The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-07-26

oOCtHo % WlhttiH uO 6lIus
'tHad him long, Nephew Richard?'
ga gre 1t many years, SIR"
Faithful, you say2"
GAS faithful a man as breathes."
"Good character?"
"The best"
He nodded and kept on nodding, till Eunice,
selecting small white rose, put it in his
button-hole
''Thank you, my dear; like attention.
But why not one toyour father2"
Smilingly she picked flower and put it in
my coat.
"And why not one for Friend Mortlock?"
said my uncle.
With II heightened color and biting her
i lip, Eunice gave Mr.. Mortlock Il rose. He
made no demur that sho did not fasten it in
his coat as she had fastened my uncle'S and
mine; but he took his revenge by placing the
rose to his lips before he put 1t in his button
hole.
Mr.. Wilmot laughed.
80 youth, youth |" he exclaimed "inestim-
able, priceless treasure, that can so invest
with magic qualities simple roseI Will
science ever lead TO tho discovery Of the
elixir? Nephew Richard, have In my des-
patch-box five thousand pounds. I would
give 1t cheerfully for year Of life; would
give all my wealth, and stand beggar In
naked feet if I were twenty once more. My
dear niece"-and 1t was n mark of gracious
ness on his part to so address my wife-"I
am, us you see, fond OF life; it is all we
have"
"Not ALL" said my wife, raising her eyes
to the bright heavens.
''Yes. yes, yes, "he responded, nodding and
nodding; "but some believe ono way, some
another. Iquarrel with no mans opinions
On politics or theology, nor will be quar-
relied with. My time is too short, and would
enjoy every minute left to me. My health is
perfect, and am only enfesbled physically
by old age. I have nourished the juices of
my body by. the generous juices of nature.
By tho way Nephew Richard, some Of my
own wine will arrive here this evening in
time for dinner"
"My collar Is small,"I said. "but It con-
tains n few bottles Of good vintages."
Il have better" he responded, "and you
yourself Shall be the judge. 1t is q lovely
day, the air here is pure and salubrious, and
beauty accompanies me-" He bowed gal-
gantly to Eunice and her mother, and con-
tinued to enllven the way by similar chatter
to which we listened without sign OF dis
sent, as we were in duty bound to do; but I.
being able to interpret what was hidden from
all others, except perhaps Eunice, saw THAI
my uncle's utterances were disquieting to
my wife; and it was upon her advice, ito say
nothing 10 him today OF Eunico's engage
ment." that made no reference to that was
nearest to our hearts.
In tho evening, when dinner was over,
Harry came. and was duly introduced.
"Clnnronnld!' ~ exclaimed Mr.. Wilmot no
eyed Harry narrowly, and there was shade
of displeasuro on his face. "Clanronald.
All"
Then he looked at Eunice, who was blush
| ing and i'll ut case. and at Harry again, who
| WIS nervous and awkward in the presence
OF n stranger who seemed to be criticising
him, and not favorably ;and then he turned
his sharp eyes upon Mr.. Mortlock, who met
thom smilingly, whereat Mr. Wilmot smiled,
and nodded and nodded with great vivacity.
These two appeared to understand each
other without speaking. When his flt OF
nodding was over. my uncle, undoubtedly
| with malice propcnse, claimed Harry's sole
attention, leaving Mr.. Mortlock the task OF
entertaining Eunice. am sorry to say that
this made Harry sulen, and his behavior was
certainly not calculated to impress Mr.. Will
mot favorably. However, this did not appear
to displease my uncle, who took Harry us
his partner in rubber OF whist, and even
when Harry revoked it did not ruffle him.
After the rubber my unco proposed game
of chess, and checkmated poor Harry in
twelve moves. Then my uncle called upon
Mr.. Mortlock to furnish entertainment, and
this gentleman, with great willingness, ap-
piled himself TO tho task. and surprised us
with display OF accomplishments Of which
he had hitherto made no parade. He related
story after story; ho gavo limitations Of sin
Gular people he had met In his travels: he