San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-07-27
A TRICYCLE. STORY.

fast table, and we looked at one another in
amazement over its most important part, the
postscript.
"You know my girls have been riding
tricycle. for some time" Aunt Margaret had
written. They have had one with an at
tachment, so that it can be used by one per-
son or as tandem-that is, used by two rid
ers. Lately, however, they have been teasing
for a new tandem, with certain improve
ments-about which l don't in the least I'M
derstand-and l have bought it on condition
that they give the old one to your girls. AS
you have no horse / know they will enjoy it
exceedingly"
"Did you ever hear of anything so charm
ng!" cried Daphne, clasping her hands.
~ don't know, dears," said mamma, NOPE
doubtfully Il should be sorry to have you
undertake anything THAT might be considered
peculiar or unladylike."
"Aunt Margaret lets her girls ride!"
eyes, but they are near the city, where the
fashion is beginning to spread l don't see,
for ny own part, why you shouldn't do Ut,
even If you are booted but, girls, can't help
thinking of Uncle Melcher."
So did we think of him; we thought and
spoke of him too often for our peace of mind.
Uncle Mel was rich, and we were very poor.
Moreover, the time had come when weneeded
to go away to school Mamma had always
taught US that it was mistake to suppose the
world owed us a living.
You have no right to your uncle's money
simply because he has great deal and you
have none" she said. But if he would lend
you a small sumfor beginning, l think you
could work your way at Ellsworth seminary.
You would pledge yourselves to repay it,
with interest, when you are old enough to
support yourselves; and though he would be
taking risk, we should all try to make that
risk as small as possible"
But when the scheme was proposed to
Uncle Mel, he vetoed it at once and with the
utmost vigor.
go away to SCHOOL," cried he. what
for? My mother never studied beyond long
division, nor yet my grandmother, and they
were good housekeepers and excellent wo-
men. You be good, sensible girls and learn
to make bread and darn stockings and when
I'm done with my money, you shall have it
all"
Mamma after nights consideration gave
her formal sanction to the tricycle., which ar
rived day or two later.
But do hope" she said, doubtfully, as
she examined its shining wheels and sprmgy
seats, Il do hope you won't try to ride fast.
Perhaps you can be more ladylike about it if
you do it slowly"
Such time as we had in getting started to
ride at all First we made over some old
dresses, frightening the skirts and relieving
them Of superffuous tags of trimming which
might get caught in the wheels. Then we
learned TO oil the machine, and finally to
manage it, The cousins had written that,
with its fourth wheel behind, it was a clumsy
affair compared with their new three wheel
er; but we who were used to no lighter means
of transportation than the family wheelbar
row, were more than satisfied with our new
steed.
One June afternoon, after longer ride
than usual, we found ourselves near the little
erossroad where Uncle Meicher lived A
year before, after quaFreling with the village
authorities he had bought small cottage
eight miles from church and store and had
taken up his abode in it, with the pleasing
consciousness that he had withdrawn as far
as possible from the local civilization. 1t was
a dreary place, but Uncle Mel liked it, and
Mrs Simmons, his old housekeeper, tolerated
what he chose.
"Madge," said Daphne, putting on the
brake as we reached the crossroad, LETS 60
and call on Uncle Mel It's only two miles
farther"
81 wouldn't for worlds!" said L He is
sure to scold us for riding Peggy"
well, we can't help that He knows by
this time that we have the machine, and he
might as well see it. Come, and have it over
o, Madge before I'd be afraid"
For an answer put my feet down hard on
the pedals, and started Peggy onward. Girls
don't like to be dared any more than boys do
'Ill go,s said |, but we must hurry, for
it's getting late"
We turned into the narrow road, and in
due time reached the house. Uncle Mel was
sitting on the piazza reading a newspaper,
but after one long, steady look at us he got
up and went indoors.
We had gone too far to retreat and 50 we
ahghted and walked up TO the house.
Tell them not to briRg that thing a foot
nearer!7 came Uncle Mefs voice from the
sitting room. If they've a mind TO come
in here like decent girls they're welcome, but
won't have any crazy james ridin' bicycles
up TO nay door, Just then Mrs Simmons
appeared in tho entry Sho was evidently
glad We had heard the massage, and that she
ueed not repeat t.
"NQu lest roll it hack a mite she wkis.