The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-04-15

have come for many long year?''
Yes, sir, remember him well-my
uncle Henry-and l have many times
wished / could hear something from
him. Can you give me any informa-
tion?"
" | cantor l am he"
"You, my uncle?" said Mrs. Lowe,
in surprise; "then indeed you are well
come. Emma, bring your uncle the
armchair, and place it close to the fire ;
and, Mary, bring your fathers slippers,
for am sure your dear uncle must long
to get off those heavy boots. And
now, uncle, when you are quite rested +,
l must demand recital of your adj
ventures"
i" But your brother Alexander?'' in.
terrupted Mr.. Beaumont; "let me first
inquire about him. He lives in town
now, does he not7"
A light cloud came over Mrs. loves
face. Yes" she said, che does live
in town; yet, strange as it may appear,
| seldom or never see him. He has
succeeded well, and is wealthy. But
ever since he married wife with a
small property and greater pride, he
has kept aloof from us. do not blame
him so much as his wife, who is said to
have great influence over him. | have
called once, but she treated me so
coldly that have not felt disposition
to renew my visit"
81 can easily believe it, for l, too,
have been repulsed."
You repulsed2 Did you give your
name, and inform her of your relation
to her husband2"
did; but she did not invite me to
enter, and she was evidently impatient
for me to be gone. 1 took the hint,
and here am"
cat least uncle" said Mrs. Lowe,
smiling, "you need not be afraid of
repulse here"
"Of that am quite sure" said the
old man, looking affectionately into the
face of his niece. But you have not
told of your husband. Let me know
if you have made a good match" he
added, playfully.
"That depends on what is meant by
the term. If it implies rich husband,
then l failed most certainly, for Will
lam salary is only 81 900, and that is
what we have to depend upon. But
for all that l care not, for kind, affec-
tionate husband is worth far more than
magnificent house and the most costly
furniture"
You are right" said her uncle.
"There must be something which your
limited means will not permit you to OBJ
tain, but which would be desirable, is
there not?o
Yes" said Mrs. Lowe; u" am anx.
ious to give Emma and Mary a musical
education, but Williams means will not
allow of such extravaganza as the pur-
chase of piano, so that is one of the
things we must be content to deny our
sc ves."
Mr.. Lowe then entered, and being
Informed of the character of his visitor.
he extended him hearty welcome. A
comfortable repast was soon spread, of
which Mr.. Beaumont readily partook.
His spirits rose, and he seemed to grow
younger as he saw the cheerful faces
around him, and felt himself at home.
Soon after the evening meal he rose to
depart.
"Surely you are not going" said his
niece; "you must henceforth take up
your abode with u.s."
We will see about that, and if you
don't think you will get tired of me
perhaps will come. But / have hired
lodging and must undoubtedly re main
in it for few days."
But you will call in every day and
make yourself perfectly at home, even
before you come here to stay" per-
sisted his niece.
" BE sure of that"
In accordance with his promise, Mr..
Beaumont made his appearance next
day at eleven O'Clock, and was received
as cordially as before. He hardly been
in the house few minutes when a rap
was heard at the door. Mrs. Lowe be-
held two men who had Just driven up
in wagon.
Where is the piano to be put,
ma'am?" they inquired.
It's all right" said loud voice be-
hind her.
She turned round in amazement.
You know" continued the uncle,
that | am come to live with you,
and l thought 1 would pay my
board in advance, that is all. AS you
expressed wish yesterday for piano,
L thought it would be as acceptable a
way as any,"
You, uncle?" Why, excuse me,
but / thought from-from-"
You mean," said he smiling, :" that
you thought from my appearance that
| could not afford it. And | confess"
said he, casting a glance at himself in
the glass, " that my dress is not in the
extreme of fashion, and in fact, was
obliged to look some time when | called
at the second hand clothing shop, the
other day, before l could find these.
However, as have got all the service
| wished out of them, shall throw
them aside tomorrow and appear more
respectfully clad"
What! are you wealthy, uncle7"
Depend upon it, Anna, | didn't
spend ten years in the East Indies for
nothing" was the reply. 81 had the
mind, however, to put on the appear
ance of poor man, and so test the af-
lection and disinterestedness of my rel
atives. One of them, however, found
not at homo I am happu m 6nd ,,,,,