Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1902-10-29
~ DWARD LESLIE kissed his
II wife fondly when she ran to
v the door to welcome him home

anu reSteu HIS 0edu upon lib utiIiu. AN
was tired after a long days work, will
nothing but couple Of buns to stay
the inner manfred and worried. They
had been married now nearly twelve
months, and they found housekeeping
more expensive than they had antici
pated, and the better times they had
hoped for seemed as far off as ever. II
was nearly the end of the month. too
and the rent would soon be due. The
coal, also, had yet to be paid for, and
then there was the interest on some
''tickets" which must be paid, OF his
little wife would lose the little jewelry
she treasured so, but which she gave
up so willingly to help the man She
loved In the hard struggle to get theil
little home together.
Dinner is nearly ready, dearest, u
she said as she stroked his hair back
from his forehead. "And you are hun
CRY and tired, dear, and worried"
Presently the postman's sharp RAP
caused him to spring up and run to the
door. He came back more slowly.
"Its from Uncle Mac" he said.
"Well, I am surprised. He arrived in
England yesterday morning, and-oh
good heavens! we must put him off,
We can't do it.
Mrs. Leslie took the letter.
"My Dear Godson Ted-I have come
back to England after fifteen years IN
Australia. As things are not too well
with lne, propose to come and stay q
few months with you. I suppose since
you are married fortune Is smiling
upon you, and they say three can be
kept as cheaply as one. Expect me to.
night about 8. All news then. Your
affectionate uncle, MAC"
"Why, 1 always thought your Uncle
Mac W, doing so we'll, Ted" she said,
slowly, as she finished.
$50 did l." said her husband. "But,
then, everyone abroad is always doing
well. I must write at once and put
him off,"
"No, Ted, DEAR" his little wife said
bravely. Because you are married
don't want him to think we are quite
so poor. We will manage somehow"
But she sighed little as she thought
how quickly, even now, the weekly pay
dwindled to shilling or two before
Friday night
Barely an hour later Uncle Mac an
nounced his arrival with a performance
on the little brass knocller which start.
led several of Mr. Leslie's quiet neigh,
bors.
"Glad to see you. me boy. Glad tc
see you. Nice little place you got, but
awkward to find. Took the wrong train
at Broad street, so had to come up on
the tram. And I say, Ted, my boy
why Oh earth don't they put the pave
ment all the way along the street
Half way down got mixed up in q
mountain of mortar, quite lost my
temper, and nearly my umbrella. AS
1 said to man who came down will
me, That's an internally ugly looking
thing Your wife, eh, Ted?" broke
off Uncle Mac, as he caught sight OF
Nellie in the hall. "Glad to make your
acquaintance, Mrs. Ted" he said, walk
ing into Nellle's dainty little drawing
room-the pride Of her life-bringine
with him sufficient of the much-sized
mortar on his boots to build small
sized villa. Come over to the light
and let me look at you"
"Nice face. but tired" he said, quite
audibly. although intended only fol
himself. Smart girl, but no strength
or backbone. Novel and the sofa and
pretty fal-dallals. Wonder why he
married herr"
Because he loved me and loved
him." said Nellie, proudly.
II beg your pardon" said Uncle Mac
hurriedly. silly habit. speaking your
thoughts aloud. Learnt 1t in the lone
ly bush. No offense. Hope you're
happy and your love will last, but they
do say when poverty comes in at the
Notwithstanding love SHOOTS out Of the
thingummy"
That's wrong, my dear, isn't it?'
said Edward, slipping his arm round
her waist. Poverty only make ou,
love the brighter. But come, Uncle
Mac, my little girl has some real ole
Irish stew for supper, and I'm sure
you're hungry"
You're right, TED, my boy" criei
Uncle Mac. 'I'm absolutely .uyen
ous."
You won't mind the kitchen, Will
you, Mr.. -er-?" Nellie began.
Mac, my dear, plain Mac; that is
OF course, Uncle Mac, to you" he re
piled. Personally prefer tho
kitchen"
During supper he kept them all
merry with stories of his life in Aus
tralia, but Nellie's eyes noted with an
prehension that bis appetite was likely
to be serious strain on her limited
larder.
Good tack, this" he said presently
with appreciation. "Knocks billy an(
damper hollow. But you're not eating
much"
"Oh, I've plenty, thank you," she
stammered, but Uncle Mac silently
noted that the meat had been served
to Ted and himself, while her plate
made brave show with little else thar
potato.
Nearly a week passed and one day
Nellie was just wondering whether she
would have an egg or her lunch now
or wait till 5, when q ring came to the
door. and she ran up to fnd-Uncle
Mac!
"Bit surprised to see me so sc-n, ah
my dear? he says cheerfully, "but the
fact is, I've run out of cash, so ]
thought would drop down earlier and
have bit of lunch with you"
"Have lunch with mer' cried Nellie
in a horror. stricken voice. I'm afraid
I have nothing in the house. Uncle