Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1902-08-15

GS6aiJ daughter and Mrs. Kingston
together, he without any apology
for rudeness is a prerogative of dys-
pepsia-ordered Miss Florence TO
20 TO her own room; he had something
particular to say to Aunt Cecilia. He
sat down by the fire and stared into
the Goals; he seemed more sallow and
sluggish than ever. and when lie spoke
1t was in slow and mournful tones.
81 do not know how long ! am for
this world, Cecilia" he observed. "Ev-
cry day l become more depressed.
cannot shake It Off have lost hope
/ hardly care how soon the end may
be-"
perhaps London does not agree with
you," the widow said, with gentle SYM
pathy. "Why should you not try trav-
cling, Uncle Alexander, on the cont.
nent"
"Try travelingr he exclaimed in sud
den and angry Impotence. GOD bless
my soul, haven't tried travelling suft-
GENTLY? Haven't 1 just come home
from China? Would you like me to
go back to Shanghai for changer
wish you would listen and not inter
rupt with fatuities. How long do |
know may be able to make my wish
es known?" And then he continued in
more businesslke tones: Now, this is
what | want to say-that, in view of
what may happen to me at any time,
wish to make the best provision l can
for those | leave behind-those l am
most interested in. Florence has the
first claim, of course, though she is not
of nv blood. Richard, on the other
hand. is of my own kith and kin. Very
well: when have made certain small
err requests, the bulk of my property
will remain to be divided between these
two"
ut is so generous Of you, Uncle AL
eXander!" the widow broke in. But
surely there is no occasion for you to
talk like that Surely not! Why,
should call you an exceptionally strong
man."
81 wish you to listen, if you please,
ScCllluy ObSClN Su tht Sp'ptAN' VIVA
dignity natural to one who was
speaking of his own nearly approach
ing end. 81 was going to say that there
might be some difficulty in deciding
what relative portion should be assign
ed to either of these two, but that
which has been happening of late
seems to point to an easy way out of
the difficulty. You must have noticed
how capitally these two get on togeth-
err, how fond they seem of each others
society. All, WELL" he continued, with
a heavy sigh, youth is fine thing
and health and absence from care! Let
them enjoy them while they CAM!
But sudden CONSERVATION had filled
the heart of the little widow. She
knew what he meant, and she found
herself on the brink of confession
which she had put off from day to day,
vainly hoping that the need of it would
not arise.
ooh, yes. Uncle Alexander" she oh.
served rather breathlessly. 81 am glad
to see them such good friends. 1t is
but right they, should he so-almost OF
an age and cousins. 1t is only to be
expected
II should Ike to see them married
before co." continued the invalid alb
sently. COR if that is denied me
should like to know that that settle
ment of their lives was to take place
and l could make provision for them
in proper FORM"
"Uncle Alexander" said the widow
with her trembling fingers nervously
clasped together, lit is most kind and
generous of you to have such inten
tons in view. But-but I think mus
propose is impossible. have said that
am delighted to see him and his cous
in on such friendly terms, but-bu
that is all there is between them"
"Oh, yes, understand" Uncle Alex
ander said impatiently. II understand
OF course nothing has been declared
between them. That is quite right
There has not been a sufficient length
of time. But we who are outsiders ant
spectators can see clearly enough wha
will happen"
"Oh, Uncle Alexander" she eXclaim
ed in her distress, ''it never can hap
penw
He stared at her.
what do you mean, Cecilia?" he de
manded.
Richard isis already engaged to b
married." she blurted out.
There was no explosion of wrath
He only continued to stare at her as
she We're an imbecile whose utterance
were wholly unintelligible.
''But-but-what was that? Imposs
BILE? What did you say? Richard en-
gagged to be married" he repeated
with Misunderstanding eyes.
The ordeal had to be faced. She be
gan, and with piteous excuses for no
having made the revelation before sh
told him the whole story. Uncle Alex
ander sat and listened, dumfounde
beyond the power of speech. A sol
of despair and resignation overwheln
ed him, and when she had finished h
could only calculate:
"Well well, if any human being eve
heard of such gigantic piece of ton
foolery!'
But presently he said, with a ba1
of anger:
"Why, don't you know that evel
young idiot gets into scrape lii
that and that it is the business of h
relatives-unless they're fools-unle
they're fools-to get him out of i
Don't you know it's as common
Smelling peas? You talk to me as if
WAS q piaaa of romantic captimopt