The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-06-08
AUNT DORA.


was at six, be sure and send her to me
to spend the summer. My husband $
nephew, Eustace Gaynor, is here. and l
should like to have him make her ac-
quaintance. 1t would be good thing
for Lima
Thus ran the postscript of Mrs. Dora
Smiths letter to her niece, Mrs. Law
ton, who seventeen years before had
married and left her home with her aunt
to reside in London. Aunt and niece
had been almost uninterruptedly sepa-
rated since.
The letter found Lima Lawton Mt the
end of her first season. You would not
have detected flaw probable in the
girls health after her season of dane
ing and late parties; but there was a
slight languor and Indifferent appetite
And then came Aunt Dora's letter.
Just the thingr' said Mr.. Lawton.
alma has had enough fashionable folly
for this year. Send her off to AuntDora,
it will do her n world of goOd!"
But Mrs. Lawton hesitated.
Il don't know that Lima would like
IT. she said.
She remembered the quiet life they
lead at the old country house where
most of her youth was spent, and it did
mt seem likely that pretty Lima, play
ing waltzes with dainty touch in the
next room, would be contented out
there.
To be sure, Aunt Dora had whole,
comfortable and pleasant house; but
she was very decided in her opinion
that girls ought to learn to be good
housekeepers and she had sent her niece
forth into the world almost as capable a
housekeeper as herself.
But with Mrs. Lawton it was differ
ent Beautiful Lima had been too daint-
lily kept to share in the labors of the
house, where, in truth, servants were
kept in such plenty that soiling those
little hands had always seemed super.
fiuous. i.
But Mrs. Lawton knew very well that
Aunt Dora would disapprove such
"bringing up OF the girl, and her con.
science reproved her that Lima at six.
teen could not make pudding.
ut would be a good experience fol
her, for Aunt Dora, though strict, was
always considerable in her training. Lima
has been to too many dances this winter.
The air is splendid at Oaklands. She
shall CO. she decided.
Then the subject must be preached t.
Lima with certain tact, that the trip
might prove success.
'My Aunt Dora wants you to go t.
Oaklands for the summer, dear-tht
most beautiful of AL places! and father
is very anxious you should be in the
country this summer. You remember
Aunt Dora, do you notp"
mo; but should like to 60 very
much" said Lima.
Papa will go with you, the first OF
next month; and by-and-bye l will come
up with the boys, make auntie visit,
and bring you home fresh as rose and
brown as berry, expect. But, Lima,
Aunt Dora is very domestio and will
want You to learn the way of a house.
keeper and to assist her. expect you
will be willingp"
Lima said Eyes," lightly.
''She will want you to do things about
the house, and do them very nicely. 1t
will be good for you, the training; and
if sometimes a little irksome, be patient
and faithful, and try to please auntie,
for she was the best friend of my girl
Linap" and Lima promised.
The gay society season was quite at
an end, and in the strong suns of April,
the girl imagined the country, Of which
she had seen little, would be beautiful
The parks and public gardens were al
ready bright with emerald turf and
white westeria. She had youthful
love for such sights! Wild old Oakland
would be scene of enchantment, she
believed. She had often heard her
mother talk of the bloom-white apple
orchard, the field and brooks. She
should have delightful summer, she
was sure.
But at the last moment, it turned out
that Mr.. Lawton could not accompany
his daughter upon her journey, and
Lina's mother could not 60, for the two
youngest boys were down with measles;
but the letter was already dispatched,
announcing Lina's speedy coming, so it
was desirable that she set forth at once,
and the girl declared that she was not
afraid to go alone.
There is no change of train, my
girl" said her father. as he put her in
to a carriage at st. Pancras. "Twill
go right through, and be in before dark;
Aunt Dora will be sure to meet you at
the station"
And with look of solicitude and q
word Of encouragement, he was off and
the train rolled out of the station, taking
Lima upon her journey.
She had every essential for her trip,
from her pretty travelihg-suit to a we'll
packed lunch basket and book for
reading.
It was bright spring dav. and Lima