The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1895-02-27
Uncle Ben's Experiment.


mates people will put on mans char
acter, according to the eyes with
which they may view him. In the
opinion of some Mr.. Benjamin Bene-
dict was gentleman, scholar and
philanthropist; while others, quite as
well qualified to decide. wondered
that such n monster was allo wed to
walk the earth unchnllenged.
For old Ben Benedict was just the
sort of man to provoke and please in
alternations--a human March day,
with streaks of sunshine and chilling
gusts sandwiched through his nature.
'You will be sure to like my uncle,
darling" said Hugh Benedict to his
young wife. "He is eccentric, but he
is sterling"
Rachel did not answer, but her blue
eyes we're wistful and full of perplex-
ity. Uncle Ben, whom she had never
seen, but of whom she had heard
much. was to her an inscrutable rid
die, whom she feared more than she
WAS willing to acknowledge. For
Highs future depended to certain
extent upon Uncle Ben Benedict, and
with Hugh's future her own was
bound inseparably.
She was fair, fresh-looking girl,
with velvety cheeks, bronze-bright
hair, and features as correct and
delicately cut as cameo. Hugh was
quite certain that Uncle Ben could
not see her without loving her; but
then these young husbands are not
apt to be impartial judges!
She was sitting in the fire-light
when the old gentleman first beheid
her, and the only warning she had of
his presence she saw reflected in
Hugh's eyes.
"My dear, how do you do?" said
the old gentleman.
And she thought he was not SO ter.
tible after all
He turned to Hugh.
"Well, young man, are you ready
to go homer" he asked, brusquely
for be it known that the old gentle
man had given Hugh and Rachel
wedding present of q new house.
"Quite, SIR"
'Shall it be tomorrow"
"Yes."
Cali right" And Mr.. Benedict sat
down to spend the evening and enjoy
himself.
"Well," said Hugh, when his uncle
was taking leave, and paused on the
hotel steps to light cigar.
"Well," said Uncle Benedict calm
ly.
"How do you like her?" asked
Hugh.
"How can tell? She's pretty; SO
is doll or a white kitten! Good
,vening!'
And Hugh, alLeit he was very fond
of his uncle, did not know whether
to be vexed or not.
Early next morning, however, Un-
Gle Ben made his appearances.
Trunks packed, eh?"
"All but tho last one, uncle" and
Rachti lifted her pretty head out of
the tray.
'1'm going to take you down to
Bloomsburg myself, my DEAR" said
Uncle Ben. "Hugh, 1 want you to
go by express to Washington with
these letters. They're of Importance.
I'd go myself if / were younger, but
journeys don't agree with old bones
like mine"
Hugh looked aghast.
"CInnot the business be post
poned?" said Hugh, hesitatingly.
"No!" replied Uncle Ben, curtly.
"If you don't want to go, say so. ]
dare say can find some one else tc
) oblige me-"
"Of course, shall 60" said Hugh
"But Rachel"
, 81 suppose I'm old enough to take
= care of a girl. You'll find us both il
the new home, with the kettle boiling
; aud the table set for tea, when yor
come back"
| So there was nothing for it but fo
r Hugh to kiss his little bride half
a score of times, and commission Uncl
/. Ben to take the best possible care o
D her until he should return.
| "Foolish children!" said Mr.. Bene
Z diet, as he saw Rachel sobbing o
Hughs shoulder But there was