The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-09-02

| 10 MAKE sure llldl uO SlIdy OluISo Hhu
slipped between the outside and the
lining. Her efforts were of no avail,
however. Count the little pile as
often as she might, it always summed
up just twenty-five dollars and three
cents.
"Pet's only a little girl, and it
won't be so serious a matter if she
isn't dressed handsomely" began
Miss Celia, appealingly. Then draw
ing her chair closer to her mothers,
lowering her voice and glancing ap-
prehensiyely around, she added 81
have passed my tWenty-siXth birth
day, you know. and | must catch a
husband this summer, if l ever in
tend to. Pet will look very nice in a
pretty Calico"
"You.bet she viii = came IKE a
small blast from behind the sofa.
Miss Celia gave a terrible cream, as
a great, brown ball rolled out into the
room, and unfolded itself like a man.
moth jack-knife.
First, two bare, sunburned feet
were thrust out, then a head and arms
became visible, and finally small
terror of the household-viz the little
brother-assumed a sitting posture,
and eyed his lady sister with twink.
ling, elfsh eyes.
81 always thought thet you's a
long time a gettin' pas twenty. Pet
and I've had six birthdays since
you've had single one," he began.
laughing immoderately IAN you've
always had dreadfully old look for
your age, too"
"Dick!' said Miss Celia, turning
upon him so suddenly that in trying
to dodge the expected blow he turned
double somersault and landed in a
heap near the door,
The young lady's features assumed
a meditatiVe expression, and when
she again addressed him her tones
were soft and persuasive,
"I'm going to trust you, Dickie,
with a great secret. In fact, Pm 60
ing to make a c0nfidant of you, and
I'll buy you pint Of peanuts the
next time 60 to town if you will
find Pet and come with her to the
maple tree in about half an hour"
'I'll do it J" he cried, springing up
like rubber ball, and darting out of
the room with surprising agility.
"a whole pint o. peanuts for jest
goin' out to the maple tree" he So
lilOquized. "Crackey! amt she a
gittin' generous in her old age? Said
she's a gOin' to make a coufidant o.
me. Now she needn't think Pm a
gOin' to jine the church, for [ shan't
do it. The ministered baptized SIX
contidants last Sunday; but would
take more'n one pint o. peanuts to
get me into the water with my best
breeches on. They'd never be fit to
be seen after that, an | don't get new
duds so often that | can afford to spile
'em jest to please her"
Mother" remarked Miss Celia,
seriously, after Dicks exit, 81 am
going to engage both the children to
assist me this time. They have been
the means of spelling my matrimo-
NAL prospects several times in the
past. l think, if they understand
matters at the start, they will be
more careful this time. They will be
only too glad to haye me married and
settled in home Of my own"
, Eyes" sighed Mrs. Haywood,
family, as her daughter paused and
= seemed to expect a reply.
"YOu may make arrangements to
get the dress for me-" she added, as
: she rose to keep the appointment an
der the maple tree. 'Pet Will be glad
J enough to wear calico one more sum-
, mer, when she understands the state
. of affairs"
Dick and Pet We're under the maple
, rs Celia approached, and that young
lady could not help admiring the
= fresh, piquant face of her "little
sister," as she had always called her ;
but somehow the little sister seemed
: uncOmmOnly tall and Womanly on
: this special afternoon.
She was seated in careless grace un-
der the maple tree, weaving a chain
, of blossoms with which to ornament
7 Dicks hat.
} "What is it, Celia ?" cried Pet, as
' her sister drew near. Areyou really
+ going to get married at last? And
( will you let me make the wedding
e cake 90
'Yes, if you'll both promise to help
I me-" Celia began. 81 might have
been married long ago if it hadn't
been for you two. You remember
e Doctor LangdOn, who"
Eyes, know" faltered Pet, with
e conscious blush "but l was a little