The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-06-26

a legion. and when the host had found
the last one in the woodshed he ex-
| claimed:
There, by gum, that's the last OF
'em!''
was now permitted to be seated,
and much to the lady's pleasure, took
a chair beside Mrs. Briggs.
I'm real glad to see YOU" she said.
"This is very unexpected, " l replied,
shut am happy to be here. "
She dropped personal conversation
and devoted herself to discussing the
merits and dement's of some Of her
quests. | listened to her confidential
whisper till knew whose father it was
that stole sheep, and who it was that
put on airs, and great deal else that
must not mention, as it was told with
a humorous ''now don't you tell" and
which | had forgotten in an hour.
After while 1 engaged in converse
ton with others. but there was little
talking done by the people, as all
seemed to feel it incumbent to keep
their eyes on me. One little woman
the wife of Dr.. Biglow = asked me
how my parents liked to have me away
so far from home. 1 told her that I
had been from home so much that they
were used to it.
Il think your mothers name is real
poetic" she next remarked.
Of course [ said YES, but simple
Betsey Ann has no poetry in my ears.
II was about to covertly inquire how
}}she came to know my mother, but she
interposed on my intention with another
remark:
1T must be lovely in your place in
the winter" she said.
at is, indeedr' l replied and descant-
ed on the beauties of Boston.
Otter guests were so near US that [
couldnot avoid hearing their remarks.
At frs these were few and far between,
but Later they became more frequent.
Each oae was strictly personal, and |
was thdr subject. They ran something
like thi:
"S'p6one he's wuth a million! /
rocked ~ what they said that he was
harnsomr'
Can you make out the color of his
eyes?"
"They',e black"
"No, ST! They're blue"
"Git out They're kinder yeller!''
Saint his voice sweet"
"Trav' ling north. wasn't hep
"This snow must suit him to an iota. "
"How grand he must feel to think
this party was made all for him!'
80 dear, that ain tnothin'! Is'pose
he's ben to much bigger parties!'
l had to overhear about nine hundred
and ninety-nine such remarks. At last,
to my relief, some one suggested 6
dance. was asked to engage in a
waltz, and singing out the daughter OF
Mr.. Whitney took the floor with her
She was nice dancer, but to my sur
prise, and | must say, to my annoy
ance, no one else Joined in the amuse
ment. l turned to DR.. Biglow:
Doctor L said, form some sets. '
The little man did so, and we had
some real enjoyable dancing. l favored
all of the pretty girls, and by the time
that | had finished the last dance it was
twelve o'clock.
| There was no supper and at one
o'clock the party broke up. rode bach
to the tavern with Mr.. Briggs, and 6
wood-sled carrying the brass band
! drove before US. The music that was
| discoursed was of undescribable ex.
cellence. When we reached the tavern
l fonnd that my room had been sweep
and newly furnished. l bowed Mr.
Briggs farewell, and lighting cigar
sat down by the stove to enjoy quie
| smoke.
In the room below l could hear thu
voice of Mr.. Briggs and the landlord
The latter was saying:
'I'll make well on him! I'll hay,
twenty dollars a day for board. You
see, he'll Jest give check; for, as i
comes out of his state, he won't caren
''No! course not. Make him pay!
"You bet!'
"Ahemn' I said to myself, and at tn
moment noticed an elegant bouquet oil
my mantel. | arose to examine it
Pinned on one side was a slip of pape
on which was written: Presented tc
the Grand Duke Alexis by Opheli;
Hooker"
All was clear then, was mistaken
for the Russian Prince. 1t was to-
absurd for any thing, and l laughed
heartily. l remembered that there ha'
been rumor that train would leave
at three o'clock. l had announced m,
intention of remaining all night, but
dreaded the morrow. So left money
on my table and slipped out and came
away in the train.
Preparations had been made to hav
that for a gala holiday, but | presume
the Bunkvillians were surprised whel
morning came to find me absent. M
doubt they took me for an imposter
1t was most pleasant experience, anC
| can not say whether they were de
ceived or whether | was. "-ALban!
Ne1OS.