The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-16

being explained to her that Mrs. Betsy
had cut her finger while slicinS the
tongue. Miss Basset consented to pour
out the tea.
Uncle Bert felt unusually happy. 1t
had been long since any woman had
taken part in his plans, and Miss Basset
had been so interested in trying TO help
him. Ii was cosy and pleasant to have
her sit there in Mrs. Betsy's place, and
chat and drink tea. He felt very lonely
when she was gone. on the table he
found a queer little object II was made
of morocco, and "musique' was stamped
on it. lie touched it with one finger;
then he took il up. a faint, sweet odor
arose from it, and a cluster of withered
violets fell out on the floor. Uncle Bert
picked them all up, STOPPING stiiily. and
then putting like an engine when he
slaughtered again
1t had been long since he had held
flower in his hand. The violets carried
him back over a road that he was not
used 10 travelling. He went back 10 his
boyhood and he thought of the mother
who had died before he learned to know
her worth. He remembered that she held
violets in her hand the last time he saw
her.
Tears came to eyes that were strangers
TO them, and Uncle Bert put the flowers
down to blow his nose. Mrs. Betsy
heard the blast, and said TO the stable
boy that she believed that pore lone
man was settin' out for right cole.
Uncle Bert had strange dreams that
night; very strange dreams for an old
man who had never loved n woman even
in his youth, and who hated what he
called the whole copooGle" Of them now;
very strange dreams for man VINO
meant 10 die and leave his wealth and
his home to his nephew and niece.
When he aWoke the sun was shining
in his face. After bI eakfast he saw
trim little figure coming up the walk,
and his very strange old heart stirred
about in a peculiar way
Il left my music. or l lost II. Thank
you: I'm so glad 10 get It,
Little Miss Basset almost Rugged the
roll in her JOY.
"Tu find out all l can to-day and tell
YOU. | think some one has been planning
A very big April fool for the whole town.
Just think of the girls decorating the
church. and the congregation and preach
or waitingw and. in spite of her duty 10
Uncle Bert little Miss Bassets brown
ewes twinkled and her checks dimpled.
Uncle Bert cleared his throat. It's
whaling joke" he said.
Yes, ana cruel one.
"Spose it wasn't joke" he SAID ner-
Vously.
ut needn't be. Ia be ready enough TO
fan into their plans if yOu-could get
some one else to play the march,
"rWhat for" she asked, stupidity.
az should want you to keep me in coun-
tenance. Let me tell you, Polly Basset,
I'm in earnest. If you think you could
be happy with a rough old fellow Ike
me let's turn the joke on EN-.
Miss Basset was a little late, and her
lessons were all failures that day. She
saw the young people working away IN
the church, and she noticed JACK ana
Jill among the others. Somehow they
seemed to enjoy it more than the others
After school she met Jack.
Il hrd | cannot play at the wedding,
she said. but one of my pupils will do
So"
Jack thanked her and went on.
I'm afraid | shall die. Jack
'"YVait until it's over, Jill. ] want you
to see them waiting. and then l want you
70 hear what Uncle Bert has to say when
he comes home. We must sympathize
with him. Of course. We must keep on
the good side of Uncle Bert you know
Wednesday came and the church was
ready. At twilight the old sexon lighted
the lamps, and the village began TO cram
itself within fcstooned walls.
Jill came in leaning on Jacks arm. She
was lovely in her light dress and looked
modest and demure as is becoming 10 the
young wedding guest. Jack chewed his
moustach and refrained from looking Ut
her. Curiosity was the prevailing senti-
ment
"Who is the bride?" whispered one fat
old lady 10 another
1.-THE land knows; I haint heard"
rs she coming with him from the city,"
asked a third. No one knew. The whis-
pers were all questions.
The tall, stately minister walked stately
up the aisle, and seated himself with
slow dignity inside the altar railing. He
looked out over the assembled people with
what he evidently hoped 10 be a Joyous
smile. we'll suited TO the happy occasion.
over his head SWING the enormous Gala
lily that was supposed to suggest the
marriage bell"
Jill covered her face with both hands.
Jack coughed. Even the organst was
waiting with her eyes or the church
door.
The relations sat in a gloomy row,
disapprOval on every face.
AMI now the orgarist turned her eyes
quickly from the door TO her notes, and
her fingers fell upon the keys with a ner-
vous crash that brought Jack to his feet.
Then he and Jill looked at each other.
But the music struggled on, and a very
fine ear and a very good memory might
have recognized the great masters we'd
ding march.
Uncle Bert was coming slowly. but
surely, up the aisle, and little Miss Basset
was beside him, her small gloved hand on
his arm, and the plumes Of her pretty,
gray hat touching his shoulder. The min
lister met them. and the ceremony began.
And Jack and Jill gazed with big, horror
stricken eyes.
Smiles grew on the faces of the people
as they realized that little Miss Basset was
the bride. But despair claimed Jack and
Jill for its own Neither spoke until they
were safe in Jil's parlor.
What have we done" walled poor jill.
We've got a tumble Jill; just as pre-
dicted."
IT'S yoss fault, Jack. I do wish you
had never thought OF such foolish thing.