The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-01-23

her, she snubbed him and gave him crusty
answers, and when he ordered her about, as
men like to do with their women folk. she
flew into a rage. Out Of their insignificant
quarrels came serious difficulties. Mother
kathrne, who in all the years of her mar
ricd life had been accustomed to even quiet
ways, was distressed over the breaking up
of her peaceful household. She meditated,
admonshed, pleaded. 1t was all in vain.
Father Hubert lost his patience and threat
ened to box his sons ears and drive him
from home if he could not get along with
the girl One morning, a ter another tur-
hulent scene the night before, Liz came
with fearful eyes and pale cheeks to her
foster mother.
"Motner,' she began, 81 have been think
ing that father should not have cause to
send john away on my account. Let me
90 out to service MYSELF
At first Mother Kathrine objected. Then
she sat down and studied over her daugh-
ter's proposition. Perhaps the child was
right. Ii might do her good to eat the
bread of strangers, for little while at any
rate.
1t did not take Liz long to carry out her
plan. The pretty, well behaved girl found
service in small summer resort in the
neighborhood. The male guests took a bit
more freedom with the pretty lassie than
she liked, and the cook proposed to her
about once week. She refused him per-
emptoIily every time, but at last, tired of
his persistence, she decided to 20 home on
Sunday to consult with Mother kathrne
about changing her place How much
homesickncss had part in this resolution
Liz woHld not ow:- 20 herself.
Mean yhlc John had been unhampered.
1t was quiet once more about the place
since Liz was gone, but they were not any
merrier. The two old people missed the
girl every hour in the day, and Johns face
wore cloud.
81 think it's time for the boy to marry"
said Hubert one day to his wife. "rhe
richest 9irl in the village is casting Sleeps
eyes at him If he wants her, | am sure he
can get her, and that would be great good
fortune for our John"
"And we, father"
Eve would have Liz at home again.
The richest girl in the village was a
miller's daughter, and John grew thought
full when the subject OF his marriage with
her was preached to him by his parents.
After little contemplation he came to the
conclusion that the mller's daughter was
really good looking lass, who had always
shown fondness for him. In the future he
would not lose an opportunity to play the
agreeable to Liz.
When Sunday clme-the old folks had
gone off on visit John donned his best
clothes, and with the silver mounted pipe
in his mouth strolled through the village
toward the mill. When he came to the
milldam, he paused. Here it was where he
had pulled Liz out Of the water. What a
!
the brook and glanced into the garden
where the millcr's daughter sauntercd up
and down between her flower beds. 1t
seemed strange and foolish to him all at
once that he should 90 in there and propose
to her, and the mill and the quaint little
house and big forest behind lost all attrac-
tiveness for John He turned and started
for home much faster than he had come
away.
J On the bench under the linden tree sat a
girl in holiday dress. In her hand she held
rose. She arose and came toward him,
holding out her hand.
Good afternoon, John" she said.
"I.iz! he cried and in moment held
her in his arms and kissed her soundly.
She pushed him aside bit, and the hot
color mounted from her throat to the roots
of her dark hair, but she said nothing and
went into the house with him.
Within it was shadowy and cool. The
blossoms of the linden tree sent their frag-
rance through the open window and slant
ing sun rays danced merriy over Mother
Kathrine's shining tin plates on the wall
The bulltinches sang in the trees and the
, water splashed gayly as it fell from the
, spout into the trough. John pushed his
. chair close to the girls and laid his arm
around her shoulder.
, Liz shook her head.
"Liz, we've been such good friends al
ways; but we are not brother and sister
after ALL
"No, that we are not" answered Liz
softly.
"And that's why think you had better
be my wife, Will you, Liz"
Liz said not word. With downcast
t. eyes she plucked the rose to pieces that
$. still was in her hand, nodded her head and
C smiled, as she had been won't to smile. The
l. bullfnch finished his song the linden tree