The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-10-31

Early the next morning Laura stood in
the garden waiting for her aunt. The
horse was harnessed, waiting to take them
to the village where Miss Southwell did all
her marketing. She had been trying for
some weeks to indoctrinate Laura into its
mysteries, and the young lady proved her
self an apt scholar.
The old fashioned, pleasant house which
Miss Southwell and her brother had occu-
pied now some thirty years stood on NIL
in the outskirts of the village. The grounds
were tastefully laid out, the mountain air
delicious and invigorating.
There could not be more glorious morn
ing than this, yet the expression of trouble
on Laura's pretty face showed that her
mood was not in harmony with the day.
80 provoking" she muttered, that |
should have lost my temper that way!
But it was bad enough to have my ball
croqueted way to the ends of the earth
without his looking so pleased over it.
"Sophie Higley, too, Growing over Mr..
Palmer and me as she did! 1t was real
unladylike. And to think of her whisper
ing to Mary Shaw that | was "a little
singing cockaricen l can never get over
that!
"But, oh dear! I did say some dreadfully
spiteful things. Well, l don't care; Alfred
and Sophie were really aggravating, and
Mr.. Palmer thSGgEt - too. How polite he
Is, always making you feeI S. pleased with
yourself! | wish he wasn't such fool"
At this moment Maria, one Of their serv
ants, came running down the piazza
steps. She looked so heightened that
Laura's heart leaped to her mouth.
ooh, Miss Laura, your aunt's hurt her
ankle bad, and Pm most afraid it's broke.
She was halfway down the stairs, when
she fell, and her whole weight come on it,"
But Laura was in the house by this time.
She found her aunt in her room, a front
she had fallen.
Miss Southwell lay on the lounge, looking
very pale, but composed, and said, in
soothing tone to Laura, "Don't be
frightened, child; my ankles not broken,
only badly sprained. Katy's drawing me
some hot water to shower it with. And
now, dear, as your uncle is away, | feel
that you and Alfred must be my main
dependence"
"You and Alfred" 1t seemed an odd
conjunction. But Laura only murmured,
as she laid her cheek against Miss South
wells. "What can we do for you, dearest
aunty?"
Aunt Lefty kissed the girl affectionately
"Our friends from New York will be here
this afternoon, as you know, and am
sure they will spend at least week with
us. Judging from past experience, l
E?s1 shall be laid up some time with this
sprain. Now, Laura, yOu have proved
yourself such a capable little hOesekeeper
on one or two occasions that | feel | can
trust you even with company in the house
And then our girls are so capable"-with
a 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, want you to go to mar
ket first thing Your cousin will drive you
/ l.. /
hlm for anything. Ive always found him
kind and Obli%ing. And then, he has such
good judgment Here is the list of things
| want you TO order"
''Whatever misgivings Laura felt, she
did no5 make them known. "I'll do just
what you tell me, auntY," she said, with
unwonted dociity. 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"
"W ell, don't worry, precious auntv, 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 Chow he
did treat me last night, and this morning,
too! Why, he would scarcely look at me-"
Yet in her heart there was q 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. 81 shall ask for a suspension of
hOstllities till uncle gets back"
fastening her steps, she tripped off in
the direction of the arbor where her cousin
was wont to smoke his morning cigar.
Yes, there he was, enjoying thai mascu
Al.
Laura slackened her gait now, as she
approached, waving her "white flag"
solemnlY and slowly.
Alfred looked up, and his face relaxed
into smile. "Well?" he asked, glancing
humorously at the handkerchief
It's a flag of truce" said Laura
solemnlY. "l'ye como to request OF my
honorable enemy suspension of hostil
ties for twenty -four hours"
agreed" said Alfred, rising, and speak
ing with such cordial good humor that
Laura felt her heart immensely lightened.
"But may | ask the reason for this move
on my fair enemy's part?"
80, it's a shame to joke when poor
aunty's hurt herself sop said Laura, with
a sudden change Of tone. "She's sprained
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 [ thought we
might"
''Clasp hands temporarily over the
bloody chasm," broke in Alfred. "Well,
l 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, III run
up and see her."
"Well, you are a real good-natured boy,
after all, )" thought Laura, as he bounded
away.
"And now I understand we are going to
marlet?" said Alfred, gayly, as he re-
turned to her side.
Eyes, 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 her 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-
monty intelligent young fellow and good
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
agreeable companion, and he on his part
saw her in a new light, and began to feel
decidedly cOusinly and affectionate. AL
ways bright and artless, she was this
morning really amable. Only once did q
little sarcastic remark escape her, where
upon Alfred, without n word, pointed
smilingly to the handkerchief still waving
from the parasol that lay across her lap.