The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1889-10-12
''GOTTER.0 %
"Who is Gotter ?"
BY MARY E. VANDYNE.

This is the question l asked mysel
quite dozen times on the day of m,
arrival, and kept cn asking myself
we'll until found out.
We were all at breakfast. Harr,
named him first. We were lingering
over the tea and mullins, chatting abou
this thing and that before the day.
work began, when he suddenly looked
at the clock. Unmarked half past eight
"Oh dear Gotter !" he exclaimed
and then l saw the young gentleman
spring up, seize the hat and overcoa
that hung on the rack, and presently
there stood a hearty, healthy school-boy
with load of books on his arm, read,
to start.
"Oh yes; Gotter p was echoed by
two other voices, and soon Harry had
two companions, his brother Robert,
and little Edith, all bonneted, cloaked,
and ready for another days struggle
with the troubles of learning. They
were merry group as they started off.
"Who is Gotter2" | said to myself,
wonderingIy, and half expected to see
some sturdy fellow school boy who
owned that extraol dinary name, join
the group as they passed the gate.
The conversation went on briskly.
We older ones discussed politics, the
news of the day, the last new book, and
several other subjects, when all of a
sudden l heard the word again. This
time it was from the head of the house.
"Well, l shall have Gotter after me
if l don't move directly ;" and another
raid was made upon the hat rack for a
hat and overcoat.
ayes, he'll be after US all, if we don t
bestir ourselves soon," my hostess re-
piled, and there was a general move
from the table.
"Ah Gotter is then an expected
guest" l thought. "Things must be
made ready for his appearance"
But Gotter did not appear.
The day wore on. We took up our
usual occupations-reading, writing,
sewing, for the day was stormy one,
and there was no going out. The next
time heard him mentioned was in the
evening.
"Isabel," said her mother to the fair
young daughter of the house, "some o.
those seams on Bertha new dress could
be easily run this evening. There i:
none too much time left if we are te
have it done by Sunday"
"Oh dear, mamma, do so want te
practice. The evening is no time fo
sewing )" and she moved slowly toware
the piano.
"Gotter," said her mother with /;
smile. 1t was only one word, but
noticed that Isabel smiled too, and soor
four pairs of fingers were working hare
at the little frock for the younges
daughter of the house.
"Well," thought l, "what can Cote
have to do with baby's frock7" Blu
Immediately the idea came. "Oh, Got
ter is some distinguished guest. Ever
the little one of the family must lool
her best when he arrives. That is yer,
natural"
But the next day and the next passed
I heard Gotter's name frequently ant
always in connection with something t.
be done. But no Gotter arrived. Iva
very glad, for we were happy house
hold altogether, and l could not hell
feeling that our peace and comtor
might be very much disturbed by hav
this important parsonage about, whom
every member of the family seemed t.
value SO highly. 1t was indeed quite {
relief to my mind when, on Saturda,
morning Harry jumped up from th'
table, and announced:
"Well, Gotter's got to git to-day.
won't have him around. anyhow. It.
Saturday and he shan't show his face.
This certainly seemed a little dlsre
specttul toward one of whom his par
ents and all seemed to think so much
but at the same time l felt quite SUR
that l too should be just as comfortabl,
without the presence of Gotter.
To my immense surprise his mothe
answered, 81 don't know about tha,
my son. See those paths outside. Th
snow storm last night has blocked then
up, and l really think that Gotter wi
insist upon having them shovelled out.