The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1897-10-12

grand style"
"Na doubt. [ wouldn't go but for
that. Say, Lyde, Aunt Beck may take
notion to leave us her money"
They packed their trunk and retired
early to rest for the journey.
1t was near dusk, the next day. when
they stepped from the train upon n
din2y platform. A carriage took them
to n building which it was too dark TO
see plainly, but light enough to reveal
none other than common, ordinary.
farmhouse. They followed Aunt Re.
becca into small room carpeted with
rag carpet, and lighted with n small
lamp. Then into a sitting room with
another rag carpet, blue paper curtains.
setteo covered with chintz. half
dozen very plain chairs, and wide
old fireplace. A plain, comfortable
farmhouse, but not at all what the girls
expected.
why, is this tho placer" cried
Maude.
Eyes, this is the place. Why not?'
asked Aunt Rebecca with n grim
smile.
90, nothing" stammcred Maude.
blushing, "onIy l thought that-that
it"
1T isn't rs fine IA you expected to
see, interrupted their aunt. "WelI.
girls, when go to town, wear my
best clothes and some real old iewelry.
and folks take me to be great deal
rlcner than | really am. Now, You
see the plain facts in the case. But
maybe we can have 4 pleasant time, if
we are poor"
30, I'm sure we WILL" said Lydia
quickly. But Maude spoke up plainly
and said:
81 always did want to visit plain
old country home, just for the novelty
of it.
"All right" said Aunt Rebccca
Betty, You show the young ladies up.
stairs. Have the trunk taken up too
Take of your things and come down
and we will have supper"
They were shown large chamber
with high-posted bedstead. low.
woodeD-scated chairs, pine wash
stand, and cheap bowl and pitcher.
What n big, bare placel" exclaimed
Maude.
But it's nice and clean" protested
Lydia
"Lyde, we've been completely sold. "
mo, Maudo, she never said she was
rich. Mamma merely took it from
common report"
81 wouldn't have come had [ known
this"
81 would, just for the fun of it.
Come, if you are ready let's go down,
I'm hungry"
$50 am l."
The supper was plain, and served
upon the commonest dishes. with steel
knives and forks, that didn't look MS
well, but served just MS well as the
silverware the girls were used to at
home. But they had plenty to eat
aud it was we'll cooked. Being tired.
they retired early that night. They
had not been asleep long, however,
when they were awakened by loud
groans from below. The girls got up
quickly and went downstairs to find
their aunt i'll from sudden attack of
rheumatism, to which she was sub
ject
Noah had gone for the doctor, aud
the girls watched the sick woman for
several hours. But the next day she
was able to sit up.
I'm victim to these spells, " said
she. "I'm not afraid when anyone is
here with me. "
That's what she wanted us for -
whispered Maude to Lydia.
81 cant go out to day" said she;
but Noah will take you for drive
and show You the country"
When they came home Aunt Re
hecca had n visitor. She presented
him AS her nearest ncighbor. Mr.
Walker. Lydia aud Maude beheld n
handsome face with piercing. dark
eyes and black hair
He owns II splendid place next TO
mine, said their aunt, after the younc
mau had departed.
81 would like to know where that
splendid place is, said Maude when
the girls were alone.
"lt must he that old rick rackcd
thing over in that thicket Of weeds. g"
remarked Lydia laughiuglv.
well, I'll not set my cap for him.
if he is handsome"
Neither will /, returned lydia.
But during their stay Of two or
three weeks at the old farmhouse. they
found Mr. Walker very pleasant cs-
cort, and began to like him very
much. One evening Aunt Rcbccca
said TO them:
Eve kept You here running about.
for q cross old woman. as lone as
ought But I don't like to Ice quito
alone. If one of You girls-onc only
will stay here and live with me. Til
give you what clothes you need. and
half Of what have when / die. You
know how ! live. aud know what to
expect will give You TO the time
You get ready To- go home to decide i'm. 90
81 wouldn't like to stay" said
Maude quickly. 81 could not bear n
country life. I should be miserable. s."
VERY well You shall go home
whenever You choose. And how
about you. Bydia?"
We'll, Aunt Rcbccca, I. too. do
not like the country. But / do not
think you ought To- be left alone when
you are sick so often. II Won want
me, why why, I'll stay awhile"
"Ihank you, my darling, said tho
aunt