Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1886-03-31

she had fallen.
Miss South well lay on the OUNCE. looking
very pale, but composed, and said, In a
frightened. child; my ankles not broken.
| only badly sprained. Katy's drawing me
some hot water to shower IL with. And
/ now, dear. as your uncle Is away, 1 feel
that you and Alfred must be my main
aYou 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
auntyi"
"Our friends from New York will be here
| this afternoon, as you know, and l am
| sure they will spend at least @ week with
| us. Judging from past experience, L
| fear l shall be laid up some time with this
| yourself such q capable little housekseper
on one or two occasions that feel l can
| trust you even with company in the house
| And then our girls are so cayable"-with
a smile at Katy, who came In just then
"Bless YOU, ma'am, weri do beautiful"
said Katy, Though it's sorry am to see
| you laid up"
"weli, Laura, want you to go to mar
ket flrst thing. Your cousin will drive you
over. know; Don't be afraid TO call upon
| him for anything. I've always found Hun
kind and obliging. And then, he has such
good Judgment Here Is the list of things
want you 70 order"
"whatever misgivings Laura felt, she
| did not make them known. "I1l do just
unwonted docility. "Now please attend to
| that poor ankle right away. Sha'n't we
stop at the Doctors and ask him to come
round?"
"No, no; I'm an old hand at sprains, and
| can treat IL better myself"
Veil
well 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:
tool Why, he would scarcely look at me-"
Yet in her heart there was 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 smile
as, taking ont her handkerchief, she tied 1t
| to the handle Of her parasol.
"My flag OF truce" she said, giving it a
| flourish. az shall ask for suspension Of
hostilities till uncle gets back"
Fastening her steps, she tripped on In
| the direction of the arbor where her cousin
was wont to smoke his morning cigar.
Yes, there he was, enjoying that mascu-
| line luxury and the newspaper together.
Laura slackened her gait now. as she
| approached, waving her "white flag"
| solemnly and slowly.
Alfred looked up, and his face relaxed
| into q smile. "Well?r he asked, glancing
humorously at the handkerchief.
ats flag Of truce" said Laura
solemnly. "I've come to request of my
honorable enemy suspension of HOSTILE
ties for twenty -four hours"
Agreed" said Alfred. rising, and speak
ing with such cordial good humor that
Laura felt her heart immensely lightsned.
"But may ask the reason for this move
on my fair cnemy's party"
80, it's shame to joke when poor
aunty's hurt herself So" 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 aud me, and so l thought we
dClasp- hands temporarily over the
bloody chasm," broke in Alfred. swell,
agree to it heartily, and you may COM
mand my services at any timo l am
sorry Aunt Lefty has hurt herself, and If
you'll excuse me for five minutes, I'll run
up and see her."
'"Well, you are a real good-natured boy,
after al, ;" thought Laura, as no bounded
away.
"And now understand we are going to
marketi" said Alfred, gayly, as he re-
turned to her side.
"Yes, believe that's the first thug on
tho programme" returned his cousin.
happy, though a little embarrassed. 1t
seemed strange TO he on such pleasant
terms with her enemy. But this feeling
soon wore away. The ride in the mountain
air was delightful, and ere long 500 found
herself talking with Alfred as she had
never talked before. He was en- uncom-
monty intelligent young follow aud n good
student, but not in the least absent inindsd.
Nothing seemed to escape his observation.
and With 1t all he was so full Of fun and
boyish spirits. Laura found him nosG
agreeable companion, and he on his part
saw her In new light, aud began TO feel
decidedly cousinly and atfectioaate. AL
ways bright and nrtless, sho was this
morning really amiable. Only once lid
little sarcastic remark escape her, where
upon Alfred, without a worl, pointed
smilingly to the Handkerchief still waving
from the parasol that lay across her lap.
A bright color rose In Leura's checks,
but she looked up sweetly and frankly into
his face. "Please forgive me-" she sail;
~ had no business to fire that shot, but
did il from force Of habit"
She turned away her head Immediately,
but Alfred's keen eyes noticed the slight
culver Of her lip. and that she had to wink
hard to keep the tears back. He changed
the conversation at once. and they were
soon chatting gayly again.
"Cousin Alfred" broke cut Laura
suddenly-"I beg pardon, Mr.. Hitler"
correcting herself with laugh.
"suppose we drop these formalities
while we are under flag OF truce," said
the young man. pleasantly. "What is IL
you want OF Cousin Alfred. Laura"
"Why, there's Sorbio Higlsy and that
Mr.. Palmer" reioined Laura. They'll
want to stop and speak to US; but don's do
1t, IL you can help it."
A smile Of amusement curled Alfrei's
| lip In spite of himself. "How do they come
| to be driving out together"
| "A lar cor
| you know. Dear me SO. HE Is waving her
| Alfred"
Alfred refined up the pony sharply, and
bowed with his usual politepass to the
young lady, whose ewes were fixed with
envious scrutiny upon him and his COM
panion. Mr.. Palmer looked equally dis
composed, but Sophie was the first to find
her tongue.
$50 the two enemies seem to be recon.
ciled." she said, with laugh. "How are
YOU both this NOR iing?"
ave are enjoying our usual health,
thank you" said Alfred.
"Miss Laura looks-aw-like a rose, I'm
sure" simpered her companion.
THANK you. Mr. Palmer" said Laura;
are so original"
| Mr.. Palmer looked immensely fiattered.
Alfred Inconsistent mortal!) felt not the
slightest inclination to rebuke his cousin.
as our business Is pressing, he said, gather.
| ing up the reins.
"But, Laura, dear Laura!" cried Miss
Higley, as they were moving of; "do let
me speak one word to you'll"
"Welly" 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 only
spend one night with us, and IL you like I
| will bring him In this evening""
eve shall be very happy to see him."
said Laura, more graciously, for George
was favorite of hers. '"Thsu we shall
expect you this evening, and Mr. Palmer
also, IL he feels inclined to call upon u.s."
"When do j feel otherwisei" asked Mr..
Palmer, sentimentally: 'at least so far as
| you are concerned"
"Drive on, Alfred, for PHYS sake, or
| shall screamw whispered Laura,