The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1899-05-03


ton, dear child" when I remembered
Miss Elizabetl's gaunt bony figure.
But I found no objections to Uncle
Cyrus immediate preparations for visit
to the Blaketons. knew he expected
me to accompany him, and was glad of
the opportunity to visit Beth. So
helped Uncle Cyrus decide what particu-
lar shade would best suit his intended's
taste in neck ribbon, selected a gold
watch and pair of bracelets, and, after
persuading him to postpone buying the
engagement ring until he knew what size
was needed, we finally got things packed
and started off.
Uncle Cyrus impotence at every little
delay afforded me amusement during the
whole OF the journey. | had hard work
to keep him from attracting attention by
his illusions to his dear Elizabeth" and
to my mild remonstrances he replied, as
he looked me over with superior air
Wait till you come to it, young man,
you'll feel different then!"
We got off the train, uncle presenting
a most ludicrous appearance, loaded with
boxes and bundles. He would not allow
me to carry anything but his valise.
| was glad when we were out OF the
crowded street. but as we drew near the
Blaketon mansion | began to wonder
what in the world would happen if Miss
Eli, bo+1, cl,o,,1d Gonna r,,,r;po Oft To
meet us. But to my relief l saw no
sign OF her, and Beth herself opened the
door, l was mentally regretting that the
presence of third person made my
greeting to Beth necessarily little cold,
when, without putting down his bundles,
and totally oblivious OF my presence,
Uncle Cyrus put both arms around my
sweetheart and planted loud kiss on
her astonished little mouth.
| took it all in in second and Beth,
sweet little. rogue! waited until the storm
OF his endearing epithets had subsidized,
and them with brave effort to control
the twitching of her mouth, commenced
the painful explanation.
She told it bravely, and very gently, but
all the same it was tremendous disap-
pointment to Uncle Cyrus. He paled,
trembled, dropping his precious parcels
one by one to the floor His attitude was
so forsaken that while bursting with
laughter was ready to cry for pity.
And so you amt going to marry me?"
be blubbered at length. when I've come
all the way down here and fetched you
watch and chain, and a nice ribbon,
and
But you can marry Aunt Elizabeth,
uncle answered Beth using the title as
naturally as my heart could wish. "She
has accepted you, and she's gone down
town this very morning to buy her we'd
ding dress
Aunt Elizabeth! Why that old'-be
gan Uncle Cyrus in CONSERVATION, but
just then approaching footsteps were
heard outside, and at the sound Uncle
Cyrus looked so frightened that Beth
hurried him upstairs in bare time to pre-
vent his having to meet her whom he'd
wooed and won.
| Well, Beth and talked it over, and
were nerving ourselves for the scene
which would take place when Aunt Eliza
beth learned the true state of affairs,
when Uncle Cyrus sent for me to come
to his room. I went, expecting to re-
ceive orders to prepare at once for re-
turning, and was much surprised to find
| the old gentleman quite calm. He had
removed his hat and coat, and made his
appearance as presentable as possible, and
was examining the quality OF the priced
ribbon when l came in.
! 1T struck me rather sudden that
! was OWN you congratulations" he said
extending his hand which l clasped
warmly. Beth will make you No.
wife" he continued. and Elizabeth is
! better suited to me, if she is getting DID,
! But l wish you had told me before. and
! avoided all this trouble But if you had
maybe I'd never have thought of courtin'
! Miss Elizabeth. so l guess it's all right,
only. | wouldn't ever want her to hear
of this"
i And she didn't; and before Uncle Cy-
i rus and left the Blakctons we had cele
/ brated his and Aunt Elizabeth's wedding.
| Mabel E. Hastings.