The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-11-17
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j;,,sZ8l III ]
A DELAYED LETTER.

She was full of business, this little girl,
as with half closed eyes she stood on the
curb opposite the postolice, a stamp poised
on her tongue, which she was about to
ailiN to the envelope she held in her
hand
But as she deliberately nipped it between
finger and thumb by one corner. at the
same time tightly shutting both eyes Us
though such Il performance in some
mysterious way Facilitated the operation, Il
lady came along accompanied by Il huge
dog, which audacously waved its thick
bushy tail right athwart the little maids
face, causing her to jump backward into
the gutter With surprised scream.
Her alarm was Immediately increased to
terror at missing the stamp, which she
next observed floating away attached to
the majestic caudal appendage.
She feebly started in pursuit, but as
she neared the formidable animal the
object of her quest became transferred to
the lady'S jacket, and before she could reach
her side it had dropped on the pavement,
whence it was instantly carried away on
on the sole of the boot of passerby.
After long, hopeless stare the little
one turned round, nervously fumbling the
envelope, and retracng her steps till she
regained the corner OF Il side street she sat
down on doorstep and INDUCED in a good
cry.
Her walings speedily attracted small
group OF people about her, to whom, after
some persuasion, she sobbed out her
misfortune, which was fatty discredited by
the majority, and those who apparently
believed her only manifested theirs sympathy
in empty words.
After sometime, however, philanthropic
old gentleman passed, who, on learning
the source of the child's grief, promptly
bestowed Il couple of pennies upon her,
with which she flew to the postolce, pur-
chased another stamp and keeping Il sharp
lookout against the intrusion of any more
tilibustering tails secured it to the envelope
which she carefully covered with both
hands till she dropped it into the box.
1t was now safe, and she visibly brighten
ed, alas. happily unconscious that She had
lost post and thereby became the inyolun
tary agent of woe and desolation to two
fond hearts.
''You are sure there is nothing for me-"
said young Cyril Stantly for the third
time as with pale face and agitated frame
he breathlessly Intercepted the rural letter
carrier the next morning.
Quite certain, sir. You can look them
over if you like, > returned her maiesty's
subject senially, extending his bundle.
mo. thanks" he rejoined brusquely,
and turning on his heel, with clinched
hands and wild look in his eyes he
started off at fast pace through the fields
crossing stiles, laundering into bitches and
stepping right through the roaring waters
OF shallow brook in the most aimless and
haphazard sort of way
"And this is my rewardn he muttered
brokenly. She does not love me, after all.
No. A penniless sutton is seldom accept
able Ha, ha." and he laughed bitterly,
recklessly.
An hour later he sneaked through the
side door Of stately mansion standing in
its own grounds, and after changing his
saturated boots and muddy cloths proceed
alt r., tle + bt in, alta
red faced, choleric looking old gentleman
who was busiy writing letters.
''Oh, here you are at last scapegrace.'
calculated the latter in a furious tone as
the young man entered. Where have |.
you been: Always away when | want
you. Now, then"
The young fellow meekly seated himself
at the table without answering and began .
writing from the others dictation.
''Iaye you made up your mind?"
tiercely interposed the old gentleman in
the midst of an important letter.
eyes uncle"
Late in the afternoon the family carriage .
conveyed both gentlemen into town, where .
prodigous quantity Of baggage had pre-
coded them.
Stopping in the main street, the elder of
the two alighted, and, motioning his COM
panon to remain, darted upa narrow court. /
He was not long away, and as he reseated
himself he grufly asked.
''Do you know what | have been do |.
ing?"
"No. uncle" answered the young man
in a subdued tone.
"Deposited my will with the solicitor
l have made you my heir. But if you
had thwarted me and remained behind I'd
have cut you off with shilling, by"
And he grew purple in the face from sup
pressed rage.
They soon reached the railway station
where they took first class tickets to
London and left by the evening express a
few minutes later.
EAh dear fellow to sacrifice so much