Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-11-27
A Flag Of Truce.

40 A
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''Alfred, I do wish you and Laura
could be friends. You are both 50
dear to me"'
Miss Southwell's voice was little
tremu!ous, Sue was over sixty five. IL
slim, agile-loOking woman. Her face
reminded you Of white rose that has
lost its early freshness. but has deli,
cate loveliness lingering about it still.
True, its lines indicated more sweet
ness than strength of character, but
the expression was SO good, SO pure,
YOU felt instinctively she WAS one to
be loved aud trusted.
In the fair complexioned, handsome
face ofthe young man beside her there
was not one tell-tale line of weakness.
The hazel eyes looked down affection.
ately into his anuts. but his voice,
though good hum mored, kept its decided
ring as he replied:
but, dear Aunt Lefty, what am [
TO do? There's no getting along with
Laura unless you give up TO her in
everything, and I'm not disposed to
make myself L slave to the little
lady"
81 fear We have petted and spoiled
her among us" Aunt Lefty broke of
with sigh.
''Yes; that's just the trouble, aunty.
You are so sweet tempered YOU can't
bear to find fault with anybody, and
Uncle Arthur is just like you. Between
you both. you've made perfect little
despot Of laura. It's too bad, for the
girl is naturally frank, generous,
warm hearted creature. But come,
auntv, you ought to box my ears for
All impcrtinent young puppy, as l AM.
l was always u great hand to preach,
you know
''Ies: but I'm afraid there's great
deal OF truth in what you've said,
Alfred" in an anxious tone. "You
won't let the foolish child drive you
away?"
Alfred gave good humored laugh.
"Aunty, do you think | take it so
much to heart as that? No, no;
Laura's little airs and tempers are
rather amusing than otherwise. Only
[ hate to see her growing up into an
uIamiable woman---'
A sharp tap at the door interrupted
him. Without waiting for an answer,
his cousin pushed it open and marched
in. ----.-..-
You could scarcely find Il more
beautiful little face than Laura's, and
perhaps it looked all the prettier for
the flush OF anger that crimsoned it
just then. She threw up her head with
the air OF spoiled princess as she
said, fixing her eyes on her cousin:
"As the door happened to be ajar,
sir, had the pleasure Of hearing
your last sentence. [ see you We
added backbiting to your other ami
able qualities, but / think !you might
he better employed than in trying to
set aunty against me, for I'm the same
as an own child to her, I'm sure." =
!Alfred's cheek reddened, but he said,
facing her with an unmoved front:
"You are perfectly welcome to hear
every word. As for your insulting re-
mark about ME, think you owe me
an apology. though I've not the slight
est expectation Of receiving one.
The young gentleman marched
wrathfully out, while Laura looked
after him with mixture of resent
nent and triumph.
'Ive actually made his highness
angry. Well, that's something, any
way. It's so provoking, the cool,
smiling way in which he'll sit and look
at me when he's worked me into per-
feet rage
Laura said her aunt, with un-
wonted sharpness. chow can you treat
your cousin so? I'm afraid what he
says is too true, that we've spoiled
you among US. And he did justice to
your good qualities, I'm sure. He
thinks you are frank and generous
and warm-hearted."
Something softer than anger
sparkled in Lauras saucy black eyes
for moment; but forcing back the
tell-tale drops, she flung her arms
around Miss Soutlwell's neck. "You
sweetest aunty, I'm so thankful you
and dear uncle brought me up insteat
of tyrant like Mr.. Alfred Hitler.
Don't call him my cousin; he's three
degreea removed, I'm sure, and
won't own him for relation. Bu
come. now; cheer up and got dressed
as quick as you eau, or you won't b,
ready to receive the company"
"You would better run and dres.
yourself, little lady: it's more You
company than mine"
''Dress? Yes. Ill try and look III,
prettiest." thought Laura. a. she skip
ped away. "and I'll firt little will
Mr.. Palmer, too. That Alfred despise
him SO, I'll do it just TO provok,
him." ......
Laura's room was next to Alfred =
and after her toilette WAS completed
she could not help putting ont he
head to see if she could catch
, glimpse Of her enemy. Yes. he wal
gazing out too, aud their eyes met
She vanished. bit soon appeared
fiourishing a stick on which she tied
piece of black silk.
Mr.. Hitler she called out.
"Miss Laura. responded the youn;
gentleman, with smile OF provokin,
GOODNESS.
! ''Do you see this black iiag?" wav
ing it proudly. This means war t.
knife from this hour between you an,
me-"
GAS you please said Alfred
serenely. .'But let us keep up a
least the semblance of civilized war
fare before Others"
every good" said Laura, retirin
with final wave, while ALFRED
laughed quietly to himself.