Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1890-12-13
The Widows Ledger.

DdUy ndu Ildue ~ Change IN the Oh
mans life. lie no longer reared at PEG.
pie like an old lion; he never replaced
the hideous blue spectacles in the house,
but he never went out without q pair;
he gave Mary the key Of the piano,--he
had put it in his pocket with a chuckle
when he first took possession of the
rooms,-and he told her now that she
might play occasionally to please the
baby. Some extraordinary things were
done for baby's sake; and Cinci took
him out one Jay on a mysterious mission.
Mary let him go with no misgiving; the
mulatto was more trustworthy than
nine ordinary nurses out OF ten. They
were gone for several hours, and when
they returned parcels began to arrive,
first from Oxford Street and Holborn,
then Regent Street and the Strand, the
Lowther Arcade and st. Paul's Church
yard. When the parcels were opened
in the drawing-room, it looked like a
wholesale department of the toy trade.
but" Mary said, at length, chow
ever did you choose such a variety of
things?'
II took little master into every shop,
and let him choose what he liked" was
the reply.
And you appear to have given him
everything he chose"
That's what l did-just," said the
mulatto.
Master Arthur was in a fair way of
being spoiled, but Mary dared not hint
as much. He did exactly as he pleased.
He blew a peculiarly piercing trumpet
all over the house beat his drums-about
a dozen set in q rowland had his train
going in the drawing-room over poor
Mr.. Parker's head. When he ventured
a mild remonstrance, through Mary,
Mr.. Barker went on the landing and
roared at him; asked him to come up
stairs and say what he meant.
do you think ! am going TO stop his
innocent play so that you may study in
peace how TO poison people, the wrath
full old gentleman growled at him. Let
me hear another word. sir, and my man
shall put you on the roof, and keep you
there. Study, indeed; if you want to be
quiet, there's the coal cellar"
at is such a blow to the dignity of
our profession" Mr.. Parker said. plain
lively, to Mary. Not that | mind for
myself, you know" But Mr.. NJ. L. Par
ker never complained again. When be
had an extra study to get through, he
did il in his bedroom, OF tied q towel
over his ears to keep the sound out.
George Hyde heard Of the singular pro-
ceedings, and saying little, wondered
much; and when he called, Mary was
in Mr.. Barker's room. The same thing
had happened before, but George did
not 90 away as usual this time; he
waited. and sent word that he had
something particular TO say.
''Then send him up" said Mr.. Bark
err; ''you can introduce him. Mrs. Allen
by. | will not have the boy disturbed"
Mr.. Hyde came up. He took in the
whole scene with an amused smile, and
gave a very penetrating glance at Mr..
Barker.
"Come in he said, "come in, Mr..
| HYDE, you are no stranger to me-; ! have
seen You often enough from the win
dow. | am an old friend of Uncle
Michael, and yon are an old friend Of
Arthur Allenby's-that is introduction
enough, so shake hands and make your
self at home"
And they shook hands heartily.
Il havejust left Mrs. Allenby, Mary"
he said, with q smile; ''and the poor
lady is in a dreadful state of commo-
ton. Uncle Michael is coming TO Eng
land; he may have arrived by this time"
81 think it very likely" Mr.. Barker
observed. II heard from him myself;
but what is the reason of this consterna-
tom"
sit appears that he has been inquir-
ing about Arthur's wife, Mary. They
were not aware that he knew of the
marriage. | saw the letter. He wrote
to know who she was? what she was?
how they got along with her? and sew
eral other announcement questions. You
can imagine the situation"
AZ should enjoy it," said Mr.. Barker,
| grimly, land before you go any further,
DR.. Hyde, let me ask you not to tell
them that /, who lodge here, know any
thing about Uncle Michael. Do you
understand me2"
Scarcely, sir; but it shall be as you
please, nevertheless"
That's a good lad. l have a reason
for il, a sound one. You will be quite
satisfied with il when you know. Can
you tell me when he is expected?"
"At Southampton tomorrow, by the
Boomerang"
'Then / 60 to meet the Boomerang
and not a word mind, DIR. Hyde, if you
value the friendship of Uncle Michael's
friend"
mot a word" said the doctor, with a
smile, 'for I want to win the friendship
of Uncle Michael's friend. But how
will you travel with your foot in that
condition? You may have an attack
on the way"
sThen come with me-" said Mr.. Bark
err. "You may be useful. A medical
man is not a bad travelling companion
in case of a railway accident. Come
with me, and / will make it worth your
while"
CHAPTER VII.