The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-07-30
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AUNT LOTTIB'S GUESTS.

1t was a pleasant room, and locked all
the brighter for the cheerful faces Of the
three persons who were seated at the
breakfast tabIe-Mr Damon, bis maiden
sister. who had been his honsekeeper since
The death Of his wife, and Harry Bamon,
his son.
aFather, met such an interesting par
ty at the Springs gentleman and his
daughter"
oAh. you young dog, said Mr., Damon
smiling, little notice did any one get from
YOU but the young lady, III be bound
We'll. is the girl the particular bright
star ?''
Harry blushed but answered frankly
sSinee you ask me, sir, must admit that
she's the sweetest creature ] ever saw.
Bu.-the best Of il is, her father Is an old
friend Of yours. Ny name was enough
for him. He took me right into the par
" as though he had known me for years.
"Ah r said the old gentleman, who Is
it?"
eHis name IS Underwood-Philip I'm
derwood.
Al angry ejaculation bust from Mr..
Damon, to narry's great astonishmcnt
"Did he dare claim friendship with me!
Never let me hear the sound OF his name
again. Don't you think Of falling in love
with that decei,ful stock. Id disown
you sir as sure as am breathing man !
And for the first time in his life the
Young man saw his fathers eyes hxed an
grily upon him. Could that olenehed hsi
and flushed face belong to his urbane and
polished father?
The Young mans mind was a chaos Of
conflicting emotions. FIossie Underwood
was 10 him the embodiment Of womaniy
perfeetion. There bad been q mutual at
traction between them from their frs;
meeting. and it seemed as natural 20 tell
her Of his love as it is for flower to open
its cup to the sunlight. The memory Of
a golden head bending above daisy--o'
sweet lips whispering "he loves, "he
loves not on that neYer.to-be-forg0tteu
morning, when just as the last leaf was
conveying an assuring message, he caught
her in his strong your arms, needless Of
her bushes, and said Yes, darling, he
loves and will love, come what vii to say
him nay
"Speak, boy, you haven't learned to
love Philip Uaderwood's daughter, have
you?'
"Edwin, interrupted his gentle sister,
sit is but month since Harry left home
for his trip. Do not be SO foolish. Love
is not the growth Of amOmeut-it is for
lifetime"
But Harry was too frank to pFeyaricate-
and he looked very noble as he stepped to
the side Of his father in his indignant
young manhood.
"You ask me if love Flossie' Under
wood. sir? | do, with my whole heart.
am sorry if you disapprove, for | was
about to ask your sanction to our engage
ment. know now that my life's haPpi-
ness is at an end, for she wonld never
come unwelcomed by my only parent into
the family.
'iBe sure that an Underwood will never
be harbored under my roof with my con-
sent"
Gentle Miss Damon was full of sympa-
thy for both. Her heart was sorrowful
for Harrys disappointment, aud she did
not blame her brother for feeling strongly.
"Harry," said she, after time, break
ing in upon the constrained quiet of the
room, "will you help nae train the victoria
this morning2 1t has grown beyond my
skill"
He suspected that another motive lay
behind her expressed wish for his services
caused the elaborate explanation. Through
all his yexation Harry had to smile. He
was only toe glad of the interruption. He
read her wish to give him advice.
Soon they were busy at work. For a
time nothing was said. Then Miss Da-
mon broke the silence:
"Harry, you foolish boy, why did you
speak as you did? 1t would have been
wiser to have evaded an answer"
at was the truth, Aunt Lottie, and my
father asked me a straightforward ques-
ton, so it was only right for me to answer
il"
"I trembled when l heard you mention
the name. Your father has reason to
hate it"
"Well, poor Flossie never did him any
harm. She wouldn't hurt persons feel
iugs for the world It's pretty hard on
her to be blamed for what was done before
she was born for | am sure my father
has never had any blighting experience
since l can remember, and Flossie is three
years younger than | am.
"You are right, Harry; it was years
before either of you were ever thought of. .
"If the "governor" could only see her
sweet face he would be as much in love
with her as 1 am.
"Harry l am ashamed of you
~ didn't mean that he'd love her ex-
ceptiug as daughter. So don't be vexed,
auntie."
The explanation Modified Miss Damon,