Middletown transcript., 1868-07-25

VI course not, said Rose. Mrs
Hinkie shook her head.
II fear he will not" she said, and, as
suming an expression that would have done
credit to Joan of Arc, mounted the stairs
to cousin Richards study.
"Are you busy, Richard ?" she asked
as she entered.
"Not at all-sit down." said Bachelor
Brown,
"You see how i'll am, " said Mrs. Hin
kle. 'fI can hardly hold up my head
much less drive, and Mr.. Hinklo is away,
and the boys too, and no one can handle
the reins, and
"Well," said Bachelor Brown.
I" And there is poor Miss Dove at the
station with her trunk by this time" said
Mrs. Hinkle, with gasp.
"Ahp said bachelor Brown. "what n
pity!"
Mrs. Hinkle felt she had not begun
yct-Bachelor Brown could not under
stand what she wanted.
" It's favor--a great favor to ask, I
know" she said, "but couldn't YOU lust
for once do it p
"Do what, Maria ?" said Bachelor
Brown
'' Go for her." said Mrs. Hinklo.
&c For Miss Dovep
Yes"
"Oh, dear no." said cousin Richard.
sc But" began Mrs. Hinllo.
" Maria" said The old bachelor, &c younc
Indies, my little cousins excepted, are my
abomination. An affected, conceited, ab
surd set Of creatures. [ never had any
thing to do with 'em, and never will.
No doubt she is capable of finding her
way here; They all appear to be. l
shan't go for her,"
Mrs. Hinkle retreated.
What will she think of us ?' she said
sobbing.
Don't cry" said Bachelor Brown.
" I'll see if any of the hands over at
Oats place can drive over for her,"
And out he went; but all the hands on
Oats place were busy with the hay, which
stood in dangcr from coming shower.
Richard returned without the least success.
"A shower, too" said Rose. "Poor
dear Amanda, I'll try what can do with
my cousin"
And in the study she spent an hour
teasing and-worrying without effect.
" Let her get lost" said Bachelor
Brown. "No doubt she'd like it. And
for hor trunk, why can't girls travel with
portmanteau as we do :"
And Rose departed pouting. She found
Adelaide in an extremely merry mood.
Don't laugh, she said, "think of poor
Amanda"
81 am thinking of her." said Adelaide,
and cousin Dick shall go. Plrtell fib."
"For shame," said Rose.
"Ono ought to make SOME sacrifice for
friend" said Adelaide. "Tll tell him
she's child. He is always good to chill
dron"
g 1t will never do" said Mrs Hinkle,
'he will never forgive you.".
But Adelaide ran up to cousins and
bnrst in with an exceedingly theatrical
laugh.
/" What a mistake p she said, ''and SO
stupid of them ALL You think Amanda
is grown up young lady, do you mot ?"
" Isn't she ?" asked The bachelor.
"As if child of nine years could be ?''
said she. " Poor little thingp
" Poor little thing, indeed" said the
bachelor, hurrying on his coat and hat.
" Bless me, why didn't you mention it ?
Poor little girl"
And in a few minutes the light wagon
cite was driving down the road, and the
Hinkles stood looking after it.
'' I am half frightened" said Rose.
'' So am l." said Adelaid. "But it's
done, and cannot be helped now. TIL
manage to coax him to forgive me, and it
won't do to leave a friend in such posi-
tion, you know and didn't say she was
a child"
Meanwhile Bachelor Brown drove to
the station. 1t was a long drive over
bad road, but he kept on his way very
cheerfully. He was extremely fond Of
children.
When on reachingSshe station, he saw
no signs of her presence, he grew alarm
ed If she had been lost through his
neglect, he could never forgive himself
He ran his fingers through his curly hair,
and peeped into the ladies' waiting room.
Only very fine, full-grown young woman
sat there, and he retreated. The woman |
who awaited in the apartment came out of
her nook with courtesy as she saw him,
and he addressed her:
" Have yon seen little girl waiting for
some one p
mo, sir" said the woman. f.There
were two come down, but they are gone"
ooh, dear oh, dear p' said Bachelor
Brown, II hope there is no mistake. 1t
is little Miss Dove, and if the dear little
soul has gone astray I'm entirely to blame.
Please make inquiries-there's good wo-
man p
As he uttered these words, the full
grown young lady in the waiting-room was
seen to blush violently.
"Pm Amanda Doye," she said, "and 1
expected some one from Mr.. Hinkles."
Bachelor Brown stood aghast. He had
spoken of this lady as dear little thing,9
His face turned scarlet.
"I-I beg your pardon, ma'am,' he
hnoan al axnantad tn find Ettla o;rI-l