The feelin's I have, sometimes warn me that
I'm not long for this world."

"You see, Mrs. Clifton," said Jack, his eyes dancing with mischief, "we
come of a short-lived family. Grandmother died at eighty-two, and that
wouldn't give Aunt Rachel long to live."

"You impudent boy!" exclaimed Miss Rachel, in great indignation. Then
relapsing into melancholy, "I'm a poor afflicted creetur, and the sooner
I leave this scene of trial the better."

"Let us hope," said Mrs. Clifton, politely, "that you will find the air
of Philadelphia beneficial to your health. Change of air sometimes works
wonders."

In the course of a few weeks the whole family removed to Philadelphia.
The house which Mrs. Clifton had given them, exceeded their
anticipations. It was so much better and larger than their present
dwelling, that their furniture would have shown to great disadvantage in
it. But Mrs. Clifton had foreseen this, and they found the house already
furnished for their reception. Through Mrs. Clifton's influence the
cooper was enabled to establish himself in business on a larger scale,
and employ others, instead of working himself, for hire. Ida was such
a frequent visitor, that it was hard to tell which she considered her
home--her mother's elegant dwelling, or Mrs. Cooper's comfortable home.

For Jack, a situation was found in a merchant's counting-room, and
he became a thriving young merchant, being eventually taken into
partnership. Ida grew lovelier as she grew older, and her rare beauty
caused her to be sought after. If she does not marry well and happily,
it will not be for want of an opportunity.

Dear reader, you who deem that all stories should end with a marriage,
shall not be disappointed.

One day Aunt Rachel was missing from her room. It was remembered that
she had appeared singularly for some days previous, and the knowledge
of her constitutional low spirits, led to the apprehension that she had
made way with herself. The cooper was about to notify the police, when
the front door opened and Rachel walked in. She was accompanied by a
short man, stout and freckled.

"Why, Aunt Rachel," exclaimed Mrs. Crump, "where _have_ you been? We
have been so anxious about you."

A faint flush came to Aunt Rachel's sallow cheek.

"Sister Mary," said she, "you will be surprised, perhaps, but--but this
is my consort. Mr. Smith, let me introduce you to my sister."

"Then you are married, Rachel," said Mrs. Crump, quite confounde