Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/179

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  • ful he found you, and will pay him well for it.

But that ends his service to me. I'll give him an advance of wages and shake him. You can enter upon your duties—to-morrow, if you like. I'll send out a van or two to move in your effects."

The new Uncle Joe held up his hand.

"Unnecessary, dear Mr. Smith. Our effects could easily be brought in on a pushcart;" yet saying this the man's smile was neither less bright nor more ashamed. Why should he be ashamed? He had gone down in one battle with the world, but he was up again and ready for another.

The answer, somehow, pleased the elder man. He liked simplicity, and he liked frankness. Josephine's new uncle possessed both these, with an added cheerfulness which communicated itself to all who met him. He was, or had been, as ready to take his brother's charge upon his hands in his penury as he now seemed to be in his suddenly acquired prosperity.

Looking across the square at the home offered