The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-07-15

those one reads about in novels. Put it
back, Will-prt it back. We've no bust
ness to be prying into Uncle Caleb's sec
rets but what blessing it Is he came
here instead of stopping at Rebecca
Larkins.'
And when Uncle Cheverel came down
stairs he was surprised at the sweet smiles
with which his niece Jenny welcomed him.
"Been mending my coat, ell ?" said
Uncle Cheverel. "Thank zee kindly, Jenny.
| caught it on nail yesterday, and | was
calculating to sew it up myself, when
could borrer needle and thread.
"Pm glad to be of use, Uncle Caleb, )"
beamed Mrs. Eldertop. "Johnny, put on
your cap and run to the grocer's for
smoked mackerel for your uncle's break
fast l hope you found your room COM
Portable, Uncle Caleb"
Before she slept that night Mrs. Eldertop
put on her bonnet and shawl and ran
round to the Larkins' mansion to impart
her wonderful tidings to Sister Rebecca.
"You don't say so, cried out the as
tonished matron.
Gospel truth !" said Mrs. Eldertop. 81
saw it with my own eyes"
'IIe must come here" said Mrs. Lar
kins resolutely.
"Not if know it," said Mrs. Eldertop.
Hes my guest and my guest he shall
remain"
''But if I'm to share equally with you"
SAID Mrs LarkiDs, 81 ought to show him
some attention, the dear generous-hearted
old man.
Lest he should alter his WILL" shrewd
ly remarked Sister Jenny. "You always
were worldly creature, Becky ~
"No more than yourselfn' said Mrs.
Larkins, bristling up. "But it's my family
| am thinking of, Jenny I'll tell You
what-I'll come around and see him to-
morrow
''But don't you breathe a syllable about
the will" said Mrs. Eldertop, in myster-
ious whisper.
ooh, not for worlds" said Mrs Larkins,
fervently.
During the next week Uncle Cheverel
was overwhelmed with civlities On
Thursday new suit of clothes arrived,
with Mrs. Larkins' best love and compli-
ments. On Friday Mrs. Larkins came with
an open barouche to take dear Uncle Caleb
for a drive in the park. And on Saturday
Mrs Eldertop burst into tears and declared
she should never be happy again if her
mothers only brother didn't pledge him
self then and there to make his future home
with herself and Will.
Uncle Caleb looked little puzzled.
"Well," said he, 'if you really make a
point of it-but | was intending to meet
Cousin John at Gravesend.
Dear Uncle, promise me to stay here
always" cried Mrs. Eldertop, hysterically
Just as you say, Niece Jenny" assent
ed the old man, complacently.
Mrs. Eldertop felt that she had carried
her point.
But when Mr.. and Mrs. Larkins came on
Sunday afternoon to press similar petition,
Uncle Caleb opened his eyes.
My Importance seems to have gone up
in the Market" he observed quantity. 81
never was in such demand among my rela.
tives before. But can't be in two places
at once, that's plain
And he decided to remain with Mrs
Eldertop, greatly to the Indignation of the
Larkins family, who did not hesitate to
hint boldly at unfair advantages and undue
impartiality.
But just as Mrs. Larkins was rising to
depart, with her handkerchief to her eyes,
little Johnny Eldertop came clamorng for
a piece Of paper to cut kite tail from.
GO along" said Mrs, Eldertop, impat-
iently.
eve have no paper here. Go to Amelia. "
Hold on, little chap-hold on ~ said
Uncle Caleb, fumbling in his overcoat
pooket-he had been just about starting
for walk when the Larkins party arrived
there's bit as is of no use to nobody. +"
And he produced the trough draft" and
bestowed it on Johnny.
cone sides written on said he, land
T. other amt. 1t was lying on the floor in
Mr.. Watkins law Office, when stepped in
to see if Joseph Hall was employed there
as porter still An old chum of mine Hall
was in Tortoise Hollow. | can't bear to
see even bit of paper wasted, so | asked
the clerk if it was of any use. He told me
not was only draft of DR.. Falcon
will. DR.. Falcon made new will every
six months, he said, so l just picked it up
and put it in my pocket. Everything comes
in use once in seven years, they say, and
this is just right for little Johnny's kite
tail"
Mrs. Larkins looked at Mrs. Eldertop.
Mr.. Eldertop stared into the specialized
eyes of Mr.. Larkins.
Uncle Caleb chuckled benevolently as
little Johnny skipped away with the piece
of paper which had been freghted with
such wealth of anticipation.
The Larkinses took leave without any