The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-12-15

JS was returned. VIII o
could forget Ben's i'm
mense figure, although three years
had elapsed, while Arthur had at
tanned his growth in the meantime?
He gave Ben a cordial, though brief
greeting, as he stood there with
friend, almost before Ben could re-
alize who it was, and then, saying
"Please keep an eye on these traps,
Ben, while | go back for mother" he
disappeared. Will Barker snickered
at the retreating figure, and said, as
he thrust his hands in his pockets
and leaned against post, yawning.
"He's dude, amt he, with them
russell shoes and turned up pants,
and that brown derby"
eyes, 1 should say he was" re-
marked Ben, gazing curiously at the
luggage; che does look rather prinked
up for the country. Well have to
learn him how to live here" and he
set his straw hat back, and began
whistling as Arthur reappeared with
his mother on his arm.
'And this is brother Charles's boy"
she said, in her kindly voice, after
Arthur had presented Ben.
,'Yes'm," said Ben, uneasily chang
his weight from one foot to the other
under the calm gaze of his aunt. He
did not offer to introduce Will, who
soon walked away and stood watch
ing them at distance.
"Do you know of anyone who could
take our baggage to the house7" said
Arthur, at length, seeing that Ben did
not offer any assistance.
"Oh, yes, lots of en-" said his
cousin, starting up, and appearing
relieved to do something He was
growing decidedly uncomfortable,
with Will gone.
If you will find some one we will
be much Obliged" said Aunt Mary,
with little dignity, and turned
toward Arthur, with peculiar ex-
preston on her face. Ben walked off,
his hands in his pockets, toward the
baggage-room AS he went by Will,
the latter said, "I'm comm over to-
night, to have fun with the city chap"
Cali right" said Ben, "come on"
1t was not long before dray was
found to convey the baggage, and
Mrs. Webb and Arthur, accompanied
by Ben, started down the shaded
country road that led to the farm,
short distance away. Ben's mother,
Mrs. Morris, a hard working, pale
faced woman, greeted them with true
country hospitality.
"I'm real glad to see you at last"
she said. 81 hope Ben saw to your
baggage for you. Charles went over
to the Ridge this afternoon, or we'd
have sent for you; l hope Ben told
you. Hope you amt tired"
Mrs. Webb's bright face was the
surest index to her feelings, as she
followed her sister-in-law upstairs to
the guest chamber. And Arthur,
still holding the handbag that Ben
had not once thought of offering to
take, followed along also, and was
shown his little room under the caves.
He knocked and entered his mothers
room some time later, and closed the
door carefully.
30 mother how shall ever get on
with Bent l thought three years
would do more for him than it has.
/ just can't enjoy the things he does.
l have been down stairs trying to
hit on subject we could both be in
terested in, and he talks about moth
ing that care snap about, except
cunning, and do know as much
about that, l find, as he, although l
do not think he believes it. But he
does not read or study anything. He
doesn't know anything about books
good books. i see the Hearth's
Visitor, and the Gazette, and that
style of paper en- the table. He has
been talking to me about going to
sea-"
swell, my son, we must just make
the most we can of Ben'while we are