The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1885-10-29

wells. "What can we do for you, dearest
auntyl"
Aunt Lefty kissed the girl affectionately.
'..our friends from New York will be here
this afternoon, as you know, n I am
sure they will spend at least a week with
us. Judging from past experience, I
fear l shall be laid up some time with this
y sPra1ni sueS a e CAPABLE y little h house RseYs@
on one or two occasions that I feel I can
trust you ever with company in the house.
And then our girls are SO capable"-with
smile at Katy, who came in just then
with the hot water.
"Bless you, ma'am, we'll do beautiful"
said Katy, Though it's sorry am to see
you laid up"
"Well, Laura, l want you to go to mar
ket first thing. Your cousin will drive you
over, I know. Don't be afraid to call upon
him for anything. I've always found him
kind and obliging. And then, he has such
good Judgment. Here is the list of things
I want you to order"
"Whatever misgivings Laura felt, she
did not make them known. "I1l do just
what you tell me. aunty," she said, with
unwonted docility. SNOW please attend to
that poor ankle right away. Sha'n't we
stop at the DOCTORS and ask him to come
round?"
"No, no; Pm an old hand at sprains, and
can treat it better myself"
"Well, don't worry, precious aunty, for
wen all do our very best" said Laura.
But as she descended the stairs she felt
half afraid, half rebellious. 81 hate to ask
him. she murmured to herself. "How he
did treat me last night, and this morning,
tool Why, he would scarcely look at me-"
Yet in her heart there was a secret long
ing to be friends with her cousin. She was
too proud to apologize, but an idea struck
| her just then. Her face broke into a smile
as, taking out her handkerchief, she tied it
to the handle of her parasol.
"My flag of truce" she said, giving it a
| flourish. az shall ask for a suspension Of
| hostilities till uncle gets back"
Fastening her steps, she tripped off in
the direction of the arbor where her cousin
was won't to smoke his morning cigar.
Yes, there he was, enjoying that mascu-
line luxury and the newspaper together.
| Laura slackened her gait now, as she
approached, waving her "white flag"
solemnly and slowly.
Alfred looked up, aud his face relaxed
into a smile. "Well?" he asked, glancing
humorously at the handkerchief.
"It's a flag of truce" said Laura
solemnly. "Pve come to request of my
honorable enemy a suspension of HOSTILE
ties for twenty-four hours"
agreed" said Alfred, rising, and speak
ing with such cordial good humor that
Laura felt her heart immensely frightened.
"But may / ask the reason for this move
on my fair enemy's part?"
so, it's a shame to joke when poor
aunty's hurt herself SOL" said Laura, with
O ouuuCh IL OIO ohS Q on ckAOo
her ankle badly, just when she's expecting
company, too. Uncle won't be back till
| tomorrow, and she feels she must depend
upon you and me, and so I thought we
| might"
'fClasp hands temporarily over the
bloody chasm," broke in Alfred. swell,
1 agree to it heartily, and you may com
mand my services at any. time. l am
sorry Aunt Lefty has hurt herself, and if
you'll excuse me for five minutes, I'll run
/ mn ond caa hor
"Well, you are a real good-natured boy,
after al" thought Laura, as he bounded
away.
"And now I understand we are going to
market?" said Alfred, gayly, as he re-
turned to her side.
eyes, 1 believe that's the first thing on
the programme returned his cousin.
They started off together, Laura very
happy, though a little embarrassed. 1t
seemed strange to be on such pleasant
terms with ser enemy. But this feeling
soon wore away The ride in the mountain
air was delightful, and ere long she found
herself talking with Alfred as she had
never talked before. He was an uncom-
student, but not in the least absent-minded.
Nothing seemed to escape his observation,
and with it all he was so full of fun and
boyish spirits. Laura found him a most
saw her in a new light, and began to feel
decidedly cousinly and affectionate. AL
ways bright and a~rtless, she was this
morning really amiable. Only once did a
little sarcastic remark escape her, where
upon Alfred, without a word, pointed
smilingly to the handkerchief stin waving
from the parasol that lay across her lap.
A bright color rose in Laura's cheeks,
but she looked up sweetly and frankly into
his face. "Please forgive me-" she said;
81 had no business to fire that shot, but l
did it from force of habit"
She turned away her head Immediately,
but Alfred's keen eyes noticed the slight
culver of her lip, n that she had to wink
hard to keep the tears back. He changed
the conversation at once, and they were
soon chatting gayly again.
"Cousin Alfred" broke out Laura,
suddenly-'I beg pardon, Mr.. Hitler"
correcting herself with a laugh.
"Suppose we drop these formalities
tsa ho we are m. under n1ss a flag of . sTgfs,. 81 said 4
you want of Cousin Alfred, Laura?"
"Why, there's Sophie Higley and that
Mr.. Palmer" rejoined Laura. They'll
want to stop and speak to us; but don't do
it, if you eau help it,"
A smile of amusement curled Alfred's
lip in spite of himself. "How do they come
to be driving out together?"
ooh, he's her cousin, and staying there,
you know. Dear me! Sophie is waving her
hand to you to stop; you'll have to do it,
/ Alfred"
Alfred refined up the pony sharply, and
bowed with his usual politeness to the
young lady, whose eyes were fixed with
envious scrutiny upon him and his COM
panion. Mr.. Palmer looked equally dis
composed, but Sophie was the first to find
her tongue.
$50 the two enemies seem to be recon
ciled,' she said, with a laugh. How are
you both this morning."
"We are enjoying our usual health,
thank you," said Alfred.
"Miss Laura looks-aw-like a rose, Pm
sure" simpered her companion.
"Thank you, Mr.. Palmer" said Laura
II always enjoy. your compariscns-they
are so original"
Mr.. Palmer looked immensely flattered.
Alfred Inconsistent mortal) felt not the
slightest inclination to rebuke his cousin.
"Well, we must bid you good-morning,
as our business is pressing, he said, gather
ing up the reins.
"But, Laura, dear Laura" cried Miss
Higley, as they were moving off; "do let
me speak one word to youp
"Well?" said Laura, coldly, for the ex.
preston, %"stinging little cockatrice," was
still ranking in her soul.
"My cousin George is coming in from
New JERSEY this afternoon. He can only
spend one night with US, and if you like
will bring him in this evening"
w shall be very happy to see him.
said Laura, more graciously, for George
was a f~avorite of hers. .'Then we shall
expect you this evening, and Mr.. Palmer
also. if he feels inclined to call upon u.s."
"When do I feel otherwise" asked Mr.
Palmer, sentimentally: sat least so far a:
you are concerned"
"Drive on, Alfred, for PHYS sake, or
shall scream!" whispered Laura.
Alfred, with a decided though perfectly
amiable ''good morning. started the pony
again, and they went off at a brisk tro'
toward the village.
That evening about a dozen young PEG
pie were gathered in Miss s~outhwell':
pleasant parlors.
The Ransoms, who were old family
friends, had arrived that afternoon. Mr.
and Mrs. Ransom were upstairs talking
with Miss Southwell, while the younger
member of the family formed part of tn,
merry group below.
Miss HigIey had arrived early with hel
two cousins, and shortly after two or three
a&u.. r:a-l ax-.. 60, hF;,. Co,,Hl.