The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-05-01
PRECIOUS POLL.
by ALMA L. M'KEE.
CHAPTER !.

right, perhaps. 1t does seem as though
that window affords me more satisfac-
ton, as regards light and sun, than
either of the others. Do sit down now,
Mehitable; it makes me nervous to see
you on your feet so much.
"Oh, auntie," in soft, sweet voice,
"dont worry about me. / am doing
nicely, assure you. But Pm afraid
you are not nearly so well to-day, are
you? You look paler than usual. T."
"No, niece. 1 am not quite as well to-
day as yesterday; for do you know, L
worry so much about your future. Here
we are eating up our small income, inch
by inch, and when that is gone we must
of necessity starve. That servant is
not worth her salt. / fear shah be
obliged to discharge her; and Marion
is so thoughtless. What need has she
"a poor girl-wasting her money and
time in such foolishness as drawing and
painting and nonsense?" And Aunt
Cynthia Crowell looked the picture OF
vexation.
ooh, auntie, trust we are not quite
so destitute as that. Why, that gold
pin Of mine would sell for something, l
dare SAY, if it should come to that ex-
tremity; and, besides, there is man
around paying quito price for all
species of birds for his museum, and |
thought that that old parrot of yours,
auntle-"
"Mehitable Ryder! Do you dare to
intimate such cruel, utterly mon
strous, proposal as that to me? My
darling Poll, that have had since my
babyhood? That L have taught to
talk and wink and blink at me. and who
shows more real affection for me- &C.
oordingly, than either of my nieces
Mo- / shall keep her until she dies,
and then have her stuffed. / fear it
will not be long until that occurs, for
she seems to be dropping of late. Don't
YOU notice it, Mehitable?"
A smothered laugh, followed by q
forced cough from behind the heavy
folds of damask, screening one Of the
windows, drove the similar inclination
from the lips of Hettie, as it sounded
too deris.ve when proceeding from those
of another; and, forcing the smile from
her lips, she said, abruptly:
Aunt Cynthia, this is lovely day.
May we not (that is, Marion and y give
you turn or Two under the laurels, in
your invalid chair? Please say yes,
auntie."
well, niece, / suppose Imay as well
submit at once, or stand the chance of
being leased out Of my senses But
make sure that You wrap me up good.
Mar on Marion where are you? Put
away those fol-de-rcls. and come imme-
diately to assist your cousin; you al
WAYS was lazy. / shall leave my pre-
cious Poll to Mehitable; see if don't"
she muttered under her breath.
Marion appeared in an incredibly
short space of time, Judging that she
was not visiblY near before her aunt's
call. and at once took up her station by
the side of Hottie.
"Are you easy, Aunt Cynthia?" kind
ly inquired Hettie, as she was being
propelled on the thick green grass.
We'll, shouldn't wonder, answered
that eccentric individual, leaning back
comfortably in her well-cushioned
char. But, l say, who is that insolent-
looking young man staring in here? /
wonder if he ever saw me before, or is
it you he's comforting so much honor
on, Marion? i have half mind to
ask HIM, the impudent fellow"
ooh, aunt, please, please, do not;
indeed. he is not impudent," exclaimed
poor Hottie, coloring to the roots of her
bright golden curls, while modification
looked from her pretty blue eyes. "He
is admiring our fower-beds; don't you
see that he is moving away now?"
ayes, and it's high time he did, too !;
after making such big eyes at you, and
scraping and bowling like conceited
monkey that he is. Why didn't you
cut him, Mehitable? What is he to
your"
"What is he to me, aunt? love him,
and have promised some time in the
future to marry him! !" exclaimed Het-
tie, her face now pale with apprehen-
sion.
"Indeedp scornfully. well, niece,
] must say, you have taken the reins
into your own hands entirely, you and
he. Never come near the old woman to
ask consent or leave, but ignored my
advice altogether. Now, let me tell
you plainly, Mehitable, you are not of
age, as yet, and with my consent you'll
never marry that brazen dog! Dye
hear that?" and the irate old lady
turned full round in her chair, that she
might better view the effect of her
words. "And / may say, right here,
that do not admire your taste in the
least"
And she laughed hard. discordant
laugh as she watched his retreating
figure, almost out of sight.
Had we not better go in now,
aunt?" asked Hettie, anxious to fly to
her own chamber and solitude.
"Oh, yes; anything to be agreeable.
/ am sure / don't carel But it appears
to me you tire of this beautiful land
scape and bright sunshine remarkably
soon to-day. However, let us go in y
They entered the house and the in
valid room, assisted Aunt Cynthia to
bed. then sat down, Hettie at some
lace work, Marion with her drawing
material. Very soon the aunt, ap
parently slept profoundly; at least she
snorod horribly" as Marion termed &
@Yesi" responded Marion, 81 have 4
letter or two, to write"
"What do you think put aunt out 81
to-dqy?" asked Marion.
"Oh. I'm sure don't know; excep
x.-oa flat al,o Ioo.I ~n,, aO,oLor IL,