The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1894-01-25

"Ill begin as mean to hold out and hold
out as begin. am not going to play the
sycophant. That's settledl'' she muttered
to herself.
But when the door presently opened, ana
the object of her thoughts was ushered In to
tea, she gave him n very pretty welcome, ana
one which caused that gentleman to bend MS
bushy gray brows upon her with pleased in
terest.
The best of the LOTT he thought.
The ciyilites of the table at an end, Uncle
Elwood began making the many inquiries
natural under such circumstances.
"And what has become OF or overtaksn
Elwood Brinton?'' he asked.
"No good has overtaken him, you may be
surcl' cried Mrs Hutton, emphatically. "He
was n great scapegrace, I've heard father
say, and as unfit to push his fortunes in Aus
train as man could be-"
After little lnueh which Uncle Elwood
enjoyed unduly, his neice thought, remarked,
"Hc had IA good heart, though. once
knew him to do what Oliver Goldsmith did
on n similar occasion-sleep in the middle OF
a feather bed because he had given away his
last cover to poor"
''Oh, did he do that" broke in Nell with
glowing eyes
"He did, indeed smiled Uncle Eiwood,
"and sorry sight he was the next morning
with his head sticking out OF the feathers
But like the immortal Oliver he took it
cheerfully. The way he laughed"
| hope he'll come home some day. love
himl" said Nell.
Uncle Elw0od gave her a look so peculiar
that a cold chill ran through Mrs Hutton
from head to foot.
"She'll ruin her prospects" she thought.
ITO talk about loving the other uncle Great
heavensl I'd send her off on visit if could
But within his own chamber, fresh with
lavender-scented sheets and curtains, Uncle
Elwood showed no signs OF anger.
On the contrary, he buried his face in pill
low and laughed till the bedstead creaked.
That brought him upright and putting out
his light he sat down at the window to think
rs eravely as he could bring himself to do.
almost at the instant that he did so the
garden gate opened hastily, and man about
his own age, but of markedly shabby exter-
ior, hurried up to the door. 1t was not yet
closed, and at his light rap Mrs. Hutton
stepped into the hall, and the visitor smil-
ingly advanced. He looked a little panied
as he encountered Mrs. Hutton's cold, in
curing eye, and then removing his hat smiled
pie asanty.
Then, Amanda, you don't remember Tn
Gle Elwood--"
"Heaven help us and save usl' gasped Mrs
Hutton. "It here amt Uncle Elwood Brin-
toni And as shabby as a peddler-shabby
and poor, just as might be expectedl'
The new Uncle Elwood attempted to speak
but Mrs. Hutton irritaby interposed
You can't say one word, Uncle Elwood
that will move me. have these three girls, "
waving hand toward Beth, Sue and Nell
who had gathered in the hall, amazed spec.
tators of the scene. 1--WE Just as can do to
take care of them, and you must go some
where else, particularly as Uncle Elwood
Allen has returned rich from India, and has
my very best room, and
Mother, OH motherl" interposed Nell, pit
eously, 'he is old and poor"
Don't | know it?" sharply interrupted
Mrs. Hutton. "And is that not the very
reason he must go elsewhere? Don't be 4
fool, Nell"
But the girl was not to be silenced. Rush
ing to the tired, shabby, old gentleman, sh,
put her arms about his neck
81 love you, Uncle Ewood," she cried. "De
not feel hurt at mother lust come in. anc
you shall have my little bed in the attic. ant
I'll sleep in the parlor I'd like it fora change
you know, Unc'e."
"But Uncle Elwood was CRYING. and sodl,
shaking his head. Even Mrs Hutton's un
gracious consent could not induce him I,
change his decision.
30 lie went out to the gate again. Mel
clinging to his arm, and assuring him M
every step of her love and undying admira
ton.
'Encle Elwood Allen was only just telling
us OF that Oliver Goldsmith escapade O
yours, she laughed and sobbed in n breath
land so hoped you would some day cam,
home and"
And now am home, my love, " interposet
the old man, in broken tones, "wiIl Won com.
and live with me? l must live somewhere
you know"
Nell promised, and Uncle Elwood hurrie,
away, saying he would call for her in tb
morning.
AS she reentered the house she was save,
from lecture by the apparition of Uncl
Elwood peering down from the stairs Mrs
Hutton gave him her attention, and tbe no
eounding information that Uncle Elwoo,
brlnton had returned from Australia.
1 knew you be disturbed" she conclude,
pathetcally.
But Uncle Elwood only said
Bless my soull'
With that he hastily reiterated tn his Inv,
ender-scented apartment. There he ono
more buried his face in the pillows. After ,
httle he raised it again, tears OF laughte
pouring over his cheeks.
"Welll' he whisperingly gasped 'if tbi
don't beat all the novels ever read and al
inc plays ever Witnessed The rich fellow
sent away and the poor one kept to enio,
his"
once more he buried his face in the pillow
ana once more the bed creaked.
After the house was quiet he stepped OF
the porch and let himself down to the gar
uen' and then out to the village street. A
the end oil two hours he returned.
On the following MOI ming he eat his breal
fast, agreeing every fifth minute with Mrs
hutton mat 1t was most astonishing thir
mat had happened. breakfast over, he e
turned to his rnom and INDUCED in n non