ourse you did. You are too old to come to a new place where you
don't know anybody. Now, out there you knew----"

"Pretty nigh everybody."

"Exactly."

"But out there I hadn't any relations left. After my poor Mary died I
felt lonesome."

"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 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 th