The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1896-06-05
miscellaneous.
The Kapper Girls Boarder.

| The Kapper Girls Boarder.
The Misses Kapper sat in their par
lor. The small apartment, partly
darkened by the window shades
drawn so as to exclude any pos
sible CLINT of sunlight, had about il
that uncomfortable air SO usual in the
best room" of a house in the country
The chairs were fixed at regular inter
walls against the wall. On the center
table lay the family Bible. The low
mantel shelf was decorated by g
| pyramid of brilliant wax fruits cover.
ed by glass globe, while on either
side was painted vase.
The girls as they liked to be call.
| ed, were gowned alike in the stiffest
white muslin, finished at throat and
wrists by fine old lace. Each wore
curls on her forehead, and both had
their arms folded at the same angle.
| Though they were not twins, the sis
tiers were almost of an age concerning
that age the neighbors were carefully
kept in the dark. 1t was rumored
however, that Desire Kapper was
well onto fifty, and Ann couldn't be
a great ways behind" They sat in
! painful uprightness on the slippery
horsehair chairs, evidently in wait for
some event of more than ordinary i'm.
portance.
ITO think we should come to this ~
murmured Desire, the elder and sitter
of the two. ITO think of q Kappe1
finding it necessary to keep a board
err'
sit is humiliating," admitted her sis.
ter, finding her handkerchief, and
wiping her eyes without unfolding it.
But" frightening little, I'VE can
say to our neighbors that ne is our
visitor, and account for the presence
of the man in that way. And then ii
will make work for Margaret. That
girl hasn't half enough to do as it is
| found a novel in"
Hearing the doorbell, they rose sim
ultaneously. Ann started for the hall
then ran back, exclaiming in. a der
vous, high-pitched voice.
You go, Desire. You're the Oldest
| HIM l don't know as there's such
q terrible difference" retorted her sis
ter, starting to the door.
There was some difficulty in opening
| it, swollen as it was from damp
! weather and disuse.
| nave tllc l)IedSuEe Vi duuTeSSlLS
| Miss Kapper2" inquired the newcomer
| a young man of unusually attractive
appearance.
You have, sir. Is this Mr.. Barrie"
asked Desire, in a frigid tone, hoping
to check any familiarity at the outset
So shut off from society had she lived
that she considered the least show o
courtesy from a man as impertinence
Undaunted by her icy manner the
young man stepped in, made some re
mark about their pleasant home, anC
asked to be shown to his room. De
sire led the way to the top of the
stairs. pointed to his door, then wen
down to the little parlor.
well, did you ever?'' exclaimed
Ann. who had eagerly watched pro
ceedings through the half-open door
mo. l never saw such a bold maj
in all my days." assented Desire
Ibid you see how he looked at me
when he came in? l don't think it j!
safe to have a man boarder, after all. )
II really don't think there's much
danger" returned Ann, recalling the
handsome face and genial manner o.
their guest.
Heavens above! What have
struck r' exclaimed John Barrie
throwing himself into chair by the
window. 81 came here to board, and
| am treated like an intruder by the ole
sphinx. But l can enjoy my vacation
in spite of her. What view y motto
ing the dusky woods and Lake Huron
in the distance. Hello Some one
is singing"
But now day dawns on sunlit lawns
| And all is glad and bright"
That's young voice, I'm sure
Perhaps things won't be so bad here
as they promised"
Barrie went down to tea presently,
and at the table was introduced to a
pale, dark eyed girl, the niece Of his
stern hostesses. The young people
exchanged bows formal enough to suit
even the stiff Desire. A few remarks
were passed by Barrie which received
little encouragement from the spin
sters, and all were relieved when the
meal was finished. The long evening
wore tediously away, and at an early
hour lights were extinguished and the
house was secured for the night.
"Heighom sighed Barrie, as hi
tumbled into the high straw bed. 8.
don't know whether / can stand sil
weeks of this existence or not. i
promises to be pretty tame, but guess
can make it out with the girl tt
keep me company, though she Seems
afraid to speak in the presence of hel
aunts"
The first week slipped quickly away
Barrie was becoming accustomed II
his monotonous life; he made rapiC
strides in his acquaintance with thu
girl" who, he discovered, was a sor
| 81 nj n hnr nIInfl> hnnSp
merely tolerated by them. A pathetic
look in Margaret Darcey's eyes tOlC
that she felt her position, and longet
for the love and sympathy which il
the lot of most girls; and Barrie, wh'
was a kind hearted fellow, was drawn
to her by her very forlornness.
Had she been laughing, careless
girl, it is doubtful il he would have
given her more than passing thought
but this shrinking, timid creature at
tracted him strangely, and soon alb
sorbed large share of his attention
The sisters, with their odd dress an(
queer ways amused him-especiall.
Miss Ann, who conducted herself lik,
a girl OF sixteen. She was so evidentl,
pleased when he talked with her tina
Barrie, who had the tact of a man o
the world, gave her considerable o
time in one way and another. 1t NIGH
be as we'll to have her as an ally, h
thought, if the stern Desire should oh
iect to his intercourse with Margaret
which so far had escaped her notice
And day by day AIMS muslins grey
sitter, her curls more numerous, AM
into her head crept a sentiment whicl
brought forth flush to her fade
= cheek whenever Barrels eyes Inc
hers.
One sultry afternoon some weeks al
ter his arrival Barrie, strolled into tn
: cool, dark sitting room, and, throwing
himself on the sofa, commenced to tall
to Ann, who sat by the Windo1
crocheting some table mats.