Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-03-12
was running again. But he stopped

don't put me into your black books
entirely. You will quite. spoil my
Christmas if you do"
81 don't wish to do that" said
Alice, "but Lob. how can l apologize
for that awful mistakel" And she
turned scarlet.
Don't apologize at all. assure
you l didn't mind it in the least"
said Edwin. "Come, Miss Redfeld,
let's agree to forget it and be good
friends. will your" And he frankly
held out his hand.
Alice gave him hers for an instant,
and said:
eyes, for Uncle Jacks sake"
THAT will do for the present" said
Edwin.
"When we know each other better
I hope it may be partly for my own.
l was so glad to hear that my uncle
had some one to brighten up this dull
old place for him."
HE has been so kind to me" said
Alice warmly. 81 could not do
enough for him in return. There is
nothing could do for him."
"Nor l." said Edwin.
1t happened that Uncle Jack was
just coming into the room, and heard
these last words. He smiled to him.
self. There was thing he was hop
ing to ask Alice to do some day
would she do that?
Poor, dear, foolish old Uncle Jack !!
The Christmas holidays passed like
a dream to Alice. There were sleigh
rides and parties, and to all, as Uncle
Jack seldom went out of an evening,
Edwin was her escort.
1t was wonderful how we'll acquaint-
ed the two young people grew in the
three weeks he stayed, and it seemed
as if they had known each other for a
lifetime.
Perhaps that accounted for a little
incident which took place in the hall,
as they were about to part.
"Good-by' Alice" said Edwin, with
her hand in his, then leaning near her,
he whispered, Cant you imagine |
am uncle, for moment, and make a
second mistake ?"
"Ob, no! / know you are not he !"
said Alice, blushing.
"Well, then" persisted Edwin,
"may | make the mistake ?"
~ don't care" whispered Alice,
and Mr.. Edwin very quickly stopped
and took one kiss from her red lips,
before they parted.
After he was gone letters came very
often to Alice, over which she some
times smiled and blushed great deal.
And early in the spring there came
one saying he would soon follow it.
But Alice somehow could not tell
Uncle Jack, and he did not know that
Edwin was expected when he went
one day to town.
Uncle Jack was thinking a great
deal, these days. His dream was
taking tangible shape, and at last he
determined to tell Alice. and see if she
would be as good as her word, and do
he would ask her.
81 know I'm al old fool !" he said,
as he opened the door at home, fully
decided to test his fate. But l can't
help it. So here goes!"
He opened the sitting-room door.
hoping to find Alice there. And met
a sight most surprising! Yes, Alice
was there. standing by the hearth.
comfortably clasped in Edwin Law
rence's arms, her pretty head resting
on his shoulder.
At the sight of Uncle Jack, they
suddenly parted. Alice retreated to
the back of chair. Edwin stood
leaning against the mantel, looking as
much amused as Alice did confused.
"Why, why! What's all this p"
cried Uncle Jack, taking off his hat,
and wiping from his brow the sudden
which had started there.
Its all right, uncle" said Edwin.
Alice and have Just been making II
little bargain, that's all"
"And what is your little bargain, if
| may know" asked poor Uncle Jack.
ut certainly is your right to know,
dear, kind friend" said Alice. Tell
him, Edwin !"
Edwin came forward, put his arm
around her, and led her to Uncle
Jack.
ut is only to take each other for
better or worse, for all our lives" be
said simply. Twill you give us your
consent and blessing, uncle 2"
They little guessed what bright
dream was suddenly demolished for
ever, as Uncle Jack said, brokenly
eyes, yes give both, and may
you always be happy, my dear child
ren!"
Then the good old fellow trotted