Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1885-02-04

WheeIers, and was IN the habit Of pay
ing frequent little visits to the farm
house.
Mrs. Wheeler liked 20 have young
people about her: and she was, more
over. particularly anxious that her
only SON. Tom, should marry and
settle down" with his wife on the
farm.
She had seen enough Of late TO con-
vince her that Lottie was to be her
sons choice. and she was well enough
satisfied. though the girl was littls
"highty." and not quite so sensible and
sterling as she could wish.
But that would wear off after mar
riage; and Lottie certainly was fine
girl. and Tom loved her: so the mother
was quite content to let Tom have his
own way. Only now and then she
would catch herself wondering
whether Alice Brown, the niece Of
and old school friend of hers,
would not make Tom more suitable
wife. and herself a more desirable
That evening Tom Wheeler, coming
up from the meadow, caught q distant
view of Lottie and Alice in lane
leading to private road which ran as
a boundary line between his farm and
that of Judge Redmond. Alice was
gathering flowers in the hedge, while
Lottie swung on the gate with care
less grace peculiar to her, in conversa-
ton with nice looking young man.
whose whole appearance bespoke him
from the city. A momentary jealous
pang shot through Toms heart. He
remembered that in the last week or
two Judge Redmond's nephew, Mr..
Archie Redmond. had several times
called to see Lottie. and only last Sun
day had walked home with her from
church across the meadows. Now,
walking slowly. he watched the two
until the gentleman, lifting his hat,
turned away, and Alice and Lottie
came up the lane toward the house.
Then Tom FASTENED his steps and
overlook them.
Where have you been p he inquired.
ITO Judge Redmond's. to see Miss
Marion Redmond" answered Lottie,
who was looking bright and smiling.
Il thought you did not like Miss
Marion Redmond" he returned, a little
coldly.
Neither do I. She's so absurdly
dignitied and self-important. But
that's no reason why we should not
visit, being near neighbors and old
schoolmates.
Il thought you paid the last visit, a
few days ago" said Tom.
YES" she answered. coloring. "but
this was quite an informal call
wanted an embroidery pattern"
And Mr.. Archie walked home with
you"
AS far as the gate. As he had to
go to the post-office, we would not let
him come any farther"
Then she added. looking down and
carefully imprinting each footstep in
the moist sand:
Il shall see enough of him to- morrow,
| suppose, at the picnic"
so you are going to the picnic. after
all 2" said Tom, quickly
She looked up into his face with
charming little smile.
Now, Tom, you have no right TO
scold. If Mr.. Redmond had offered to
take me through the hot sun and dusty
road in a buggy. would have refused.
lie knew / had refused your escort
under those circumstances, so he pro-
posed that we should walk-he and I
and Katie Redmond through Marsden
woods It's private way. you know,
and i promised. They say it's lovely
walk, and, being direct path. not too
long"
Tom NADER no answer. Lottie affect
ed not to perceive his moOdiness. till
near the house he left them and turned
Off ia the stables. to see that the man