American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1866-08-08

sunbeam at your side. so know you vii
excuse her quiet manners. | hope Maud
will be able to take care of herself and
the house, too. before many years. for Is
abel needs rest this constant care does
not suit her temperament"
did not feel very much hattered BY
such remark, as it gave evidence that
my brother thought | was growing old
but laughing at his compliments led the
way to the parlor, where, after few mo
meuts' conversation, we separated, the
gentlemen going to their rooms and tc
the kitchen.
IIere | had time to think for minute
and came to the conclusion that the stian
ger was just what was,.needed to give oul
house a look like being inhabited. My
reveries, however, were speedily inter
rupted by Maud, with her inquiry of how
| [ liked Mr.. Bennett, if | didn't think lie
was splendid.
"Yes, Isa," said she, (" like his looks
he seems TO be perfect gentleman and
if George dou't stop flirting, I'll just sec
if somebody else wont be jealous too"
I" But, Maud, you must not sacrifice
your principles Of right and wrong just
to crafty caprice of your mind. If
George Sumner does firt, rs you call it,
is it right for you to do the same p
Would yon so trife with the feelings Of
Mr.. Bennett if you could do SO? am
older than you, being your lister, posi-
lively forbid any attempt on your part to
win attention only to spurn it from you" "
"Just look out the window and see
for yourself, if it isn't provoking. There
he goes riding past with that charming
Miss Emerson, and l tell you candidly,
Is won't stand it any longer" and of
she went singing, IL had lover once"
| did not see her again until we met at
dinner, but | could never have believed
she was jealous had l not known. |
am sorry to say I considered both my
sister and Mr.. Sumner, her intended hus-
band, pair of simpletons but Maud
would do us she pleased, and, to punish
her, he commenced brilliant Irritation
with some of the young ladies' of our
neighborhuod,
" Mayn't call you Charlie, please,
Mr.. BeHnet," she asked during the even
ing.
Why, certainly, Miss Ashley, provi-
ded am allowed to call ycu Maud" was
his answer.
But I'm not Miss Ashley. | never
was, and never shall be. I've always
been Maud from the cradle. lisa is Miss
Ashley, aud think she's proud of her
title" she laughingly said.
Well, then, hereafter, understand,
you're to call me Charlie, while |, in
turn, will call you Maud l thiak that's
fair, aud extend the same invitation to
your sister should you choose to accept +"
/" 1t is one of Maud's fancies to call
every one by his first name but, while
for relations it seems appropriate, think
it rather childish habit. You seem
more the gentleman to me as Mr.. Benz
net, aud l prefer to call you So" re-
Piled.
"Suit your own pleasure, Miss Ash
ley" he replied.
AS lime passed on, noticed George
Sumner did not call on Maud as was his
custom. At 6rst it did not strike me
particularly, being so absorbed in my
househould duties, until one day while
was alone, my father came into the room
to talk with me. We conversed first on
one topic and then another, when finally
he inquired if George Sumner never
called on us. replied
He does; but | suppose he has been
here often when we were away, and hav-
ing company at home, while We, too, were
entertaining a friend, can scarcely think
it improper to call less frequently; but
will probably come as of old when Mr..
Bennett returns home, and his attentions
to Maud are. at an end"
I'm sure I don't know what to make
Of them. I'm afraid there has been
trouble, for my little blossom is so capri
cious and childlike l fear she has vexed
him. There is mystery Somewhere, for
she receives Mr.. Bennet's attentions as il
they belong to her. l do not think him
suitable for her. should prefer diff
ferent person for my Maud, and, for once,
lisa bel, put forth some effort to lead his
thoughts from your sister, for she is pleas
ed with every new face"
81 will do my best to please you, fa-
ther; but Maud is SO much more argeea-
hla than fear NV exertions r;lI ha IN