The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-02-16
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THE KAPPER GIRLS BOARDER.


the window shades, which were drawn so
as to exclude any possible CLINT of sunlight,
had about it that uncomfortable air so
usual in the chest room of a house in the
country. The chairs We're fixed at regular
intervals against the wall On the center
table lay the family Bible. The low mantcl
shelf was decorated bya pyramid of bril-
liant wax fruit, covered by II glass globe,
while on either side was painted vase.
The "grls, " AS they liked to be called,
were gowncd alike in the stiffest white
muslin finished at the throat and wrists by
fine old lace. Each wore curls on her fore
head, and both had their arms folded at
the same angle. Though they were not
twins, the sisters were almost of an age;
carefully kept in the dark. 1t was ru-
mored, however, that Desire kapper was
"well into fifty, and Ann couldn't be il
great ways behind They sat in painful
uprghtness on the slippery horschair chairs
evidently in wait for some event Of more
shan ordinary Importance.
"To think we should come to this ~
murmured Desire, the elder and sitter Of
the two. "To think of a Kapper finding it
necessary to keep boarder"
''It is humiliating,' admitted her sister,
finding her handkerchief, and wiping her
eyes without unfolding it, 'But," bright
ening little, eve can say to our ncighhoIs
that he is our visitor, and account for the
presence of the man in that way. And
then it will make work for Margaret. That
girl hasn' half enough to do as it is !
found novel in"
neously Ann started for the hall, then
ran back, exclaiming in nervous high
pitched voice:
''You go, Desire. You re the Oldest"
"'H'm! | don't know Us there's such Il
terrible difference, retorted her sister,
starting to the door
There was some difficulty in opening it,
swollen as it was from damp weather and
disuse.
''Have the pleasure Of addressing Miss
KapperF inquired tho. newcomer, young
man of unusually attractive appearance.
"You have, sir Is this Mr.. Barrie 2
asked Desire, in frigid tone, hoping to
check any familiarity at the outset. SO
shut off from society had she lived that SHE
considered the least show of courtesy from
man as impertinence.
Undaunted by her icy manner, the young
man stepped in, and made some remark
about their pleasant home and asked to be
shown to his room Desire led the way to
the top of the stairs, pointed to his door,
then went down to the ittle parlor.
"Well, did you ever?' exclaimed Ann,
who had eagerly watched the proceedings
through the half-open door
"No, | never saw such bold man in all
my days" assented Desire. did you see
how he looked at me when he came in? !
don't think it is safe to have man
boarder, after all"
81 really don't think there's much
danger, returned Ann, recalling the hand
some face and genial manner OF their guest
"HeavenS abover exclaimed John Bar
RE, throwing himself into a chair by the
window 81 came here to board, and am
treated like an intruder by that old sphinx.
But can enjoy my vacation in spite of her.
What view!r noticing the dusky woods
and Lake Huron in the distance. Hello
Some one is singing"
."But now day dawns on sllnlit laws
And all is glad and bright"
"That's a young voice, Pm sure. Per
haps things won't be so bad here as they
promised"
Barrie went down to tea presently, and
at the table was introduced to pale, dark
eyed girl the neice of his stern hostesses.
The young people exchanged bows formal
enough to suit even the stiff Desire. 4
few remarks were passed by Barry which
received little encouragement from the
spinsteis, and all were relieved when the
meal was finished. The long evening wore
tedously away, and at an early hour lights
were distinguished and the house secured
for the night.
"Heigho!" sighed Barrie, as he tumbled
into the high straw bed 81 don't know
whether can stand six weeks of this exist
ence or not. 1t promises to be pretty tame,
but guess ! can make it out with the
girl to keep me company, though she
seems afraid to speak in the presence Of her
aunts. y
The first week slipped quickly away
Barrie was becoming accustomed to his
monotonOus life; he made rapid strides in
his acquaintance with the ''grl " who, he
discovered, was sort of servant in her
aunts' house, and merely tolerated by
them. A pathetic look in Margaret Oar
cey's eyes told that she felt her position.
and longed for the love and sympathy
which is the lot Of most girls; and Barrie,
who was kind hearted fellow, wa. drawn
to her by her very forlornness.
Had she beenla laughing, careless girl, it
is doubtful if hes would have given her
tiApuli. lint th;s