The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-08-25
Aunt Sally's Protest.

My Aunt Sally had said a thou
sand times that she cared nothing
for riches. She said over and ovel
again that a man was a man, wheth.
er he had a dollar in his purse. or a
secound coat to his back. She dis.
pises shams, SO she said, and we chill.
dren believed it. Aunt Sally lived
in q large house with a heavy veran-
da, and ample porches, and a large
mortgage. OF course the young ones
did not understand the cause or ma.
ture of the latter. but father once
bluntly remarked, that Sally's love
of style would soon v the house
with mortgages 81 thick that you
couldn't ste through them. 1t did
not seem consistent after what we
had heard Aunt say, tut Mary. her
servant, told US a story of 4 tramp.
that led US to believe that father was
right, and Aunt Sally wasn't ac-
quainted with herself
Tramps were plenty that summer,
and most people kept their doors
locked, but Aunt Sally lived several
rods from the street, and they didn't
often venture up the lane for fear of
meeting a dog. One day a rap at the
side door was heard, and Aunty
opened it to ctntlnnt a. stout a
dressed in course cloths, WHO at once
made known !le object Of his call,
which was dinner.
II have no sympathy with your
class; you had better go to work like
an honest man. instead Of begging"
said Aunt Sally with severe dignity.
II am willing to pay for it marin.
1t is too far to a hotel, or 1 would not
trouble yOu," said the stranger.
"Walk into the kitchen, and Mary
will bring you some bread and but
ter"
Aunt Sally left the room, but still
kept an eye on her doubtful visitor.
1t had not escaped her notice that be
handled his knife and fork and nap
kin genteely, and that he handed
Mary a dollar at the close of the
meal. Aunt Sally seemed a little
conscience stricken for her abrupt
ness, and insisted that he was quite
welcome to his dinner.
mot at all, marin; not at all. I
generally pay a. [ go. You've got a
fine place, MAIN: very fine. I've
passed here. Being engaged in stock
raising [ sometimes takemy droves
this way to market"
Aunt Sally WINGED a little. "Won't
you walk into the sitting room, and
rest yeur-e elf, sir. You'll be entirely
welcome"
Mr.. Piper, as he called himself,
seemed quite willing to accept Sc
friendly an invitation. and he was
soon seated in an old fashioned,
high-rocker, politely placed for him.
"Pretty hard work driving stock, I
expect" said Aunt Sally, because
she knew she must say something.
mot SO very, marin, as I ride in
my carriage, and my men on the way
with the droves. My team and driv-
er is at the foot of the lane, taking a
rest and waiting for me-"
Aunt Sally adjusted her cap strings
and sat up a little straighter.
You must excuse my rough attire
marm. DIR So according to your
business is my motto. But when
my wife was alive she always insist
ed on my wearing my best on all oc-
casions. When my daughters are at
uO &c OullDS SdCdlIOuS, L IllIA w d
little to please them"
Daughters teaching" inquired
Aunt Sally, arranging her curls be-
fore the glass.
"They could teach if necessary, but
they won't ever, it amt likely, as I've
got enough and to spare. They are
in the city finishing up on music,
marm."
Wont you have your horses bait
ed? You must excuse my forgetfull-
ness! And by all means have your
man come up aud have some din
ner." And before Mr.. Piper could
object. the chore 10y was sent to
bring the team and man to the house.
A handsome span of grey horses
brought the color to Aunt Sally's
cheeks, and during the little stir
caused by their appearance she slip
ped upstairs and exchanged her
Every day suit for he second best,styl-
ish Sunday rig. On her return Mr..
Piper was consulting his gold stem
winder, hunting-case watch, and
made the announcement that it
would be too late for his business at
the banks, and if it would be no in
convience they would stop over
night.
mot the slightest" said Aunt
with generous hospitality, and
directed Mary to build a fire in the
parler, which was not so cherries,
she said as the sitting-room.
Mr.. Piper was 50 comfortably set
tied in an elegant Eastlake rocker,
discussing real estate, bank stock,
government bonds, ETC., with his
agreeable hostess. Mary did not
know exactly how it came about, but |
MI. Piper often came to dinner after
that; finally bought the place, lifted
the mortgage, and in due time mar
ried Aunt Sally.
That was years ago, and she still
insists that a man is a man, and she |
cherishes a supreme contempt for
that spirit that can be swayed by
When Mary asks her what
her opinion is of tramps, compared
a wealthy gentleman who rides
ia his carriage, she does not ven M
what che means, but de-
that it makes no difference to
her whether a man is rich or poer, if
be is only honest and well behaved.
Rocky Mountain Husbandnun.