The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1905-03-03
Uncle
Johns
Carriage.
BY M ae Martin.
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% " 81
Mrs Otis with her six daughters, had
gone to Wheatlands to spend the sum
mer.
Yes, Uncle john" she said 10 her
brother-in-law, Il have six daughters
OF manageable age. Pity me! | pray
daily for strength to help me bear
such burden The winter has been
Tor me campaign of husband hunting
for them. This summer l have come
into the country to recruit my ener-
gies."
'Umph! Well, Nellie, I've let you
the place at a low figure, and | hope
you'll enjoy the summer"
Uncle John rose and took his hat.
He lived half a mile from Wheatlands,
with it's comfortable old farmhouse and
fallow lands, where Mrs. Otis had just
taken up her abode; and, as he depart
ed, he observed:
III come over occasionally and take
the girls for ride around the coun-
try bit"
Yes, 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 in that quiet place, living in
the simplest and most inexpensive
manner, and it seemed probable that
he had saved large amount of money.
Nell, who was merry and glad" with
the care free heart of fifteen, and Bess,
who was loving and giving'-t 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 flattery of
their beaux-Laura, 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.
II feel as if 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 I must get rest before we see an
other SOUL
I'm content" said Nell rocking her
kitten.
And l." said Bess. There's such
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
"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"
What's that" interrupted Laura, in
a tone of horror
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 |
ladies, the vehicle, to |
which was attached meek, fat, white |
horse, was frightful
do people here ride in such thing
as that?" cried Ora
Hush! 1t 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
Gent and queer as his carriage; but
apparently quite unconscious of any
hing peculiar in his appearance. Uncle
John, unbent as an Indian with his
s,ot1
ing room.
Its a nice day, | thought I'd come
md take one of the girls for a ride"
le said.
Olive and Ora hastily escaped from
he room, Matte bent silently over her
ewing, Laura shifted, Nell giggled on
v Bess spoke up, queenly and well:
"How kind of you, uncle | shall be
to go. l have been longing
III week for a drive"
Bess was, perhaps, the plainest of
he well favored sisters, but she had
adiant color, kindling brown eyes,
nd a certain dainty set of the head,
which seemed to find favor in Uncle
ohns sight He looked down with
sudden twinkle in his eyes.
you're my girl. Come, them"
She came home from the first ride
nth her hands full Of pinks and water
lies, to go again and again on these
elightful rides with Uncle John, al .
'ays jubilant, caring nothing for her
isters' ridicule. Even her mother said I
laintiyely: {
what should you 90, Bess, if some i
[ our town friends should come this !