The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-07-08
BY MATTE DYER DRIFTS.

by MATTE DYER DRITTs.
Away out in the edge-or it used to be
the edge-of West Philadelphia, more than
mile from the Schuylkill, stands the hos
pitable mansion of Samuel Lippincott, the
cheeriest, cosiest, most home-like house
wherever any one made visit.
So when l, Kate Newhouse, tired music
teacher, in Philadelphia Seminary, was
warmly urged by sweet Alice Lippincott to
spend my Summer vacation with her, you
may be sure | gladly accepted the invita-
ton. The more SO, as-but never mind
John Lippincott, Though / do mind him
every day, for that matter,) he hasn't any,
thing to do with this part of my story
anyhow.
West Philadelphia is built up away be-
yond the Lippincott's now, but at the time
write of, there were no dwelling houses
very near, excepting two or three Dutch
lager beer saloons and breweries which did
not add to the disturbances of the spot.
But it was lovely home, and a pleasant
ride to the main city, so we spent happy,
happy days that golden bright Summer.
Uncle Sammy and Aunt Sally Lippincott,
as everybody called them, were the dearest
and kindest of good old Hicksite Friends,
and did their best to make everybody happy
under their roof. Alice was darling girl
and my dearest friend. George was
noble, generous fellow, and as for JOHN
well, he is peepiug over my shoulder this
minute to see what I'm going to write
about him, SO | wont write word.
Alice was little creature, with fair hair
and blue eyes, modest and retiring in her
disposition, and rather inclined to be cow
ardly. was a brunette, having no spe-
cialty of beauty or brains, but as John
says, "I'll do we'll enough" so that much
will answer for me.
The sweet Summer passed rapidly, and
the first of September came, bringing my
vacation very near to it's close.
One evening, just after supper, word
came to Uncle Sammy that his brother,
who lived in the city, away up Wallace
street, was severely hurt by fall from his
buggy, and wanted Aunt Sally and himself
to come over.
They prepared to set out at once, the
only objection being that Alice and would
be left alone, the two servants having re-
ceived permission to 60 to a wedding,
while the boys-George and John--were
over in Jersey for two or three days shoot
ing.
But declared l was not at all afraid to
promise not to stay all night she was not
afraid, either.
They promised to be back by ten o'clock,
if possible, and anyway not to remain all
night.
"Now, Ally" said Uncle Sammy, as
they got into the buggy, thee and Kate
just lock up the doors and be good girls
till we get back. Nothing will hurt thee"
"We're not afraid, we'll guard the cas-
tie safely, and capture all invadersn said
Alice, laughingly, and drawing her little
form up valantly. And then we babe
them good bye, and went back into the
great lonely house.
We locked up the doors, lit the lamps
and bolted the nevitable-Philadelph
white window shutters, and then sat down
to amuse ourselves with some wonderful
crochet work.
1t was very still and lonely, but we did
not feel at all afraid, and by-and-by, lulled
by the unwonted quiet we both grew sleepy.
1t happened that the first ripe grapes of
the season had been brought in, and put
into the cellar to keep fresh and cool, that
very day. To keep ourselves awake. Alice
proposed that we should go down into the
cellar and get few punches to eat.
| agreed, so we went into the dining
room, took small lamp from the side
table, and went into the cellar, through
the door leading directly from the dining
room.
The grapes were in a basket upon the
further side of the cellar. We crossed over
to them, and Alice, STOPPING with the lamp
in her hand, began to select the richest
clusters.
"Kate," said she, presently, "these are
so fine! Let us go up stairs and get a big
glass fruit dish and take some up for the
rest of the folks"
1t struck me then that there was an odd
tone to her voice, and | wondered what
folks she meant, but supposing her to mean
her father and mother, only said:
every well, give me the lamp, and I'll
wait here till you get the DISH"
"No," she said, ''let us take the lamp
up. If try to come laundering down in
the dark, I'll be sure to break the dish.
You go before, and I'll carry the lamp"
We went up stairs, l in front; Alice
carrying the lamp behind me. AS turned
at the head of the stairs, | saw that Alice
was as pale as death, her blue eyes dilated
and cleaning.
was about to speak in alarm, but be-
fore | uttered a word, she seized me, and
drew me into the china closet.
"Why, Alice, what in the name of the
people is the matter with you?" l cried.
"Kater' she said, solemnly, dropping
into seat on box, tive are alone in thi
house, and there is a man in that CELLAR
Where? Oh, you must be mistak
cried.
81 am not mistaken-I saw him
when stopped to get the grape
crouched under the cellar ST
shadow; he means to rob us,
sob, what can we do?"
TCONTI MED ON For