Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1889-03-15

as paused near the door. Let me
look at you, child"
He put one huge hand under my
chin, and forcibly lifted my face.
The expression of intense fear writ
ten there seemed to amuse him. for
his black moustache parted in dread
full smile, which showed a set OF very
big white teeth.
Frightened - eh?" he remarked
brusquely, passing his other heavy
hand over my head. II suppose l am
rather Notwithstanding for shy
wee thing like you; but don't mean
to eat you, Nelly"
He gave a gruff. hearty laugh. prob
ably meant to reassure me, but it had
an entirely opposite effect, and 1 felt
intensely terrified when he released me.
Would you like some desserts" he
asked. pointing to the well-laden table.
"A few grapes, an orange, or any
thingp"
NO. thank you." | whispered trem-
ulously. shrinking as far AS possible
from him.
Don't you know my name, little
Nell?" he asked, rather reproachfully,
| thought.
Yes. Uncle Richard"
"And YOU are my child now.
haven't any children Of my own. so /
really and truly don't know what to do
with you"
He looked ut me with half-comical,
half-puzzled expression on his dark
face. aud at that moment he reminded
ME SO vividly of picture had seen
of the wolf in Red Riding Hood. that,
losing all control of myself. I gave .
short gaspiug cry, and rushed to the
safe shelter of the nursery.
/ did not see Uncle Richard for sew
eral days. nor did he take much
trouble to seek the Young niece left to
his care
When I family questioned nursie.
she told me he had gone away, and
that news completely lifted load OF
terror from my mind.
Once, tired of my forced seclusion,
went downstairs, eager to tiud pic
ture book in the sombre library.
The door stood half open. and rs l
paused without. the sound Of voices
broke upon my ear-men's deep voices,
one of which Instantly recognized rs
Uncle Richards.
Yes, she will be better out of the
way. Your idea Is good, aud can be
easily acted upon. he was saying.
My dear sir, il is the only thing to
be done" the strange voice replied soft
". Il will take her. and leave her
there. and you viii not be troubled by
her."
Here the voice was lowered. and try
rs coulds l was unable 10 catch the
snd OF that sentence.
But had fsard enough.
>sed me :.as .as- eeld numbness overpower-
Sy burning sense Of indignant wrath.
He, the wicked uncle. was even
worse than had piclured-he lost no
time in bringing my short life to some
fearful eud.
| turned away. and with = sudden
wild desire To escape my doom. hurried
across the dim corridor to door |
knew led To the garden.
Ii was not locked. ard easily opened
before had half realized the madness
of my conduct. was dying down the
silent strect-hurrying rs if pursued
by countless bad spirits
don't quite remember how it hap
pened. but rs | crossed one Of the
muddy roads heard loud noise as Of
many horses tearing behind me.
A harsh voice shouted Stop" some
one clutched my arm in \ tight grasp,
then hard blow fell ON my head, and
all was darkness
When | awoke TO consciousness
again. found myself lying in soft
white bed; lady with the sweetest
face had ever seen was bending over
me. and as | struggled weakly to =
sitting posture. she gently clasped her
arms about tIie.
My poor little darling! What
made you run like that?. Had | not
been passing at that moment. Heaven
knows what might not have hap
pcned!'
She looked So sympathetic, SO loving.
that could not help resting my head
against her. and sobbing out discon-
nected tale of my woes. Her lips
quivercd u little as ended aud she
bent to press tender clinging kiss up
on my brow.
Poor Uncle r R'chard! And did you
really think he wished TO kill you?'
she asked softly. You have been left
too lonely. too long in the care of
ignorant servants; no wonder he de-
sired To send YOU to me-"
ITO your | gasped. not quite un-
dersranding even yet. TO yoA?'
Yes. You have been u very foolish
little girl. and the cause of much anx-
iety to one of the best men that ever
breathed. Uncle Richard wanted to
make you happy, more like other
children, and had just decided to send
You to me, his cousin, when YOU ran
away. Had l not recognized YOU by
this description, he would have been
sadly distressed. not knowing what
had become of YOU
asked. feeling terribly ashamed and
foolish.
Three days"
"Where is Uncle Richard? Can
see hIm?" | whispered humbly, and
with a smile and kiss. my kind nurse
left me. -
The next moment, however l was
clasped close in the arms of my wicked
uncle
MY own little Nell! You will love
me now?' he said. and his voice sound
ell no longer grutf. or perhaps l had
imagined it before, and sobbed half
gladly as kissed lis bronzed bearded
cheek.
Yes; l will love you always-you
and this kind lady, murmured, hold
ing out an impulsive hand to her.
Uncle Richard smiled very tenderIy,
and looked from my fearful face to her
pretty one.
That is Aunt Grace, darling, she is
to be my wife soon. and then we can
both take care of you"
l felt very glad when heard that,
and happiness made me quickly better;
80 quickly indeed did the time pass.
that l could hardly believe II whole
month had gone before Uncle Richard
took ME home to Betty again-not
home alone. for sweet Aunt Grace was
with us, and it was very different
child who leaped into old nursie's arms
to the one VINO had run away four
short