The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-05-12
Select Story.
AT THE STORES.
From Al the Year Round.
CHAPTER l.

| From Au the Year Hound.
CHAPTER 1.
She was tired. A long day at tn,
stores, with July sun beating down upor
the building, is wearying; but when to al
the harassing calculations as to the neces
sary details of boys school outfit, from a
woman's point of view, are added the
necessities from that same boys point o.
view, than Is that womap's life a burden
indeed.
"Oh, say, aunt, don't want any more
pocket handkerchiefs, but | can't possibly
90 to school without a decent racquet.
And when this same boy seems to have
solved the problem of perpetual motion, to
say nothing of an ubiquitous presence, it
is easy to understand the condition of mind
and body with which Mrs, Dale finally
suggested an adjournment to the refresh
ment room. Five minutes before she had
seen the boy descending with interested
face-which he vainly tried to make lordly
and ealm-in tho lift, and had rejoiced
over the prospect of some peaceful
moments over the contemplation of socks,
and here he was at her elbow again, with
his usual preface to new want:
"Oh, 1 say, aunt, what rot" with dis
gusted glance at the pile of hose on the
counter. ~ call that waste of money. |
shall never wear all those things, 4twould
be so much better to spend the money on
little spirit lamp and methylated-"
"And, pray, what part are those to
play"
@Oh, to boil fellows kettle or things.
You never know"
"My dear Steve, | know nothing. |
thought did till 1 came here. But now
1 am willing to own my ignorance. Never
will pretend to the knowledge of boys
necessities again. am worn out-and
have become philosopher. We wear too
many clothes. We ought to return to the
simplicity of our ancestors and clothe our
selves in blue paint and fishing rod.
Lee us gssand have some tea. Perhaps a
bun might be reflection of some weight
to your mind and body. If you can sit
still five minutes without moving or say
ing, "Oh, l say, aunt, you know | will
give you seven"
He tucked his arm with eager, grateful
affection into hers, and. led her off to the
refreshment room.
1t was crowded, but, after much impor-
tant eagerness, with some slight pomposity
as beftted the dignity of his quest in her
service, he found her table. The order
was given to the waiter, but scarcely had
the boy sat down than he bounced up
again, having caught glimpse of "fel-
low" at the further end of the room. His
aunt leaned YEARLY back in her chair, as
he plunged recklessly between the tables,
looking after him with shining, loving
eyes, which suddenly dilated and darkened
into amazement, fear, anger, and a strange
regretful pain. A man had suddenly risen
from one of the tables between her and
the schoolboys. She had not noticed him
as he sat, but now, when he rose and shut
out the distant prospect of her sturdy
Young nephew greeting his friend, she saw
nothing else but this tall, slightly built
Young man, with his face still pale from a
recent severe illness. His right arm was
in sling. He caught sight of her at the
same instant He hesitated for second,
his pale face growing paler. Then he
strobe quickly toward her. She looked
down for a moment, toying with the parasol
on her knee. When she raised her eyes
again they were calm and cold.
"Maior Huddlestone !" she said with
the same cold brightness, "what an age it
is since we met p
aMaicr Huddlestone colored slightly as
he took her hand, apologizing for doing so
with his left.
+ aI-know," she said hastily, her eyes not
quite SO calm, bat the waiter brought up
the tea and cakes, and at the same moment
| youu. Steve. eaAc lplsuifgle through
the tables, regardless of the, a Ind feel
ings of the occupiers. "My n. -
said to Major Huddlestone; "aar
going to school in the autumn, and@1
mother asked me to bring him here to gel
his outfit. His name is Stephen Dale.
"Yes," said the Major.
1t was nephew of her late husbands
It made him think of that husband. Per,
haps that was what she intended him tC
do, he thought, as he tugged at his fan
moustache and looked gravely at the boy
"And jolly day we have had, toe
though aunt is awfully tired. But We
shall have to come another day; we haven 7
half finished"
awe shall have to came another day,
she said, smiling with sweetness that was
angelic, considering what she had already
gone through.
"And then we shall see about that fish.
ing rod and things; and oh, say, aunt,
really must have"
"Another bum" said the Major, good
humoredly. 81 wish l could eat buns 7
The boy looked up at him with scorr
and some resentment.
"There's nothing to speak of in these
buns. | could polish off dozen"
His aunt and the Major laughed; anC
the sympathetic bond of that laughter
seemed to draw them nearer each other
The brilliant GOODNESS of her society man
ner vanished.
"Sit down in that chair and talk to US,
she said genially, eff you are not in I
hurry"
It was hardly likely that he would be il
hurry when he had not seen her for fif
teen years; but as he had never been giftet
with eloquence when his deep feeling
were concerned he could say nothing now
and simply sat down on the third chair a
the little table. He found it easier to lool
at and talk to the boy.
/ "And so you are going to school" h
said. sWhat are you going to learn t.
lbe--?"