The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-10-11

whom We had but Just followed to her
long home, came to us, and We almost
doubted that they could be the same.
But there was a resemblance between
them still, although aged sixteen was on
the back If the picture and forty y-nine
upon the cofin-lid ! who knew Maud
Hinton when the picture was taken, thirty
three years before. could well remember
the laughing brown eyes, rich brown curls,
and rosy cheeks ut the belle of our coun-
ty for Maud had been raised in the coun-
try. ere sorrow came to fade the roses from
the cheeks and dim the brightness Of the
beautiful ey-s.
Col. Hinton was a tine specimen Of the
NlrgsHia gentleman, and was loved and re
spcctcd hy all who knew him. Owning a
fine river farm III the eastern part Of the
State. his fertile lands and well filled
harus prucialmlng a successful system of
farming. He had become an oracle among
his friends and neighbors, and what Col.
Hinton said and did was quoted on all oc-
casions Maud being the only child of her
parents, was loved by them with an mten-
sity almost amounting to idolatry.
Col. Hnton's dwelling house was not sit
uated IA the centre Of his farm-as most
of the southern homes are, but was only
divided from his nearest neighbor and
friend Mr.. Lyle, by deep creek flowing
into the river, and three-quarters Of a
mile Of timbered land
The two farms had been handed down to
their present owners by two or three gen
erations Of Hintons and Lyles, and the
large parlors were hung with faded por-
traits of their dead and gone ancestors.
The two gentlemen having graduated
with honor in the same class and married
ladies' between whom similar intimacy
haI existed. the two families were even
more intimate than country friends usual
IN are and scarcely day passed without
some member of the two households meet
M each other.
Mr. Lvde ike his friend. had ouly one
chtid. George, bright, handsome boy who
had been the playmate Of Maud Hinton
from her hahyhOod mp 70 the time when
their brother and sister love having ripen-
ed INTO something warmer. they entered
into a Bona rt, engagement of marriage.
pf course the elders Of the youthful
pair saw the growing attachment and knew
# the exchange of VOWS almost as soon as
u
smile and significant nod which said PLAN
" As words " they will meet no opposition
from ~
Maud was IA and George Ii when this
engagement was made. The course If their
love had flowed smoothly on for the long
space IF three months, when MIR Lyde
sent thunderbolt in their midst by
announcing To George. as he was about to
set out FIR a visit ~ Maude, that he should
send him to college at the beginning of the
fall term.
"a am sure. father. Mr. Grey is very
good teacher. ana could teach me great
deal vet. and the boys blue eyes filled
with tears
+" ~ sir. It is not the good teacher you
Wish to remain with, but the pretty young
lady Ha. Ia | see what you are at.
Z" But, my son, said he, dropping his
gay tome E" it is indeed time for you to
enter college Grey says you are fully
prepared, and ] wish you to prepare your
Self tar the study Of law. and, mind you.
for the practice. also Ill have no idle
professionals on my hands. Our country
Is ruined and overhowed with them now
" shall certainly make use Of my pro
fession. sir. said George as he left the
house
Going to the river at the back of the
house, he unmoored from its anchorage a
beautiful little skiff. Jumping in, he pad
died swiftly down the stream, and soon
reached Col. Hinton's landing.
Maud had seen him from the long piaz-
"a that overlooked the river. and ran down
the steps to meet him. The house was
situated on a very high hill, and the bank
down to the waters edge had been graded
and ballustrsde and steps placed for the
benefit Of those who wished to 60 to or
from the river.
"Oh, George - said Maud, am 80
glad to have you come. Whom do you
suppose is here at the house
- can not imagine. If your admirer,
Mr.. Joe, was not living twenty miles away
| should say it was he but as he was here
ten days ago, | don't suppose it can be
possible, or at least probable.
"Well, il you had guessed him, you
would have been right, for II is he, and oh,
he is dressed up so fine have not spoken
to him yet, but peeped through the blinds
as mama met him on the porch
Let's hurry ND and have some fun
with him, said George, and hand in hand
they ascended the steps.
MIR Joe, as George had called him,
was the only son Of gentleman Of wealth
and standing, living in the lower part Of
the county. Being in public life, he was
moS of the time from home, leaving the
education and management Of his two
children to his wife, weak, silly woman
whose beauty and the admiration it eX-
cited had completely turned her head, and
governess who, seeing their mother care
less and indifferent concerning her charges,
became Indifferent also.
That Joe Melton would ever have beer
an intelligent man ! think doubtful. He
was not naturally bright, and his mothers
example and system Of management, which
consis ed III having fine clothes, jewelry,
etc, for himself and sister, had helped tc
make the boy even a greater ignoramus.
Maud had met and been intr )duced tC
Mr. Melton at ball the winter previous,
and he. falling in love on first sight, had
been a regular visitor up to the time of his
introduction into our story.
He was standing in the piazza as Maud
and George reached the house, his fashy
vest, necktie and gold watch chain making
him look like rainbow" as George
whis )ered To Maud
Miss Maud, | am certainly glad to SEE
you, said the verdant youth,
"Why, Joe, old fellow, how are your
said George.
"Tolable well, thank you; and how
are you, Miss Maud you're lookin,
mighty well, anyhow"
al am quite well, | thank you, replied
Maud, making desperate effort to keel
from laughing.
"Let us take seats out here, propose,
George "Shall bring you chair from
the hall, Maud, or will you sit on this rus
tic one r
"I'll sit here on the step, thank you
How do you like your lIew home in tn