Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/178

 Nobody need have feared, though. When folk are honest-minded, and love a common object, such as little Josephine, matters are soon arranged. In half an hour the conference was over, and the child ran back into the library to find the two Uncle Joes standing before its window and looking across the pretty square—where the crocuses were peeping through the tender grass and no sign of snow remained—toward a small house on its sunny northeastern corner.

The child slipped in between the two and caught a hand of both, while for an instant each diverted his gaze to her sweet face and smiled upon her. Then began again the deep, well-beloved tones of the old Uncle Joe:

"There, Joseph, that's the house. It's empty. I bought it on a speculation, and fitted it up well. It's completely furnished, and so nicely I wouldn't let it to every tenant who's applied. That will go with the position, in addition to the salary. I've been dissatisfied with Mr. Wakeman this long time. He's too officious, too grasping, too eager. I'm thank