The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1880-09-04

she SAID. "How ike you are 10 your
father"
al am Fred" he answered.
"Dear heart How you have grown
Is your mother here ?"
"She is waiting for you at home"
The good old country woman had
never the least doubt of a warm welcome
at her brothers house, and Fred GER
tainly confirmed her expectations. He
found the old black leather trunk, the
bag, the handbook, the great bulging
cotton umbrella, and put them in the
carriage. He made his aunt 60 to the
restaurant and refresh herself before
stsr,ing on the long drive home. He
listened with respectful interest to all
the mishaps of the long journey, and
sympathized with the "Ruination 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 sce," she said, al made up my
mind this year would come TO see you
all once more before | die. I've tried
to before now, dear, but something or
nurther alters hindercd. Dear, dear {.
You're all grown up, s'pose, and you
was but lot o babies last time John
brought you TO see me.
"Corinne is the youngest, and she is
eighteen. WILDER is the only one older
than | am"
"Yes, l 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 Acknowledgement ladies gave
her 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 before
all the folks"
Fred slipped a silver coin into the
hand OF the servant girl who was to wait
upon his aunt, promising another il she
was very attentive, and himself escorted
the old lady to her room. II was not
often the young mans indignation found
voice though il grew hot over many
shameful acts Of hard selfshness in the
house OF his mother; but he said some
words on that day that called blush
to the checks of the worldly woman.
II was not 4 very busy season, and
finding Sabina was likely TO have i sorry
time il left 10 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 4 city neckiie
for Bob, the hired man, were purchased.
He gave undivided attention TO the
more important selection of new black
silk for aunty herself, and pleasantly
accepted blue silk scarf, with large red
spots, that was presented to him, appre-
ciaiing 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, and
took her TO see all the sights.
Once OF twice, meeting some Of his
gentlemen friends, they had thought
sthis queer old party Is some rich reia-
tive, Gorham is so very attentive" and
had delighted Sabina by their deferen-
tial attention.
Oncc-Fred had no; counted on iha;
in 4 picture gallery, COrnelia Cald-
well sauniercd in alone. She had heard
of Sabina through The disguised CON-
ments OF Lucilla, and knew she had no
property but 4 miserable FARM" but
she greeted Fred with 4 smile far more
cordial than she gave her admirers \
great lump came in Fred's throat
Then he gravely introduced the stately
beauty in her rus,ling silk TO the little
old fashioned figure on his arm.
"My aunt, Miss GOrham-Miss Cald-
we'll. IS
They admired the pictures together,
and the young lady was cordial and
-chaity. After they came down the steps,
Miss Caldwell Said-
"You must let your aunt drive IN hour
or two with me, Mr.. Gorham. l am
going to do some shopping, so ] will not
tax your patience by inviting you 20 join
US, but shall be pleased, IL Miss Gorham
will dine with me. TO have you call for
her this evening""
Then she smiled again, made Sabin1
comfortable IN the carriage and drove
of, leaving Fred forty times deeper in
love than ever, as she intended he should
be.
''Hc IS very prince Of men. she
thought ''and will give him one days
rest. Bless the dear old soul !, she has
such eyes as my dear old grandmother
had.
Then she won Sabina'S confidence,
and found she vas worrying about the
purchase OF certain household matters
that would not go IN the black lc7fher
trunk, and she did not like 10 wOrTy
Fred about IL
She drove to the place where the hest
goods could be had, keeping guard over
the slender purse against all imposition
till the lasf towel was satisfactorily
chosen and directed. Then she drove
her home and brought her in ihe rOOm
where ''grandmO,her" Vas queen. kno--
ing the stately old lady would make the
country woman welcome
In the evening that followed Ercd'S
heart was touched and warmed all.
scarcely conscious Of his own wOrds. he
told his long cherished sccrc; and knew
that he had won her love
Aun; Sabina stayed tao weeks and