The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-09-04

Coriune is the youngest, aud she /.
eighteen. Wilbur is the only one Older
than am"
Yes, | remember. Well, dear, In
glad that Johns wife brought up such 1
fine family. 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 Acknowledgment ladies gave her a
strictly courteous greeting. But for the
warm clasp of Fred's hand, | think she
would have returned to the station in the
same carriage she came, so wounded and
sore she felt.
Not one kiss" she thought, "and Fred
kissed me at the train, right afore all the
folks
Fred slipped silver coin into the hand,
Of the servant girl who was to wait upon
his Aunt, promising another if she wa,
very attentive, and himself escorted the
old lady to her room. TWAS not often the
young mans indignation found voice, tho il
grew hot over many shams and acts OIL
hard selfshness in the house Of his mother
but he said some words on that day that
called blush to the cheeks of the worldly
woman.
1t was not a very busy season, and find.
ing Sabina was likely to have sorry time
If left to the other members of the family
Fred asked for holiday, and appointed
himself the old lady's escort. He was too
proud to care for the fact that the quaint
little figure on his arm attracted many an
amused glance, but gravely stood by while
new dress for Dolly, the dairymaid, and
"city necktie" for Bob, the ploughman
were purchased,
He gave undivided attention to the more
important selection Of new black silk fol
aunty herself; and pleasantly accepted a
blue silk scarf, with large red spots, that
was presented to him, appreciatiog the love
that prompted the gift, Md mentally resolv.
ing to wear it when he paid a promised
visit TO the farm. He drove Aunt Sabina
to the Park. 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, Cor.
ham is so very attentive" and had deligh-
ted Sabina by their deferental attentions
Once-Fred had not counted on that
in picture gallery, Cornelia Caldwell
sauntered in alone. She had heared Of
Sabina, through the disgusted comments
of Lucilla, and knew she had no property
but miserable farm" but she greeted
Fred with smile far more cordial than
she usually gave her admirers. A little
lump came into Fred's throat. Then he
gravely introduced the stately beauty in
her rustling silk to the little old fashioned
figure on his arm.
my aunt, Miss Gorham, Miss Cald.
well"
They admired the pictures together, and
the young lady was cordial and chatty.
After they came down the steps, Miss
Caldwell said
"You must let your Aunt drivo al hour
or two with me, Mr.. Gorham. lam going
to do some shopping, so | will not tax
your patience by inviting you to join US,
but | shall be pleased if Miss Gorham will
dine with me, and you will call for her
this evening"
Then she smiled again, made Sabina
comfortable in the carriage, and drove of,
leaving Fred forty times deeper in love
than ever, as she intended he should be.
Ale is very prince of men, she
thought, "and I'll give him one days rest.
Bless the dear old soul, she has just such
blue eyes as my dear old grandmother"
Then she won Sabina's confidence, and
found she was worrying about the purchase
of certain household matters that would
not 60 in the black leather trunk, and that
she did not like to worry Fred about it,
She 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 directed. Then she drove her home,
and brought her to the room where ''grand-
mother" was queen, knowing the stately
old lady would make the country-woman
welcome.
In the evening that followed Fred's
heart was touched and warmed, till, scarce.
" 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
went home, to the immense relief of the
Gorhams, and carrying no regret at leav-
ing any but Fred and Cornelia.
1t was not even suspected that Cornelia
spent four weeks in the height Of the sum.
mer season listening 70 the praises Of Fred
at sabina's farmhouse, aud even Fred did
not know i until he came, too, after she
was gone, and had his share of the pleas
ure Of hearing loving commendation Of
one he loved.