Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-05-04

waiting for Aunt Sabina. What a little.
old fashioned figure she was, in her quaint
black bonnet, and large-figure 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 quickly
to meet her.
She looked at the handsome face, and
caught quick, gasping breath.
:" You must be one of Johns bows"
she said. How like you are to your ia
ther."
-" | am Fred" he answered
Dear heart! How you've grown! Is
your ma here?"
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
great bullying cotton umbrella, and put
them all in the carriage, without one
smile of ridicule. He made his aunt 90
to the restaurant and refresh herself be-
fore starting on the long drive home. He
listened with respectful interest to all the
mishaps of the long journey, and sympa-
| thized with the "RuinatiOn of every NOR
tai stitch I've got on, dear, in the dust and
smoke"
And he chatted pleasantly Of his child
lsh recollections of the tiny house and
wide farm where Sabina lived.
Z" You see,' she told him, Z" made up
my mind this year I would come to Lon
don once more before I died. I've tried
to before now, dear, but something or
nuther alters hindered Dear, dear! You
are all grown up, s'pose, and you was
but lot o. babies last time poor John
| brought you to see me-
" COrinne is the youngest, and she is
eighteen. WILDER is the only one older
than I am"
Yes, | remember. Well, dear, I'm
glad that Johns wife brought up such a
fine family. I'm only an old maid, but /
do love children and young folks''
But a 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 in the
same carriage she came, so wounded and
sore she felt.
mot one kiss" she thought, land
Fred kissed me at the train, right before
all the folks.''
Fred slipped silver coin into the hands
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 shameful
acts of hard selfishness in the house Of his
mother, but he said some words on that
| day that called blush to the cheeks the
worldly woman.
| 1t was not very busy season, and
| finding Sabina was likely to have a sorry
| time, if left to the other members of the
family, Fred asked for holiday, and APP
pointed 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
dairy-maid, and city neck-tie for Bob,
the plow-man, were purchased.
He gave undivided attention to the
more important selection of new black
silk for aunty herself, and pleasantly &C
cepted a blue silk scarf, with large red
spots, that was presented to him, appreci-
ating the love that prompted the gift, and
mentally resolving to wear it when he
paid the 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 gen
tleman friends, they had thought L" the
queer old party is some rich relation, Cor
ham is so very attentive and had de-
lighted Sabina by their deferential atten-
ton.
OnCe-F'red had not counted on that
in a picture gallery, Cornelia Caldwell
sauntered IL alone. She had heard of
Sabina, through the disguised comments
of LucilIa, and knew she had no property
but g miserable FARM but she greeted
Fred with smile far more cordial than
she gave her admirers. A little lump
came in Fred's throat. Then he gravely
introduced the stately beauty in her rust
ling silk 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
chatty.
After they came down the steps, Miss
Caldwell said:
You must let your aunt drive an hour
or two with me- Mr. Gorham. / am 60
ing 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 re, and you will call for her
this evening"
Then she smiled again, made Sabina
comfortable in the carriage, and drove