Mower County transcript., 1890-10-01

we tolerate tho old lady in spite Of her
frumpY dress and odd ways"
II was just going to observe" +" said
Storrs, banteringly, what astrong re-
semblance there Is between you and
your aunt sS
''Take that for your impertinence.
SIR" said the young lady, playfully
tapping him with her fan. II must be
charming creature il that were the
case" .."
Now Aunt Jane was in reality very
good-looking old lady, though Of course
not as good-looking as when she was
young.
So the conversation ran on, entirely
regardless Of Aunt Jane, who sat
placidly in rocking.chair at the win
dow knitting a stocking. She appeared
to take little notice of the young
couple. but occasionally an amused
look just fitted over her face. Prob
ably she was thinking of something.
Aunt Jane had been fortnighta at the
house of Mrs. Graves when one morning
she said at the breakfast table: II
should like to go over to Merriam's to
spend the day."
Every we'll" said Arabella. with
alacrity; tive can carry you down there
Immediately after breakfast"
"What relief it will be-" said she,
turning to her mother, ITO be rid of her
single day."
YES" said Mrs. Graves, who being
older was little more prudent, "but
you must consider that your uncle is as
nearly related as am, and we must not
let her stay there too long"
"Yes, l suppose so," said Arabella,
with sigh.
"You had better toll her that YOU
hope she won't stay longer than one
day."
"Well," said Arabella, "if must, I
suppose must"
''Aunt Jane, you must be sure and
not stay longer than day or two" said
the young lady through the ear trum-
pet
'You are very kind" said the old
lady; II didn't know but was getting
troublesome"
20 no, we are delight ted to have you
here" said Mrs. Graves 1--WE hope you
will stay a long time"
''How could you say that, mothor?"
protested Arabella.
because, my dear, your aunt is too
old to last very long, and we ought to
feel willing to submit to some incon-
veniences for the sake of being remem-
bered in her will. If We work our cards
right she may leave US the whole That
would be worth having Twenty thou
sand dollars don't grow on every BUSH"
LAS likely as not she'll live to be Q
hundred" muttered Arabella.
After breakfast Aunt Jane was car
ried to the house of her nephew, Mr..
James Merriam, the only son of her
sister.
Mr.. Merriam was poor man. He had
met with reverses. and now lived in a
much less expensive way than his
cousin, Mrs. Graves, who, despite rela-
tionship, looked upon Mrs. Merriam as
her social inferior. He was very
worthy man, however, and far from
being as worldly as Mrs Graves. He
had three children, all at home. His
wife was an excellent housekeeper and
far more amiable than Mrs. Graves,
though her pretensions were much less
II am glad to see you, Aunt Jane,"
said Mr.. Merriam, Hospitality, as he
came out to help her from the carriage.
''We were hoping to see you ever since
we heard of your arrival in town. Clara
will be delighted to welcome you."
The old lady drew out her trumpet
Mr.. Merriam looked concerned.
II am sorry that you have lost your
hearing" he said.
'Old people can't expect to hear as
we'll as young folks" said Aunt Jane.
"You must make US a good, long
visit" said Mrs. Merriam, who now ap-
peared.
II will see," said Aunt Jane.
II always liked Aunt Jane" said Mrs.
Merriam to her husband. ''She is al
ways SO gentle and kind. It seems
very pleasant to have her in the house."
$50 it does. The only thing I think
of is, that we have small house, and
can't make her as comfortable as at your
cousins"
"Well, we will make up in the warmth
of our welcome"
Amt Jane seemed unusually happy
that day. As night approached sho
seemed thoughtful, and finally consented
to stay longer. ~
II must write a letter to my niece to
explain it" she said.
An hour after, the following note was
placed in the hands of Mrs. Graves:
"N1EcR ELEANOR: have concluded to stay
where am during the remainder Of my visit.
AS you remarked to Arabella when came that
you should be delighted to have me 60, this in.
formation will doubtless be pleasing to you. As
for Arabella, she will be easily consoled for the
departure Of her .frumpy old aunt who must
have annoyed her with her odd ways
AUNT JANE.
''P. S. My hearing has been wonderfully re-
stored so that can now dispense with my ear
trumpet"
The letter filed Mrs. Graves and Ar
abella with dismay. They had sinned