“Still, as you hadn’t seen us for so many years, we are almost the same as strangers.” “I can’t forget, Lucindy, how you and your poor mother struggled along, and how I tried to help——” “We won’t recall those old times,” said Mrs. Ross, impatiently. “I was going to say you wouldn’t be happy here. We don’t live as you were accustomed to do; and, in fact, it would be inconvenient for us to have a new inmate. My health is delicate, and——” “You look pretty rugged, Lucindy.” “Appearances are deceitful,” said Mrs. Ross, nodding her head solemnly. “I am very nervous and all excitement is bad for me.” “I hope I haven’t excited you, Lucindy,” said Uncle Obed. “I thought I was pretty quiet. As to the work, you’ve got two girls to help in the kitchen.” “Yes; but there’s a certain amount of care that falls upon me which you can’t understand.” “I hope you won’t alter your living for me, Lucindy. I’m one of your own folks, and I don’t mind a picked-up dinner now and then.” “The ridiculous old man,” thought Mrs. Ross, impatiently. “As if I’d alter my style of living for a destitute old man that looks as if he’d just escaped from an almshouse.” “We always live the same, company or no company,” she said, coldly. “If we don’t change for fashionable visitors from New York and Philadelphia, it is hardly likely would for you.” “I’m glad I don’t give you any trouble.” “But,” continued Mrs. Ross, “it is worrying to my nerves to have company.” “Then I shouldn’t think you’d invite those fashionable people from New York and Philadelphia,” said Obed, slyly. “Plague take him!” thought Mrs. Ross; “won’t he take a hint? I shall have to speak more plainly. Indeed,” said she, “I was surprised you should come in upon us without writing, or inquiring whether it would be convenient for us to receive you.” “I begin to understand,” said Uncle Obed. “I ain’t welcome here.” “Well, you can stay a few days, if you desire it,” said Mrs. Ross, “but you will be much happier in your old home than here.” “I ought to be the best judge of that, Lucindy,” said the old man, with dignity. “Perhaps not. People can’t always judge best for themselves.” “Perhaps not; but I am going to try the experience of staying here a while.” “I have already told you that it will not be convenient for you to stay here. Colonel Ross will pay your fare back to Illinois, and that, I am sure, is quite as much as he ought to do.” “Lucindy,” said Uncle Obed, “you seem to have forgotten the years I freely helped you and your poor mother. However, if you don’t care to remember them, I won’t refer to them.” Mrs. Ross had the grace to be ashamed, but was not moved in her resolution to get rid of her uncle. “Of course,” she said, “I don’t forget the past. We will help pay your board in some town at a distance.” “Why at a distance?” “Because, if you were here, people might think it strange you didn’t stay with us, and my health won’t admit that.”