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

young lady, whose eyes were fixed WIFI
enviOus scrutiny upon him and his com
panion. Mr.. Palmer looked equally die
composed, but Sophie was the first to 6nd
her tongue.
80 the two enemies seem to be recon-
ciled," she said, with a laugh. How ara
you both this morning."
eve are enjoying our usual health
thank you" said Alfred.
"Miss Laura lo0Ks-aw-like a rose Pm,
sure" simpered her companion.
"Thank you, Mr., Palmer" said Iaura.
81 always enjoy your Omparisons-tbey
are so original"
Mr.. Palmer looked immensely fattared
Alfred Inconsistent nsortalD 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 Lauraw 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 orav
spend one night with us, and if you like 1
will bring him in this evening""
eve shall be very happy to see him."
said Laura, more graciously, for George
was a favorite of hers. Then we shall
expect you this evening, and Mr.. Palmer
also, if he feels inclined to call upon us"
"When do l feel otherwise" asked Mr..
Palmer, sentimentally: sat least so far as
you are concerned"
"Drive on, Alfred, for PHYS sake, or
! shall screamw whispered Laura.
! Alfred, with decided though perfectly
amiable good morning." started the pony
again, and they went off at a brisk trot
| toward the village.
/ hot Oh
! pie were gathered in Miss Souah9eR,4,
! pleasant parlors. =
| The Ransoms, who were old family
! friends, had arrived that afternoon. Mr..
and Mrs. Ransom were upstairs talang
with Miss Southwell, while the younger
members OF the family formed part of the
merry group below.
Miss Higley had arrived early viii her
| two cousins, and shortly after two OF three
other friends dropped in, for Miss South
wells house was very popular with the
young people.
Laura, sorry as she felt for her amt, had
found this very happy day. She was
proving herself indeed 'a capsole little
hOusekeeper." Then Alfred hal been so
kind, so good, 50 efficient. He was always
on hand to assist her, and to help entertain
| the company, which mono could do better
| than he.
The evening passed pleasantly away,
while they played games, sang and danced
| by turns.
Miss Higley, who admired Alfred in
/ tensely, and who had allowed herself, in
| spite of the difference in their ages, to en-
terrain hopes in that direction, marked
with displeasure how friendly he and his
cousin had become. Toward the close of
the evening they danced together, and her
eyes followed them Indignantly as, the
dance over, they retreated to a corner of
| the room and seemed absorbed in CONVEX
SO ton.
They are polite to desert their company
IL. at way" she said with a sheer to her
| )usin, George Lane.
''Why, they've been doing their best to
entertain US all the evening, and the COM
pany' seems happy enough, Pm sure" said
| gOod-natured George, glancing around
| him. Every Jack has his JILL and no.
| body looks neglected. Why shouldn't they
have a little friendly chat together?"
| Meantime Laura is saying with a sigh,
I'VE have telegram from uncle-he will
| be home tonight"
| "Are you sOrry?'' asks Alfred, with q
kindly twinkle in his eyes.
mot sorry to see uncle, but-well, on the
! whole, think | prefer peace to war, and
should be really sorry to have hostilities
commence again" replies Laura, glancing
Hp with rOguiSh but wistful look.
| "Well, is it necessary to resume the
eampagn" says her cousin, kindly. 81
find the present atmosphere very refresh
| ing myself. Suppose we swear a perpetual
peace"
Laura tries to laugh, but the bright eyes
are full of tears, and her voice trembles as
she answers: cousin Alfred, you are so
kind; you give me courage to do what I've
longed to do all day-apologize for my
badness and promise to try aud be good
from this time"
His fair enemy has surrendered at last,