The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-05-15
A MOTHER'S STORY.

HANDSOME, careless Phil Burton was
at last engaged. Hitherto invulnerable
to the sweet smiles and engaging airs
of the fair sex, he was now captured
and bound to the chariot wheels of the
victorious little blonde, Jessie Wilder,
who was noted for the brightest eyes
and most bewitching ways of all the
young girls of D.
How the engagement came about was
a mystery to all the good people of the
town. Phil was so absolutely indiffer-
ent to all the allurements thrown round
him, that he had been given up to cold,
selfish bachelorhood by despairing
mothers and daughters.
During the white apron and pink sash
period OF Jessie's existence, land through
a portion of academy life, she and Phil
had been friends to the extent of kisses
and candy in the earlier stage, and
blushing thanks for hard problems
solved in the latter. Then Phil went to
college, and thence to Europe, where
he remained several years. On his re-
turn he found the half-forgotten little
friend of his boyish days grown almost
to womanhood, and as winsome as her
childhood promised. But for some rea-
son the fervor of their early acquaint-
ance was not renewed, and the other
damsels of the borough had much more
to hope for from the attentions of the
wealthy young cynic than Jessie, who
generally tossed her bright head at the
mention of his name, and declared she
had no patience with any man who set
himself so far above his fellow mortals
and affected to believe women heartless
firts.
Affected oh, no; he is reality it.
self, and remarkably careless of feelings
where he thinks his words cut closest, -
her auditors would reply.
CAN for effect, my dears," Jessie
would answer. "He only does it to
gain popularity with the weaker
sex, for, strange to say, it is
Just such coxcombs who ensnare the fe-
male heart, and Phil Burton is sharp
enough to see it. Excuse me from him,
if you please; I've too much regard for
his mother to encourage such princi-
piles on the part of her son."
1t was from sundry remarks akin to
the foregoing, that so mystifed those
interested when the engagement was
announced confess | am myself in
the dark concerning it, but you, my
reader, may have more subtle insight
into human nature, and reason from the
standpoint of magnetic attraction, or
from the fact that man likes opposition,
and indifference on the part of the per-
son addressed only adds fuel to the
flame, so leave you to draw your own
conclusions, contented that the main
fact remains, whatever your decision.
The sun was just setting when Phil
and his mother sat together in the ten
der, rosy light. They had been talking
of his marriage, which was shortly to
take place, and discussing the furniture
for the bridal suite of rooms, which
Phil had persuaded Jessie's father to let
his mother fit up, the rest of the charm
ing home being given by the father for
his pet daughters wedding gift.
"My son." said the mother, laying
her hand on his, 81 have just little
advice to give you, and short story to
tell"
Proceed, mother dear, you can never
say any thing that can be unheeded by
me-"
g Fie, flattering boy; your mother is
too old to be spoiled with praise, but
what l wish to say to you is in refer
ence to the new life which is so soon to
begin. You know that already regard
Jessie as daughter, and feel her to be
the one girl of all know fit to be youl
wife,"
"Whew! mother, who is the fattere1
now, would like to know"
- Not /. for will continue nv SAVING
that you must study every day to make