CHAPTER XII.
UNCLE JOHN GETS ACQUAINTED.
Beth went out to find Louise, and discovered her standing near the stables, where a boy was rubbing down the sides of a sorrel mare with wisps of straw.
"Something has happened," she said to Louise in a troubled voice.
"What ?" "A man has arrived who says he is Aunt Jane's brother." "Impossible! Have you seen him ?" "No; he says he's Aunt Jane's brother John." "Oh; I know.

The peddler, or tinker, or something or other who disappeared years ago.

But it doesn't matter." "It may matter a good deal," said practical Beth.

"Aunt Jane may leave him her money." "Why, he's older than she is.

I've heard mother say he was the eldest of the family.