Mower County transcript., 1890-10-01
THAT EAR TRUMPET.
It Causes the Loss Of a Fortune
and a Lover.

load of passengers just returned from
the railway station. 1t paused before
the gate of rather pretentious house
in the main street of the village.
Mrs. Graves looked out of tho win
dow, and an expression of dismay crept
over her face.
II DECLARE" she exclaimed, "it it
isn't Aunt Jane Breed come to make US
visitation"
20, dear" chimed in Arabella, a
young lady OF eighteen, "what pity!
just as we are going to have a party,
too. Couldn't We tell her it is incon-
venient for US to have her, and send
her to Uncle Merriam's?'
mo, Arabella, that would never do.
You must consider that your Aunt
Jane has twenty thousand dollars which
she can dispose of as she pleases."
She had no time to say more. for the
bell rang.
Mrs. Graves went to the door herself.
By the time she had opened it her face
was composed into an expression of joy
''Why, Aunt Jane, how do you do?
What a pleasant surprise! Arabella and
I were speaking of you only this morn
ing"
''Wait minute, Eleanor" said the
old lady, fun bling in her pocket.
She produced an ear trumpet which
she adjusted to her ear.
'There," she said, now we can talk. -
II had no idea you were deaf," said
Mrs. Graves through the trumpet.
Jane. "How is Arabella?"
Every we'll, thank you. Here she is
to speak for herself"
Mrs. Graves turned towards her daugh-
ter, and spoke in her natural voice.
''Aunt James as deaf as an adder"
she remarked. "You see she has to use
an ear trumpet.
''I'm glad of it," said Arabella. Nov
we can say what we please without her
hearing US. Is she going to stay long
timer"
II don't know I'll ask her."
Aunt Jane," said she, with her
mouth to the ear trumpet, II hope you
are going to favor US with long visit"
II can't spare you but month";" said
Aunt Jane, that is, it it is entirely
convenient for you to have me with you
SO long"
1--WE shall be delighted" said Mrs.
Graves, finishing the sentence for her
daughters benefit, ''to have you go.
That's the truth, isn't it, Arabella?"
How shall we ever live through the
month"; said Arabella, dismally. with
out, however, venturing to express this
feeling on her countenance.
A peculiar expression fitted over the
old lady's face. but this was observed
neither by Mrs Graves nor her
daughter.
Three days passed. The old lady had
become domesticated at the house of her
niece.
1t so happened that Arabella had a
beau-a young man of very much the
same caliber as herself-who was en-
ployed as clerk in one of the village
stores. He called one evening when
Aunt Jane had INDUCED herself in sit
ting up little longer than usual
II suppose must introduce you to
my aunt" said Arabella. ''she won't
be in our way, for she is as deaf as a
post. Aunt Jane," she said through the
ear trumpet, this is Mr.. Storrs."
Il am glad TO see him." said Aunt
Jane, extending her hand.
''There. we needn't say any thing
more to her," said Arabella, carelessly.
Il believe you ne yer saw her before"
''No," said the young man.
''Ain'e she beauty?" laughed Ara
bella .. +.
Are you not afraid she will hear?"
20, no. she is entirely dependent on
her trumpet. That's lucky for us. #
she could hear, she might not always be
gratified by what she heard"
'Ha, hap laughed Storrs.
''lfs great trial to us to have her
here, but you know when one has rich
aunt, she can't very we'll be put off,
$50 your aunt is rich, said the young
clerk with increased interest. -,
''Yes, she's worth twenty thousand
dollars" j. i, + IS
''Thats large sum-" said storrs,
thinking how large portion Of this
sum would be likely to fall to Arabella,
whom he had already looked upon as
his own. l. +.
"Yes. it's worth some sacrifice. So