The Tin Box

Ross, especially in a matter of this kind. She was firml

en brought up in the same style in which she was now living

years of poverty; and Mrs. Ross felt that she should expire of mortification if her servants should hear of them. Farewell, then, to her aristocratic claims, for she knew well enough that they would be read

ncy," she said, affably, as Nancy was cleari

your uncle, mu

eny it, but felt that she wo

is a black sheep in every family, and poo

o, mum! He seems

't go to college"--Uncle Obed would have opened his eyes if he had heard this--"and so grandpa bought him a farm, and set him up in business as a farmer. He was rather shiftless, and

a pity

very mortifying to me to have him come here--so different as he

yes,

are back to Illinois, and give him a pension, if he really needs it. I dare say he

d Nancy, who didn't believe half her mistress was saying,

t need any more the mantilla you like

um," exclaimed Na

present from her mistress, who was

some one, and she thank

aluable mantilla. I grudge it to her, but it is best to guard her against any

ut this she was unwilling to promise. She agreed to let her unc

und her opportunity. Breakfast was ove

said, "I want to ha

at makes you call me Mr. Wilkins? When you were a little girl, and c

you that I hardly feel like speak

r acquainted after

s to stay a long time

istake in leaving Illinois?"

I did," admit

come to a new place where you don't kno

nigh eve

act

relations left. After my poo

s for so many years, we are

and your poor mother struggled a

you wouldn't be happy here. We don't as you were accustomed to do; and, in fact, i

retty rugge

ss, nodding her head solemnly. "I am very

e Obed. "I thought I was pretty quiet. As to the w

ount of care that falls upon m

Lucindy. I'm one of your own folks, and I

"As if I'd alter my style of living for a destitute old

me, company or no comp

isitors from New York and Philadelphi

on't give you

ss, "it is worrying to m

those fashionable people from New Yor

k more plainly. Indeed," said she, "I was surprised you should come in upon us wi

d," said Uncle Obed.

sire it," said Mrs. Ross, "but you will b

dge of that, Lucindy," sai

can't always judge

ing to try the experience

ou to stay here. Colonel Ross will pay your fare back to Illi

e years I freely helped you and your poor mother. However,

amed, but was not moved in her re

get the past. We will help pay your

t a di

ht think it strange you didn't stay wi

cindy, but I prefer to make my own a

assist you," said

ge to pay my board, and I have a

t to board?" asked

you when it

ould be a help to a family she disliked; but Uncle Obed was proof against any insinuations she was able to bring against

g about him with a pleased expression. "I like thi

are with hers, Mr. Wi

a little seven-by-nine chamber, and

e too plain for you," suggeste

atever's good enough for you and Harry is good enough for me. And now

y did not look as if he could pay much, yet it would not do to

suit you?" she asked

dn't," said

afford to ask less,"

on't ask enough. I will pay you six dol

ng so much," said Mrs. Gilber

though you might not think it from my clothes. When my trunk comes--I left it at a hotel in New York--I will dres

allet, he took therefrom t

Gilbert, gratefully, "even if Harry doesn't

now how much board I pay. If Mrs. Ross chooses to think I am very poor, let he

n obtaining so valuable a boarder. Six dollars a w

in a place, for he knew that, even if it was def