Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-03-17

day and brought us back before service in the morning. One may find in that town today many who will love to tell him of the voice and beauty and sweet ness of Hope Brewer those days and of what they expected regarding her and me. We went out good deal evenings to concerts. lectures at the churches or the college or to visit some of the many people who invited us to their homes. -- We had recess of two weeks at the winter holidays, and David Brewer came after us the day the term ended. Oh, the great happiness of that day before Christmas when we came flying home in the sleigh behind a new team of grays and felt the intoxication of the frosty air. and drove in at dusk after the lamps were lit and we could see mother and Uncle ED and Grandma Bisnette looking out of the window, and steaming dinner on the table! I declare! It is long since then, but I cannot ever think of that time without wiping my glasses and taking a mo ment off. Tip Taylor took the horses, and we all came in where the kettle was singing on the stove, and loving hands helped us out of our wraps. The supper was merry feast, the like of which one may find only by returning to his boyhood. Alack, that is long journey for some of us!
 Supper over and the dishes out of the way. we gathered about the stove with cider and butternuts.
 We'll" said Hope, I've got some news to tell you. This boy is the best scholar of his age in this county
 ''Thet SOL" said David.
 Uncle Eb stopped his hammer that was lifted to crack a butternut and pulled his chair close to Hopes. Eliza. beth looked at her daughter and then at me. smile and protest in her face. True as you live" said Hope. '"The master told me so. He's first in every thing. and in the town hall the other night he spelt everybody down.
 What? In HillsboroughT Uncle Eh dSkeu lUcTouulOuSly.
 "Yes. in Hillsborough," said Hope. "and there were doctors and lawyers and college students and don't know who all in the match
 Most ree-markabler' said David Brewer.
 Tree -meniiousw exclaimed Uncle Eb II heard about it over at the mills t'day." said Tip Taylor.
 "Merci Dieuv' exclaimed Grandma Bisnette, crossing herself,
 Elizabeth Brewer was unable to stem this tide of enthusiasm. I had tried to stop it. but instantly it had gone be- yond my control. If could be hurt by praise the mischief had been done.
 Its very nice. indeed" said she so- berly. q do hope it won't make him conceited. He should remember that people do not always mean what they say"
 Hes too sensible for that, mother" said David.
 "Shucks." said Uncle Eb. He ain no fool if he is good speller-not by dunn sight"
 Tip" said David, you'll find box in the sleigh at come by express. I wish ye'd go an git it. .- ~Wpr all stood looking while Flip brought it in and pried of the top boards with hatchet.
 Careful, now-' Uncle ED cautioned him. Might spile sumthlh'."
 The top off. Uncle Eb removed lay CT of pasteboard. Then he pulled out a lot of colored tissue paper. and under that was package wrapped and tied. Something was written on it. He held it up and tried to read the writing
 Cant see without my spectacles," hc said. handing it to me.
 For Hope" read as passed it to her.
 "Hooray. said Uncle ED as he lifted another and the last package from the box
 For Mrs. Brower." were the words l read upon that one.
 The strings were cut. the wrappers torn away. and two big rolls of shiny silk loosened their coils on the table. Hope uttered cry of delight. A mur- mur of surprise and admiration passed from one to another. Elizabeth lifted a rustling fold and held 1t to the lamp light. We passed our hands over the smooth sheen of the silk.
 "waal. I swan!' said Uncle Eb. "Jes' like kittens ear!"'
 "Eggzac'ly- said David Brewer.
 Elizabeth lifted the silk and let 1t flow to her feet Then for a little she looked down. draping 1t to her skirt and moving her foot to make the silk rustic For the moment she was young again.
 David" she said. still looking at the glory of glossy black that covered her plain dress.
 Well. mother" he answered.
 Was you fool enough t go'n buy this stuff fer me:'
 No mother: it come from New York city," he said.
 From New York cityI" was the ex- clamation of all.
 Elizabeth Brewer looked thoughtful ly at her husband.
 Clear from New York city," she repeated.
 "From New York city" said he.
 "waal of all thingsr' said Uncle Eb. looking over his spectacles from one to | ~,o*bor