Aunt Jane's Nieces

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We have

talked of making you a small allowance; but that may not be necessary.

When you need assistance you must come to us, and we'll do whatever we

can, as long as our money lasts. Won't that be the better way?"

Uncle John was silent for a moment. Then he asked:

"Why have you thought it necessary to assist me?"

Louise seemed surprised.

"You are old and seemed to be without means," she answered, "and that

five thousand Aunt Jane left to you turned out to be a myth. But tell

me, have you money, Uncle John?"

"Enough for my present needs," he said, smiling.

Mrs. Merrick seemed greatly relieved.

"Then there is no need of our trying to be generous," she said, "and I

am glad of that on all accounts."

"I just called for a little visit," said Uncle John. "It seemed

unfriendly not to hunt you up, when I was in town."

"I'm glad you did," replied Mrs. Merrick, glancing at the clock. "But

Louise expects a young gentleman to call upon her in a few minutes,

and perhaps you can drop in again; another Sunday, for instance."

"Perhaps so," said Uncle John, rising with a red face. "I'll see."

"Good bye, Uncle," exclaimed Louise, rising to take his hand. "Don't

feel that we've hurried you away, but come in again, whenever you feel

like it."

"Thank you, my dear," he said, and went away.

Louise approached the open window, that led to a broad balcony. The

people in the next flat--young Mr. Isham, the son of the great

banker, and his wife--were sitting on the balcony, overlooking the

street, but Louise decided to glance over the rail to discover if the

young gentleman she so eagerly awaited chanced to be in sight.

As she did so Mr. Isham cried in great excitement:

"There he is, Myra--that's him!" and pointed toward the sidewalk.

"Whom?" enquired Mrs. Isham, calmly.

"Why John Merrick! John Merrick, of Portland, Oregon."

"And who is John Merrick?" asked the lady.

"One of the richest men in the world, and the best client our house

has. Isn't he a queer looking fellow? And dresses like a tramp.

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