The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-08-03

We were all rather anxious to see
this far-away relation of ours who was
yet an unknown quantity in our life's
equations. She proved to be little,
slim creature, with her face tied up as
for toothache, blue goggles and a
black silk hood projecting over her
forehead; women who spoke but lit
tie, and that in a strange, muffied sort
OF manner; who seemed contented to
sit and bask over the fire, with her
knitting in her lap and her counten-
ance averted.
I'm sorry you should catch US in
such a state of confusion, Aunt
Wealthy" said my mother, apologeti-
cally.
"oh, it's nothing" said Aunt
Wealthy.
"If you had only received our tele-
gram" began Fanny.
"Oh, it doesn't matter" said the old
lady.
Mamma, said Fanny in whisper,
when we were setting the table, 81 do
believe she's crazy"
Nonsense" said mamma. "All the
Wlckes are eccentric"
"But do you notice how rapidly she
THAT'S nervousness, said mamma.
Presently Tom, dear, indispensable
old Tom, made his appearance with a
tureen of oysters and a pot of real
French coffee, which he had brewed
himself after some mysterious college
recipe. Poor mamma, as bad luck
would have it, had one of her sick
headaches, and Tom assumed the gen
eralship of everything during the next
two days, finishing the painting and
papering, directing US in our culinary
operations, amusing the children with
quaint fairy tales and administering
valerian and lavender to mamma with
the most caressing kindness and vigil
ance.
"Tom," said I, what shall we do
when you go back to college dutiesP"
Dear me-" said Tom, @what shall
you doP Why, go on just as you were
"If wasn't your sister, Tom," said
Fanny, Il declare l should fall in love
with you."
How Aunt Wealthy's eyes twinkled
behind her blue glasses, to be sure!
But she never said a word. Of all 81
lent old ladies Aunt Wealthy was the
most silent and inscrutable.
Once, however, 1 tried to be conf.
Dental with her.
"Aunt Wealthy" said 1, showing her
the photograph of the New York
beauty, "do you know this grip"
ZIP" said Aunt Wealthy, with a
start.
Because" said I, "It's the girl our
TOMS in love with, and"
"Oh!" said she. "Yes, dare say.
But I've nothing to do with love and
love affairs. Heigho! this east vino
doesn't agree with me. think shall
go home tomorrow"
And oh, how glad we all were wher
we heard her say thatl
But that very afternoon the omni
bus from the depot ratified up to the
door.
"More companym said mamma, de.
spairingly, as the driver lifted a big
trunk off the roof, and stout ole
lady, with gold eyeglasses, carnatio1
cheeks and a jet black front of fals'
hair, trundled into the house.
"Kiss me, my dear" said she; "Pn
your Aunt Wealthy Wickes."
Mamma recoiled as if she though
some lunatic asylum had broken loose
"But that's impossible" said she
"Aunt Wealthy Wickes is here al
ready"
"Oh. come" said the fat old lady
shaking all over with laughter, as
she were mound of jelly, "that's al
nonsense. Barbara Wingate has playe'
her little drama long enough. Oh
with your disguise, you scheming lit
tie puss, and own your identity"
And away flew the blue goggles, th'
black silk hood and the fur-lined cloal
and there stood a little silky-curled
dark-eyed brunette, laughing an
blushing on our Toms shoulder.
"Oh, Tom! Oh, Toni" said she, "for
give me! When Miss Wealthy got tn
telegram about the house-cleaning an
all l begged her to personate her fo
just day or two. For, dear Tom,
wanted to see you just as you reall
were; and, dear Tom, am SO, s
glad!"
And she told us afterwards that a
the ball seasons of New York and a.
the seaside months never could max
her care for Tom as tHat rainy week c
house-cleaning had done.
"For any man can be a hero on grea
occasions" said she, "but it takes tru
metal to withstand the petty sling
and arrows of daily life"
f And that was how our Tom won th
heiress.