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

Uncle Tom to spend few weeks at
The Heights" And Kate Clifton
handed the letter to her mother.
"Shall you go, Katie ?"
"Gow Hates dark eyes grew
brilliant. "Why, l would not miss it
for the world 1t is such fun to
watch Cousin Clara, and see how she
tries to please Uncle Tom, agreeing
with all he says. and seeing things
Just rs he does. I do not think it
pleases him always, for he contradicts
even his own expressed opinions, and
then, when Clara joins in, he tells her
for once to have mind of her own.
She expects to be his heiress, and is
trying very hard to secure the money.
but is wasting much of her young life
and to me it seems so pitiful not to
act ones self. But yet l do get so
much enjoyment out Of it all"
"Well, 60 and comfort him all you
can, Katie. Even with his odd ways
and peculiar disposition, he has always
been good brother to me. Ireceived
this letter from him yesterday, con-
tanning draft for fifty pounds. He
said, IF Katie comes, she may want
some new clothes
"He was kind, mother, but | need
nothing except my fare, as my ward
robe is in good condition. He never
likes waiting, SO father can send a
telegram to-day, and ] will start to-
morrow morning. Plenty Of time to
pack my trnnk this afternoon"
Katie left by the early train, arrived
at the close of beautiful autumn
day, found her uncle's carriage in
waiting, and was asking John, the
driver, as that dignitary held the
carriage door open, if they were all
well at The Heights, when she saw
through the gathering twilight
her uncle on the back seat.
"You good uncle" said Katie, ito
come and meet me-! l am so glad to
see you Do you think the parrot
will know me ?"
after you have set us all crazy
with your whistling I suppose she
WILL" laughed Uncle Tom.
John was putting the handsome
bays at their best pace, and they
were nearly home, when Uncle Tom
said, CLARA does not know you are
coming. Won't she look glum?"
"Uncle Tom, you ought to have
told her! Iknew she will be displeas-
ed, and won't care to see me-"
well, The Heights are mine just
at present. ] think / have right
to choose my own company"
Miss Clara came to the door as the
carriage drove up; but she could
not conceal her annoyance when she
saw Katie's bright, happy face.
"You did not expect me, Cousin
Clara, but here l am for quite long
visit. And ! am so glad to see you
all."-giving her cousin an affection
ate kiss.
Throw off your things here Katie"
said Uncle Tom. as they entered the
library. "These October evenings
are quite cool; will have fire in
your room. Here Dick"-calling a
bov-"put fire in Miss Clifton's
room"
The order was soon obeyed, although
Miss Clara strongly objected.
"Now for dinner, Katie are you
quite ready?'
"If you mean in appetite, I am
quite ready, uncle"
Katie gave merry whistle as she
passed the parrots cage in the dining
room, and laughed when the parrot
called, Katie Katiep
You dear old Poll to remember
me so long p
"Who could forget such crazy
lass?" said her uncle. "Can you
play the banjo now, or have you
given it up for the piano, which is
more refined and lady like? Clara is
practicing, and plays in very artist
ic manner"
well. Uncle Tom, ! must be
truthful-you will admit that-so
do play the banjo, uncle, much better
than the piano, although l practice
the piano more but when / take
the banjo ! can play just to suit me-"
1--WE will see," said Uncle Tom,
"for like your music, Katie"
THE old banjo is all out of joint;
l suppose no one has touched it since
was here so long ago.
II will get it," said Uncle Tom,
leaving the room. Perhaps we can
patch it up little"
He soon came back, aud handed
Katie a box.
"Oh what beauty!" exclaimed
Katie, lifting banjo from the case.
with sparkling eyes "Oh, it is lovely.
and know il must be full of music |"
Katie's voice was rich, full and
sweet "a "home voice." Uncle Tom
/ Il - "a