The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-08-12
THE SEAMSTRESS.
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE

he offered her his arm. 81 am not at all
hurt"
81 hope you are not; but you must not
run such another risk" he said, persist
emily.
She was, in truth, too thankful for what
was we'll nigh necessary support to refuse
longer, and for few minutes they went
on slowly and in silence.
81 quite forgot to ask you where you
live he said at last with an amused smile
at his own absurdity.
cit is not so very far; just on the next
street; we are near the turning now. l
need not trouble you any MORE" she said.
81 shall see you to your own door," he
said, resolutely.
"But," she stammered, 81 cannot
dare not ask you to come in. Mamma
would be angry"
is she so suspicious or so stern, them"
he asked.
No, no; only she don't know work at
your mothers; and l would not she
added, "only for her sake, and have so
little connection
81 do not understand you," said the
young man, in bewildered SURPRISE
"What dislike can your mother have to
mine, when she has never, l presume,
heard of, much less seen, her?'
"Then you-you do not know me?" said
the girl, her feelings seeming to break
through all reserve. SIT was not inten-
tional when you spoke of your aunt and
cousin as you did?'
"My aunt and cousinr' repeated Nor
man, stopping short. 'Then can it be--is
it possible-that you-you are
"Your cousin, Maud Dasent," said the
girl, sadly. ~ ought not to have told you,
perhaps, and you must keep my secret,
only am so desolate, and when ! heard
your kindly words, I could not help it
indeed l could not, and l fancied you re-
membered the little Maud of whom you
spoke so kindly
"And you are reduced to this-you my
fathers niece, are compelled to work for
your living-to be exposed to such inso-
lence-such hardships.' he exclaimed
"Maud, no wonder your mother hates our
very name, and that your lip curled with
scorn, as noticed just now, at my poor
mothers vain boastings."
"Hush-hush. If it did, l was wrong"
said the girl, eagerly. "You must not
speak or think thus of your mother Mrs.
Jefferson. Then your sister is so lovely
no wonder she's proud of her, and
"Call me Norman; give me but the
chance of seeing your mother-of implor-
ing her pardon, and will do anything"
exclaimed the young man.
Maud shook her head.
81 can call you Norman, if you like, for
the name seems so familiar to ME from my
very childhood" she said; "but to take
you to poor mamma-to agitate her by the
knowledge Of my deception-for such, l
fear, it must be called-would be impos-
sible. No, no; you must leave me now.
Mamma will be only alarmed too much
already; but shall not forget your kind
ness, cousin Norman she added with
sweet, child-like smile.
The young man longed to kiss the pretty
lips turned so temptingly towards him;
but he was too generous not to respect her
loneliness, and he contented himself with
pressing the small hand as he turned away.
But he followed at a distance till he saw
Maud safe at her own door, and walked
home slowly and silently, musing on the
eventful walk.
1t was some three months after, and the
violets and camelias were heralding sweet,
bright Spring, when Mr.. Jefferson entered
his wife and daughters morning room.
Margaret, my dear" he said, 81 have
very exciting piece of news for you
some that l am sure you and AIDA will be
exceedingly happy to hear. What do you
think of a wedding in the family?''
GA wedding" repeated the wife. "My
dear how abrupt you are! l certainly did
think Mr.. Pierson very pointed in his
manner to AIDA the other night; but
nevertheless, did not expect it so soon."
"Nor has it, and hope never will come
my DEAR" replied Mr.. jefferson; ''for l
certainly never could give my consent to
Adda's marrying a Grabbed old man. No;
our child will not be in a hurry to leave US,
trust. She will wear bridesmaids essa-
mine before the orange blossoms. 1t is
Norman who is going to DO married.
Guess the bride. elect''
swell, it is very sly of him; and he has
been very queer lately, and always out, :"
said AIDA, pouting. Whoever is it papa :?
Blanche Vivian, or Clara Lore, Or
"No, my dear; nothing so cold, or tall
or proud as your friends" laughed the
father, cheerly. alt is the sweetest, most
warm hearted little creature possible, and
our own kith and kin-your cousin Maud
Dasent."
"Mr. Jefferson, are you mad? That
beggar's girl9 and after all that has passed.
will never speak to her, nor him either"
gasped the mother; while AIDA sneered as
scornfuly as she dared before her deter
mined father, on whom her chief pleasures
and comfort depended
"Quite mistake, my love. Maud will
have 5000 from a distant relative, who
has kindly taken himself off this worlds
books. But mark me, Margaret, had she
been penniless, would have taken her to
my heart as daughter, thankful to atone
for the past sin to her and her mother"
''And is she living-your sister," asked
the wife, sullenly.
"Thank Heaven? yes, though in most
fragile health, replied her husband; "but
she will want for nothing that wealth can
give to restore her to strength and prolong
her life. But are you not anxious TO see
your daughter and sister, ladieso" he
added, triumphantly. 81 would not an
nounce her till l was prepared to prove nv
words by producing my little jewel
And, opening the door, and disappearing
for few minutes, he returned, leading in
Maud, now blooming and blushing like a