The Van Buren press., 1874-09-29

glad John wife raised such fine fami
ly. I'm only an old maid. but do love
children and young folks.
But chill fell upon the kindly old
heart when home was reached at last,
and four fashionably dressed ladies gave
her strictly courteous greeting. But
for the warm clasp of Freds hand !
think she would have returned to the de
pot by which she came, 50 wounded and
sore she felt.
Not one kiss" she thought, "and
Fred kissed me nj the train, right afore
all OF the folks.
Fred slipped silver dollar into the
hand of the servant girl who was to wait
| upon ais aunt, promising another IL she
was very attentive, aud himself escorted
the old lady to her room.
1t was not often the young mans in.
dignation found voice, though it grew
hot over many shams and acts OF hard
selishness in the house Of his mother.
but he said some words on that occasion
which called blush to the cheeks Of the
worldly woman
1t Nas not a very busy season, and
finding Aunt Sabina wac likely to have a
sorry time ii left to the other members
of the family, Fred asked for week s
holiday, and appointed himself the old
wOman's escort. He was too proud to
care for the fact that the quaint little fg-
ure on his arm attracted many an amused
glance; but gravely stood by while new
dress for Dolly, the dairy maid, aud a
city necktie tor Bob, the plou.h'nan,
were purchased; gave undivided atten'
ton to the more important selection ot
new black silk for auntie herself; aud
pleasantly accepted blue silk neck scarf,
with large red spots. that was presented
to him, appreciating the love that
prompted the gift, and mentally resolv
ing TO wear it when he paid promised
visit to the Western farm.
| He drove Aunt Sabina TO Central Park,
ani enjoyed her delight over the then
new enterprise Of the cily fathers. He
took her to see all the sights. Once or
twice meeting some Of his gentlemen
friends, they had thought, The queer
old party is some rich relation, Gorham
is so attentive, and had delighted Aunt
Sabina by their deferential attentions.
Oncc-Fred had not counted on that--in
a picture gallery, Cornela Caldwell saun'
tered in alone.
She had heard Of Aunt Sabina, through
the disgusted comments of LuciIla, and
knew she had no property but " miscr-
able farm out West, with house on it
about as big as bird cage, +" but she
greeted Fred with smile far more cor
DIAL than she usually gave her admirers.
A little lump came into Fred . throat
then he gravely introduced the stately
beauty, in her rusting silk and heavy
velvet, to the little old fashioned figure
on his arm:
My aunt Miss Gorham, Miss Cald.
we'll
They admired the, pictures together
and the young lady was cordial and chat
ty. AS they came down the steps, Miss
Caldwell said:
You must let your aunt drive an hour
or SO with me, MIR. Gorham. | am 60
ing to do some shopping, SO l will not
tax your patience by inviting you to join
us; but l shall be pleased il Miss Cor,
ham am going to do some shopping,
so will not tax your patience by invit.
ing you TO join us but shall be pleased
il Miss Gorham will dine with me, and
you will call for her this evening
Then she smiled again, made Aunt Sa.
bina comfortable in the carriage, and
drove off, leaving Fred forty times deep
er in love than ever, as she intended he
should be.
He is a very prince Of men, f" she
thought, land III give him one day Of
rest. Bless the dear old soul, she has
just such blue eyes as my dear grand
mother"
Then she won Aunt Sabina's conf.
dence, and found she was wearyng about
the purchase of certain household mat
ters that could not 90 in the black leath.
er trunk, and that she did not like to
worry Fred about. She told her of the
Express convenience, and drove to the
places where the best goods could be
had, keeping guard over the slender
purse, against all imposition, till the last
towel was satisfactorily chosen and di
rected
Then she drove her home, and brought
her to the room where grandmother
was queen, kno wing the s'staiy old l.d,'
woulu make the country. woman welcome.
In the evening That followed Fred 5
heart was toncned and warmed, ill,
scarcely conscious Of his own words, he
told his long cherished secret, and knew
that he had won love for love.
Aunt Sabina stayed two weeks, and
then lef. for home, to the immense relief
of the Gurhams, and carry ing no regret
at leaving any but Fred and Cornelia.
1t was not even suspected in fashion.
able circles that Cornelia spent four
weeks in the beight OF the summer sea
son listening to the praises of Fred, at
Aunt Sabina's tiny farm house, and even
Fred did not know it till he came too,
after she was gone, and had his share o
the pleasure ofhearing loving commenda
ton OF one he loved.
He wore the necktie, and made himself
40 much ut home that Aunt Sabina wept
some of the btterest tears OF her life
when he lett.
ITO have you both and lose you"
she sobbed.
"Next time we will come together,
Fred whispered, aud 50 consoled her.
But alas the next time Fred came was
to superin.cnd the funeral OF the gentle
old lady, and though Cornelia came too,
his happy wife. there was no welcome IN
,be pnlo Inns. or the blue eyes closed for. |