New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-12-17
UNCLE M'SHANE.
BY MRS. ALEXANDER.

"Can YOU come home in tolerably good time to-
day. Mr.. Brooke?' asked the wife Of his bosom.
one fine morning. the family were assembled
round the Widespread breakfast table. in that
admirably appointed. well-kept mansion Alma
Lodge st. Johns Wood. The outside blinds were
already lowered for the sun poured its early
beams into the dining-room, and the perfume of
mignonette and sweet pea came In through the
open window.
"Wbat do you call good timer" returned Mr.
Brooke without raising his eyes from The
Times" which he held in hand while he
stirred his tea with the other. He pepper
and-salt colored man. from his grayish-rcd hair
TO his well-backed shoes and white CATERS tall
ond well-preserved with cold, light blue eyes
and careful attire
'Oh. four or half-past. am going to call on
Sir Andrew and Lady Ingot. and as it is first
visit, 1 should like you to come with me-"
Before you make any arrangement Of that
kind you ought to ascertain If my uncle re-
quires the carriage" said Mr.. Brooke in precise
tone 4 slight contraction passed across Mrs.
Brooke's face. Placidity usually reigned over her
"tip-tilted nose" expansive cheeks and smiling
but exceedingly observant dark eyes. The cloud
was scarcely perceptible. however, and turning
TO gentleman who sat on her right. she en-
claimed pleasantly ooh. yes. Of course. can
take you anywhere you like first, Mr.. McShane."
This gentleman might be about the age OF her
husband or older. He was short and thin, with
a queer crumpled little face. 4 sort OF onc-s!ded.
upturned pose of the head, and that squeeze Of
the brows peasants often acquire from looking
at the sun with unshaded optics. He had
wide. down-curved mouth and shaggy pair OF
brows under which his Keen, dark eyes cleaned
or melted-his aspect being expressive Of fun.
mixed with quaint pathos.
Sure, you're too good entirely, Mrs. Brooke,
ma'am. I'd be sorry to interfere with your plans.
can take tuppcnny bus any time. to go any
way and, bedad. have nowhere to go nova
days. Don't let interfere with you, by no
manner Of means Che said "manes').
oh. II the carriage is going a-begging. I will
rut In my claim" said an abundant-looking
young lady who sat opposite him. and who APP
pcared to have been meltei and poured into her
admirably cut, deliberately embroidered Holland
morning frock, which seemed trimming over with
its contents. She was hgh-colored with very
fair skin, quantities of carroty-red hair and
large crop of frec,es This Mrs. Brookes
daughter by her first marriage Miss Sarah Jane
Smally Moreover I have vested right to my
share in it, she continued.
Then, II uncle doesn't really want II, will you
come back in time to accompany me-? said Mrs.
Brooke. addressing her husband.
yes II | can. Don't wait after o'clock. By
the way. here's a note from Val. Can you give
him a bed? He has few days leave. and
wants to discuss come business matters with
me-"
"Oh yes. / can manage it. 1t would be better
II he could wait ill l send May and Kitty
Graeme to the seaside. But we shall manage"
). Sure. I'm just taking up the house-room OF
the family" exclaimed Uncle McShane, ear
nesty "Why don't you let me go and take
roou,-I mean apar,ments-as / wanted long
ago. though your hospitabe heart wouldn't let
me? could find some quite handy. and"
: "Ah Uncle McShane." interrupted Sarah Jane.
."you know you ought to take real handsome
place-sherc's Aubrey House. that's the very
thing-and give a. big bal; for me- I'll ask the
company, and you shall pay the bill"
Faith, / wouldn't desire better. ara welcome
you'd be; bat, though the heart is willing, the
purse Is light, me dear young lady. wish you'd
believe me, I'm millionaire"
None OF your nonsense. uncle. You like to
keep fast hold Of the cash. But. ma dear, can't
you double up Kitty and Mrs. Thompson, and
give her to Val? know he wants to come. and
want him"
We'll, he doesn't wan. YOU Sally" said her
half-brother SAM a trucu.ent urchin Of twoiv".
WHO was busy slowing away as much breakfast
os he could In the limited time before starting
Tor school, You worried him to death the last
time be was here. l wonder he comes any
more"
You are a rude. impairment cub" cried Sarah
Jane, angrily.
"Oh, fie for shame. Sammy. to speak that way
to lady" said Uncle McShane.
Ladies! Why not? They can be great NUS
ances."
Samuel. be sliertr' said his father. sternly.
s'There Is val's letter." he continued. passing 1t
down to his wife. He seems to be coming up to-
day"
VERY WELL" said Mrs. Brooke
IAN elegant young man. and the height Of
good company" murmured Uncle McShane.
''Eaith, any father might be proud Of him" He
polnted his words with a nod toward his host.
y Rather a costly article" replied Mr. Brooke.
rising and Offering the paper to his uncle.
swell isn't he worth the cost?" asked Sarah