The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-01-02

OUR
New Years DINNER.
nvEvlu

wanted TO- | suppose. And how dare you
rush in here and accuse my son of ill-using
me, when he's the best OF sons and Oh
good gracious
She paused suddenly, with her mouth
wide open, and said no more while the old
gentleman, waving his right hand toward
her, while with his left lie settled his wig,
calculated, "Amanda Jane, is it thus we
meet again." and she, finding her tongue,
cried out, 1T is Benjamin Fran lin
Scurry!'
'Your uncle, y said aside to Ben.
'And the fellow | ran into first and
pounded afterwards replied my spouse,
in the same tone ''Here's pretty kettle
of fish,"
On the instant had bright idea, and
catching up towel that had brought into
the room, flung it over Ben's face.
Don't take it off while he stays
whispered. Uncle Scurry had by this time
dragged ma to her feet and seated her ON
the sofa, where he now sat beside her
WI NRlIiN Nho olllNipuS lhlVl,
heard him say, 'but | thought | had come
upon one of those scenes of terror we
country folks read Of in the New York
newspapers"
'But can you forgive me for my dread.
ful speeches, Benjamin Frankln?" MA re-
piled. Indeed deserved them, Amanda
Jane, " said the old gentleman in a tender
tone. But have been through so much
since alighted at the depot. Turning the
corner not many blocks away, in the hest
of health and spirits, | was run into by
reckless wretch of wheclmau. We both
rolled into the gutter together, and he
attacked me so furiously that was obliged
to defend myself. In fact think he is
sorry he ran into me by this time; pol
ished him in fine STYLE
''Dcar uncle"' | said, with outstretchcd
band and as beaming Il smile as | could
command ON short notice MAY | call
you 80? | am Beh's wife. We can truly
sympathze with you; my poor husband
has Just met with an accident of the sam,
sort, and his eyes are so much injured that
| have been obliged to cover them, as you
See"
Goodness metz cried uncle Scurry
Shake lands, my suffering nephew. Dear
dear! where are the New York police? Ant
now, if may repair myself a little before
dinner, FOR which have an appetite, dew
niece l shall be more presentable "
"Ar' ! r.on,s. lon a good dinner,
Buiamn Frank lin said ma.
"If you cooked it, it is sure to be" sad
he calamity, as he followed me to an apart
ment where all he needed could be found,
and left him to repair damages as best he
might. Then hastily changed my dress
and fastened to offer my help to ma iii
dishing the dinner. Alas! as ! approached
the kitchen door an appalling shrek felt
upon my ears, and ma voice, at its highes.
compass, uttered the words; "Bu ned!
burned! burned"
The cry rang through the house. | knew
very we'll what happened, but Uncle Scurry
and my unlucky husband hearing the wall
from afar, believed that one of us had set
our clothing on fire, and flew to our assist
auce, uncle with ever Of water, and Ben,
his face uncovered, carrying a blanket in
which he instantly developed ma, while
Mr.. Scurry emptied the ever over me and
the cat who instantly flew up the dresser
shelves, miaouing madly and overseeing
most of the china.
"Whos on lire?' asked Ben, after these
proofs of prompttude in times of emcr-
gency had been exhibited. | merely
pointed to an array of dishes which poor
ma had dragged out of the ovens and plate
warmers, as she had uttered the screams
which had SO alarmed us. Nothing Ie-
NAMED of our splendid turkey, Of the
mincr pies over which we had cnthused, OF
Jumps of charcoal and Undesirable, sticky
masses, curling up on the center. of their
plarters. There was no longer any dinner
to offer to Uncle ScuIry.
There is no use staring at it any longer"
| said leading the way to the parlor. eve
intended to give you good dinner, Uncle
Scurry; hut shall have to ask you to con-
slider yourself an idol, and accept burnt
Offering"
81 don't see how you can laugh" said