The Princeton union., 1890-11-20
Old CrunCher' Niece.

Owen Stanley, huddled in the cor
ner of a third-class carriage, was
going from Manchester to Chatburn,
where a place in a lawyers office
awaited him. The prospect was not
cheerful, but it was the only means
Owen had of earning his bread since
the unlucly misunderstanding with
Uncle Raymond. Also, if Uncle Ray
mond would never see the rights Of
that miserable affair; the work of
Chatburn would be a stepping stone
to a better place.
AS he walked aimlessly down the
street after he reached Chatburn
he read the name 'Chruncher, Attor-
ney," beside a dingy office door, with
"Clerk wanted'' chalked underneath.
He presented himself before Mr..
Cruncher, and after a sharp cross
questioning was engaged to fill the
post vacant in the office.
Thefollowing Sunday the youngman
had an opportunity Of seeing the en-
tire Cruncher household in church.
When the service was over Mr..
Cruhcher stalked grimly forth fol-
lowed by the silent members of his
family, each and all evidently in
great awe of him.
''Louise Lee, hold Tommy's right
hand tight. You stupidity let him
trip on the step last Sunday!" said
Mrs. Cruncher, in petulant tones,
with look to match, to her niece as
they passed Owen.
' 1t was consolation to have learned
her name Louis Lee-it was a pretty
name, and suited her. Was her life
made unhappy by that solemn brute
of an old man? Owen longed for
money and power and influence, and
all the good things of this life, to
take her away from her present
bondage and give her a home fit for
a princes. But none of these bless.
ings came to him, and he had to
content himself as best he might
with seeing Louise once q week in
church.
One morning Owen lost his way
hopelessly in the labyrinth of the
hymn book. AS he was struggling
to recover himself a pretty hand in a
shabby glove-Louise's hand-held
toward him book with the place
marked by a scrap Of paper. Owen
was uncomfortable conscious OF
blushing as he accepted the offered
civility, but it was more than charm.
ing to be noticed, even in acommon.
place way. by her.
''The bit of paper betweenthe pages
was folded IN two. He idly pressed
it apart with his thumb, and to his
astonishment read these words
evidently written in furtive haste;
Look, tomorrow, in my uncle s
hat lining when he comes to the
office"
This appeared, indeed, like the be.
ginning of IL most interesting advent.
ure, and the overture made by a
girl whom he feared ignored his very
existence! How he sat quietly
through the sermon, and passed tn;
rest of the day and night until old
Cruncher appeared at his usual post
next morning, Owen never knew
When he saw his patron deeply alb.
sorbed in pile of letters, Owen, like
a coat and umbrella thief, stole out
into the passage where such articles
were deposited and possessed him.
self Of the old gentleman's sedate.
looking hat. ~
There, as he expected, he found
slowed away in the lining, a tiny
little note. With trembling fingers
the now hopeful lover laid smooth
the complicated folds of the paper
and read: ..'...- .- - - g..
Please do not think mo forward or pre-
suming in making the following request:
am in great trouble Tomorrow evening
| at l shall not be missed for half an hour
Will YOU meet me at end Of the lane leading
past our house-where the wood begins'
L. l..
The following evening Owen was
at the place Of rendezvous fully hall
a hour too soon As he was begin.
ming to despair Of Louise's coming
she appeared, breathless and greatly
agitated.
What must you think Of me-
she began, making on appointment
with you, almost stranger, at
dusk. in this theatrical manner? !
have a strong motive in this case
certainly" continued Louise. 81
wish to ask your advice on q matter
of the utmost Importance to me. ]
have studied your face as much as ]
dared in church Owen heart gave
a bound OF delight. Then she had
looked atand thought about him!-
"and think | can trust youand call
you my friend. / have no other .
She looked 20 lovely with the tears
I 4 b 4 /. ~ 4 \