The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-02-02
Uncle
Johns
Carriage.
By Mae Martin.

By Mae Martin. X
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mrs. Otis with her six daughters, had
gone to Wheatlands to spend the Sum-
mer.
."Yes, Uncle John," she said to her
brother.in-law, Il have six daughters
of marriageable age. Pity me! I pray
daily for strength to help me bear
such a burden. The winter has been
for me a campaign Of husband hunting
for them. This summer have come
into the country to recruit my ener-
gies.'
'sUmph! Well, Nellie, I've let you
the place at low figure, and hope
you'll enjoy the summer"
Uncle John rose and took his hat.
He lived half mile from Wheatlands,
with its comfortable old farmhouse and
fallow lands, where Mrs. Otis had just
taken up her abode; and, as he depart
ed, he observed:
= eT'n come over occasionally and take
the girls for ride around the coun-
try bit.''
'sYes, dol" said Mrs Otis.
The suggestion pleased her family,
through her fatigue and care. She had
an idea that Uncle John was rich. For
forty years he had been sowing and
reaping I'm that quiet place, living in
the simplest and most inexpensive
manner, and it seemed probable that
he had saved a large amount Of money.
Nell, who was merry and glad" with
the care free heart of fifteen, and Bess,
who was flowing and giving gen.
erous and tender-hearted to give any
body moments pain-pronounced
Wheatlands delightful" but the pref
ty brunette twins, Olive and Ora, who
were separated from the fattery OF
their beaux-Lanra, who was always
dissatisfied and Mattine, upon whom
the heat and burden Of the day fell
heavily-did not like their new home.
Don't complain to me Of Wheat
lands being dull and lonesome" said
Mrs. Otis, tanning herself resignedly.
.aI feel as II I'd done the best thing
possible for you all in coming here. We
couldn't bear living in town another
day until you have some new dresses,
and must get rest before we see an
other SOUL"
..Pm content" said Nell rocking her
Kitten
aAnd T." said Bess. There's such a
lovely landscape from my bedroom win
dow, and the birds sing so sweetly, and
there's wild roses coming into bios
som all round the gate
s.Your uncle offered to come over
and take you out riding, girls. You can
go and see the country, and by-and-by,
when the guests come to the seaside
hotels, perhaps"
ss whats that?" interrupted Laura, in
D tone Of horror.
Is There had ambled to the gate a
large. antiquated buggy, so dilapidated
and altogether grotesque that it had
long been the laughing stock Of those
familiar with it. To the eyes Of the
London-bred ladies, the vehicle, to
which was attached meek, fat, white
horse, was frightful.
81 do people here ride in such a thing
as that?" cried Ora
Hush! It is your uncle, and he is
coming in" said Mrs. Otis, family.
Heavens! Look at his coat" cried
Olive.
The garment referred to was an an
eient and queer as his carriage; but
apparently quite unconscious Of any
thing peculiar In his appearance, Uncle
John, unbent as an Indian with his
sixty odd years, walked into the sit
ting room.
s.sIt's a nice day, thought I'd come
and take one Of the girls for ride"
he said.
Olive and Ora hastily escaped from
the room, Matte bent silently over her
sewing, Laura shifted, Nell giggled; on
~ Bess spoke up, queenly and we'll:
"How kind of you, uncle; I shall be
delighted to go. have been longing
! all week for drive"
Bess was, perhaps, the plainest OF
the we'll favored sisters, but she had
radiant color, kindling brown eyes,
and certain dainty set Of the head,
which seemed to find favor in Uncle
Z Johns. sight. He looked down with
4 q sudden twinkle in his eyes.
You're my girl. Come, then!"
She came home from the first ride
with her hands full Of pinks and water
lilies, to go again and again on these
delightful rides with Uncle John, al
ways jubilant, caring nothing for her
sisters ridicule. Even her mother said
plaintively:
What should you do, Bess, If some
of our town friends should come this
way and see you in that horrid car
riage?"
II should bow to them," answered
Bess coolly; which she accordingly did