Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1885-07-03
The Family Black Sheep.

"And you, Freda," says my pater-
nal ancestor sternly gazing down from
his superior height upon my petty five
feet two, "are to behave sensibly. if
possible, and consider yourself engag
ed to Mr. Comyn."
feel myself sink-fguratively
speaking away down to the lowest
depth of despair as papa goes on re
tlectively:
"Really, fine offer for youl You
have always been the black sheep of
the family, Freda, and certainly do
not deserve such good fortune as to
marry man worth a cool million, who
is quite devoted % you. So takz.--tnsz
good the gods provide and make no
dcmur."
"a sacrifice to appease the wrath of
the gods" l quote, demuredly. But
my heart is mutinous and rebellious TO
the last degree.
Sister Rita and | attended an arch
cry party at Mrs. Somers' lovely coun-
try home, and Mr.. Comyn, CHANGING to
be present, had fallen desperately in
love with me, At least such is his
astonishing announcement In his letter
to my father, which has just been re-
ccived,
"Now, remember, Freda, no tricl1sl
1t is my desire-my command-that
you accept Mr.. Comyn~
"Oh, papa, don't make me say, Yes
nowI Do give me a few days of gracel
Even the condemned criminal going to
the scaffold is allowed time for prepa-
radon"
Papa frowns severely.
"Fredal'' His voice is very stern
and trembIe in my boots. you un-
grateful childl Do you realize that it
IS all | can do to keep up the family 2"
feel small-awfully smaIl-in com
parison with that last adjective. Yet,
what connection my possible marriage
has with the payment of our bills. !
fail to ee-unless papa is referring to
the expense of my keeping.
"Oh, papa" | cry pIteously (Fred
says when turn on the water works"
there is no resisting me), do let me
support myself; | can teach-I know l
can! have never considered marri-
age I am young Rita is the oldest;
why cant he content himself with
RitaY"
Yes. why can't he? She is decided
ly the prettiest-though, truth to tell,
we look wonderfully alike. We are
respectively II and 10. and look even
Younger. Papa is frowning prodigi-
ously, l see there is no use in remon-
strance-his mind is made up. A
millionaire in the family? Papa puts
an end to the controversy at last by
quietly leaving the room. l sink down
upon the broad window seat and pre-
pare for a good cry. when some one
pulls my hair emphatically. l stiae a
yell and spring to my feet. Only Fred!
An inspiration seizes mel
"Oh, Fred" wall, piteously, cant
you help me? You have influence
with papa-do beg him to give up this
horrible marriagel'
He Is only Is and the pet of the fam
ly.
"Freds, don't be goose" he ejacu-
lates at last. "Wish l had a chance
10 marry girl as rich as Mr.. Comyn.
I'd perpetrate matrimony if she was
rs ugly as original sin, and my pet.
aversion"
"Ru tn BruteP' 1 pout, indignant y
Fred laughs,
"Precisely. And, Freda, what do
YOU think2 Rita is mad-oh, as a
Iarch hare, because Mr., Comyn did
ct propose to her. Funny, isn't it,
nat he didn't fall in love with herE
81 wish he had" l cry; with my
khole heart l wish that he had! But
here's no such good luck for me, Fred.
And I march away in high dudgeon,
md. tying on my big sun-hat, fly down
, the beach my usual place OF ref
"a Here my little boat is moored;