The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-10-07
NOR ten years Hugh Marlileman had
. been wanderer upon the face of

he had been successful, hut for all
that period of time he had been literally
homeless. Now he was proceeding to a
home of his own.
He SWING open the glded iron gate of a
pretty little inclosure, where the graveled
paths shonc in the twilight and evergreens
skirted the path like tall old monks wrap
ped in green serge cloaks. The cottage be-
yond-a low eaved, picturesque affair, with
verandas on every side-eXactly met his
preconceivcl ideas Of the desirable country
residence, painted in svrh glowing terms
by Moses Gibbs, Esq, real estate aud in
surance agent.
His countenance expanded into broad
smiles as he pushed open the door and en-
tered pretty room on the left Of the main
entrance hall, where glowing fire cast
ruddy reflection through the whole room
and cushioned armchair stood close to
the velvet rug.
"Gibbs told me there was some furniture
in the house ard an old woman left in
CHARGE thought Markleman, sitting down
in the easy chair and expanding bis chilled
fingers to the CHEEKY blaze, ''but hadn't
any idea of such snug quarters as this"
AS Markleman sat there, basking in the
warmth and coziness Of che scene the door
of the adjoining room opened, and t@o
ladies came in, their faces glowing with the
frosty air.
"Why, Lizzie" cried the shorter one
stopping suddenly in the act Of laying her
hood on the table there is some one in
the parlcr :"
"Norseus,," said Lizzie, who although
she had seen eight or nine and twenty, vas
exceedingly fair to look upon THE CT
and the cricI,ets may be there, but who on
earth hesidss?'
"But | tell you l saw him, said Sac,
grippng hcr cousins arm ~ith sort Of
nervous terror, "a great big tall man in
your easy chair, sitting staring at che f''
"FidlasteEs :" cried Lizzie and she
marched couGageously into the room where
sat our hero.
Mr.. Marklcman stared at her. Mr..
Moses Gibbs, rfal estate and insurance
agent had mentioned an old woman. HIS
ideas of old age must have been singular in
the extreme, but he recovered his sell pos
session almos, Immediately.
81 suppose you're Miss Ann" said he
affah1y.
"No, sir" said Miss Wyman, still sorcly
puzzled, 81 am Lizzie"
'Oh, Lizzie, Ell? Well, it's just the
same. I dare you didn't expect me Just
yet ?"
"No sir, I certainly did not" said
Lizzie, beginning to wonder whether or not
she was dreaming
CEILINGS look very nice and comfortable
here, Lizzie, my girl, and now next you
can do will be to toss me little bit Of sup.
per-.sausages or hroled ham or something
of that sort-and be quick about it, for Pm
half famished. And, Lizzie, you might
send the other girl out for any little triAa
you want in the culinary department. OF
course, though" he added as he drew out
q bill and extended it, grand seignaur
fashion, toward the astonished damsel, II
shane expect TO keep two girls as a regular
thing, although | must hunt up man to
take care Of the horses Now run along
and make haste"
Lizzie Wyman retreated back upon Sue
Barring, with the money in her hand, scar
let with suppressed mirth.
Sue she cried the instant the door
was safely closed, 81 see it all.
THAT man is an escaped lunatic, isn't
he? Dear, dear, we shall all be murdered -
cried Sue, growing hystericai.
Nothing OF the sort, said Lizzie ener-
getically. Gle has only made dreadful
blunder. Cant you see, Sue, it's the old
bachelor who has taken tho place next
door p
ooh - aspirated Sue, with the sparkles
of amusement beginning to come into her
eyes.
"But, Lizzie, what are You going to do?'
''To cook him the best supper CAP and
atterward explain to him his mistake in the
politest manner possible. Poor fellow
He is rather handsome, l think"
And the two girls hustled about with
skillet, gridirOn aud coffee strainer while
Mr.. Markleman sat viewing the fire and
wondering what Gibbs could possibly have
meant by talking about IAN old woman ~
why, she has got cheeks like peaches
and hair as thick and brown and glossy as
my own ~ he told himself. cold, indeed
1t won't be such bad fun to have a servant
girl like that fitting about the house. She
ought to nave extra wages on account of
RE1W@ r. gm@sE