ce. I am
staggered by this tale, perfectly staggered. I will look in to-morrow
evening, and you shall tell me more. Ay, I guess they never reckoned
that Sandy Wilson would turn up. They thought with the rest of you that
old Sandy--sharp old Sandy was safe in his grave, and they said to
themselves that dead men tell no tales. If I remember aright, your
father told me I should be one of the trustees to my sister. He _did_
mention it; though, just like me, I never thought of it until this
minute. Is it likely that he would speak of trustees if he meant to cut
off that poor darling with a shilling? Oh! it's preposterous,
preposterous. But I'll sleep over it. We'll think how best to expose the
villains!"

"Uncle Sandy, you will promise me one thing: you will do nothing until
you see me again?"

"Well, child, I can scarcely do much. I don't want to be long away from
you, niece Charlotte. I'll look in to-morrow, about six o'clock. See
that little Daisy is up, and introduce me to your husband. Oh! it was
plain to be seen that Sandy Wilson was wanting in this country. Bless my
old heart, what a Providence is over everything! Oh, the scoundrels! But
Sandy will expose them. My Daisy cut off with a shilling!"

CHAPTER XXIX.

"SOMETHING BETTER FOR THE CHILDREN THAN MONEY."

After her newly found uncle had left her, Charlotte Home sat on by the
fire; her face was very pale; she looked a quite broken-down and
troubled woman. Little Anne, almost on tiptoe, crept into the room. She
was all quivering with excitement. She expected her mistress to turn to
her--almost to fling her arms around her neck--to thank her with the
warmest expressions for what she had done.

"Anne," rehearsed the little maid, imagining Charlotte's words, "you
have saved us all; you are our lifelong benefactor. Henceforth partake
of our wealth. Be not only our servant, but our friend."

This was how matters would have been managed in the _Family Herald_.
Anne raised expectant eyes to her mistress's face, but one glance at it
scattered her golden visions. She softly lifted up the tea-tray and
withdrew. Her faith and hope had gone down to zero. She was a very
dispirited little girl as she returned to her kitchen. That uncle from
Australia was not a rich uncle. Missis would never look so miserable if
he was rich. As a poor relation he was no use whatever; and Anne had
done nothing for the family she loved. Oh, how _very_ disappointing life
was after al