might strike bargain /;
and if l like hir,, it would be pleasant
to keep him near me. Can you get
the house fitted up, Katie7 Don't
spare the money. and don't work too
hard"
He is always planning for Clara,
and thinking of her happiness; no
matter about me-" thought Katie.
But l will 60 on, and his house shall
be tit to welcome any friend, no mat
ter how high his standing. l do
wonder if Ralph remembers that
doll! He was really sorry and we
parted very good friends, he promised
to bring me something splendid from
that eastern land. Has he forgotten
iii"
And all day the words were in her
heart.
In the evening, Katie played and
sang her very best songs, and when
Uncle Tom babe her good night he
laid his hand on her glossy tresses,
saying she was the dearest little
Katie in the world, and he had writ
ten her mother that very day for a
prolongatiOn of her visit.
Ralph Shepley had been in London
one week when Uncle Toms kindly
invitation came. He answered by
telegram
evil come Tuesday evening train."
Uncle Tom was at the station in
time, with open arms and cordial
welcome.
"Ralph, is it possible that this is
the beardless boy who went from me
fifteen years ago?"
Just the same, Uncle Tom. if you
will still let me call you so, though a
little older. But the years have pass
ed lightly with you. How is the dear
old place? l long to behold it again.
have never forgotten the happiness
| enjoyed there"
Ralph leaned from the carriage to
get the first view, and soon the we'll
remembered mansion was in sight,
brilliantly lighted for the reception OF
its guest.
Ralph had never seen Clara, and
Tonight, in q wonderful attire that
,et off her blonde beauty, she looked
very handsome.
Katie came forward, extending
her hand in cordial welcome.
II cannot realize" said Ralph, that
this is the little girl who was once so
unforgiving. Surely you do not
think | am a murderer now ?"
IL have not forgotten poor Bessie S
fate, but think ! forgave you when
YOU went away SO long ago." said
Katie, laughing.
How bright and pleasant were all
the surroundings, and how Uncle Tom
did enjoy his home thus renovated !
Katie saw little of Ralph the next
day, for Uncle Tom kept him pretty
close.
Clara was invited to play after din.
ner, and acquitted herself finely.
"You play, Miss Clifton?' said
Ralph.
Uncle Tom was quick to answer.
Katie plays my music. We will
have some this evening, with song
or two. And now, Ralph, l want to
take you out behind my grays. The
girls might come; but there will be
time enough for that, and to-day !
want you to myself"
They did not return until tea-time,
both feeling refreshed by their ride.
In the evening Uncle Tom was re-
minded of his music.
"Yes, yes, Katie, show Ralph what
you can play"
He will surely think me queer
girl, and not very refined" thought
Katie, as she went for her banjo.
iieIo 10 youi PiaCc, IAatie, s"'o
Uncle Tom. And he drew low seat
beside his.
Ralph Shepley thought he had new
err seen face so bright, so beautiful,
or listened to o voice so sweet. What
to him was the piano, when the rip
ping music of Katie's banjo and voice
was in his heart and quickening all
his pulses to its sweet melody
And when he babe her good night.
with a warm clasp of the hand, he said:
Thank you, Miss Clifton, for your
music; the dear home songs have done
me good"
Ralph Shepley was true aud no.
bile man, and could detect the real
from the false. especially in women
H. Eno,. tkot (,la ', exr,at,.ue al