The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1875-05-04

would shut itself closely away from any
suspicion of fortune-hunting-that only
drooped anc mourned, thinking of the
heiress.
At four O'Clock Fred was at the sta
ton with . carriage. waiting for Aunt
Sabna. WHAT little, old-fashioned fig
ure she, ,as,h her quaint black silk bon
net, and d'large figured shawl. But Fred
knew her kindly old face at once, though
he had not seen it since he was twelve
years old.
"You are aunt" he said, going quick
~ to meet her.
She looked at the handsome face, and
caught quick, gasping breath.
''Yoa must be one Of Johns boys"
she said elbow like you are to your fa-
ther."
81 am Fred" he answered.
.'Dear heart! How you've grown!
Is your ma here p
"She is waiting for you at home"
The good old countrywoman had
never had the least doubt of warm
welcome at her brothers house, and Fred
certainly confirmed her expectations
He found the old black leather trunk, the
bag, the band box, the great, bullying cot
ton umbrella, and put them all in the
carriage without one smile Of ridicule.-
He made his aunt 60 to the restaurant
and refresh herself before starting on the
long drive home. He listened with re
spectful interest to all the mishaps of the
long journey, and sympathized with the
"RuiDation of every mortal stitch I've
got on, dear, in the dust and smoke"
And he chatted pleasantly of his child
ish recollections of the tiny house and
wide farm where Sabina lived
"You see," she told him, 81 made UP
nay mind this year would come to Lon.
don once before l died I've tried to
come fore now. dear, but something or
'nuther alters hindered. Dear, dear !!
You've all grown up, 'spose, and you
was but lot O. babies last time poor
John brought you to see me-"
"Corinne is the youngest, and she is
eighteen Wilbur is the only one older
than ] am"
"Yes, remember. Well. dear, I'm
glad that Johns wife brought up such a
fine family. I'm only an old maid, but
l 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
a strictly courteous greeting, But for
the warm clasp of Fred's hand, ] think
she would have returned to the station
by the same carriage she came in, so
wounded and sore she felt.
mot one KISS" she thought, "and
Fred kissed nae 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
was very attentive, and himself escorted
the old lady to her room. 1t was not
often the young mans Indignation found
voice, though it grew hot over many
shams and acts of hard selfshress in the
house of his mother, but he said come
words that day that called blush to
the cheeks of the worldly woman.
1t was not very busy season, and
finding Sabina was likely to have sor.
ry 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. a "city neck
tic" for Bob, the plowman, we're pur
chased.
He gave undivided attention to the
more important selection of new black
silk for auntie herself land pleasantly ac-
cepted blue silk neck scarf, with large
red spots, that was presented to him, ap-
preciating the love that prompted the
gift, and mentally resolving to wear it
when he paid 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 rela-
ton, Gorham is SO very attentive" and
delighted Sabina by their deferential at
tentions -..e
Once-Fred had not counted on that
lin picture gallery, Cornelia Caldwell
sauntered in alone. She had heard of
Sabina in the disgusted comments of Lu.
ella, and knew she had no property but
q 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 be
gravely introduced the stately beauty in
her rustling silk to the little old-iashion-
ed figure on his arm
"My aunt, Miss Gorham, Miss Cald
WE'LL"
They admired the pictures together,
and the young lady was cordial and
chatty.
As they came down the steps, Miss
Caldwell said:
"You must let your aunt drive an hour
or two with me, Mr.. Gorham am go.
ing to do some shopping, so 1 will not
tax your patience by inviting you to
join US; but l shall be pleased if Miss
Gorham will dine with me, and you will
call for her this evening""
Then she smiled again, made Sabins
comfortable in the carriage, and drov,
off, leaving ErA.LsSfey times deeper ir
love than ever, as she intended he should
be.
"He is very prince OF men," she
thought, "and III give him one day o
rest. Bless the dear old soul, she ha:
Ijust such blue eyes as my dear grand
mother. r,.-...
Then she won Sabina's confidence, ,anc
found she was worrying about the pur
chase of certain household matters tha
would not 60 in the black leather trunk
and that she did not like to worry FREQ
about it.
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