The Van Buren press., 1895-01-26
BROTHER AND SISTER.
Why Dora Tired Of Her Own Ar
rEngement.

MARRY you! No, you goose. Do get
up off your knees and not strike such
sanctiraonious attitudes"
And the girl burst into a peal Of
laughter, but suddenly checking her
self said:
"There, AL, l do not mean to hurt
your feelings, but you draw such long
facesl like you very we'll as friend,
but cannot love you. Please don't
think me a flirt, for don't mean to
be, and had no notion you cared for
me. Can't we be friends9"
Here the young girl offered her
hand, which AL took, md then hastily
picking up his hat left the room.
20 dearl" Dora sighed, looking out
of the window after the retreating
form. "Now he is angry with me-
Why can't have friend without hfs
falling In lovo with faes That is the
third or fourth offer I've had within q
few weeks, and all from boys that I've
known ever since was baby. Seems
to me since l returned from school
every ono seems possessed. II they
would only treat me like q sister l
should like It much better. How nice
II would be to have brotherl But
here comes Cousin VIII. He Is q dear,
good soul, and the only one l take
any comfort with. I'll 20 and see II
his friend came"
In the next room, there is but one
occupant, young man who seems con-
vulsed with laughter.
"Well," says Harry Percival. for
that is his name, ''shc made quick
work Of It, Proposals made and re-
jcctcd In flve minutes. Wants q
brother, does shc9 I've good mind
to apply for the vacancy. Wonder
what she would say. by Jove, I'll try
it. There comes Win, now"
"Hi, Harryl" said viii, bursting
rather unceremoniously into the room.
"All readys Supper is, SO we'll go
right down. Here, Dora," he contin-
ned, as they met that young lady at
the head Of the stairs, "allow me to
make you acquainted with my friend.
Mr. Percival. Harry, my cousin, Miss
Dora Andrews"
Supper is over, and Dora sitting on
the piazza in the hammock, when Mr..
Percival and viii appear at tn door.
"You look too comfortable to be dis
turbed, Dora" Win says. "Neverthe-
less, see some friends of yours CON-
ing down the road, bent on dragging
you ON somc moonlight excursion or
other"
~ shall play martyr with very
good grace, viii. 1t is lovely even
Ing, and nothing would suit me better
than boat ride. OF course, you and
Mr.. Percivnl will go?"
II see I'm booked," viii laughingly
answered, "for there's Perry Hunter
and his sister, Frank Willis and sister,
Ellis Munro and two sisters Now, as
each Of those fellows is escorting an
other fellows sister, suppose the
extra Miss Munro is for my benefit"
"Then hope" says Mr.. Percival,
"you will allow me the pleasure of be-
ing your escort, Miss Andrews. l
never had n sister. We shall be under
the same roof oil summer, and as
surc you l will prove an exemplary
brother. May call you sister, Dora?"
Certainly" Dora answered. But
somehow the arrangement did not
please her much.
"If you will excuse me for moment
will go upstairs and get my shawl,
and be ready by the time they reach
the house."
The merry party enjoyed q pleasant
sail, and before parting agreed to have
picnic the following week at a grove
Ave miles distant.
Before tho week had ended Dora and
Harry had become better acquainted,
and he had taken on himself the office
Of mentor as we'll as brother. The
evening before the picnic Frank Will
lis called to take Dot to ride. She
went upstairs to get her wrap. Com
ing down she met Harry Percival on
the stairs.
"Where are you bound, sister mine?"
he asked.
"Out to ride," she answered. ut is
such IN elegant evening"
Don't you think your adjective
mlsapplied9" he rejoined, coolly. "Ele-
giant refers to polished or polite"
Haven't you mistaken your voca-
tion9 Instead of gentleman you
should have been q critic"
"The two con DO combined" he
answered, quietly. II don't think
you ought to go to ride this evening,
sister. You will be too tired to enjoy
the picnic tomorrow, besides the air
is damp"
"Allow me to pass, please; l am
keeping Mr.. Willis waiting.
SISTER, indeed" she muttered when
she reached the piazza. Anyone
would think was in leading strings.
I'd go II I caught my DEATH"
Dora did not enjoy her ride as much
as sho expected, and the air was damp;
nevertheless she kept up such chatter
OF small talk that Mr.. Willis, who had
long been one of her admirers, thought.
her one of the liveliest girls he had
ever met.
Good night" she said, when they
had reached her home. II will keep
that promised seat at the table for
you"
Just then Dora heard one Of the
upper windows shut
+ Upstairs Mr.. Percival was mutter.
ing to himself: mot II know it shall
he have the seat next to her at the
table,"
The next morning dawned bright
and clear. The picnic party was all
in good spirits, the baskets we'll filled
and everything promised we'll. Harry
found pleasant seats for himself and