The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-04-05

'sNo, nor for breakfas either. For
goodness sake Phoebe, think of something
besides eating all the time. Now, once
for all, am not going to kill those pullets
until we have company.
Aren't we as good as company,
mother p
''Yes, of course, but must have some
thing extra on hand for unexpected COM
pany Probably your beau will come, and
then dear, you will be glad mother didn't
kill the pullets.
''Oh, botheration, 1 am sick hearing
about my BEAU
''But I am not, Phoebe. In fact am
anxious 10 meet Mr. Raymond. Aunt
Harriet has written so much in favor of
the estimable young man. and Of his ad-
miration for youlShat really when he does
come, I'll gladly kill the pullets,' and
Mrs. Benton laughed heartily.
Phoebe flushed, and without answering
arose and left the room.
s'I do wish he would come, she said to
herself, as she stood before the mirror
plating her beautiful golden hair about her
shapely head.
"Maybe, then, mother and the boys
would cease teasing me. She stood lost
in thought for few minutes, and then
merry laugh escaped her. 'I'll do it, f"
she said, clapping her hands gleefully,
s'and ,oon't they be MAD when they find
it out. -
''Mr. Steve there is gentleman in the
parlor to see Miss Phoebe. He says that
he is Mr. Raymond. I can not find her
anywhere, and your mother and Mr.. Nick
have gone down to the city to the Baptist
meeting
''Mr. Raymond? At. alright
Hannah, I'll go in and entertain him, un-
til mother and Miss Phoebe return. Tell
John to inquire at the neighbors for Miss
Phoebe" and he laid aside the book he
had been reading, and went into the parlor.
elbow do you do Mr.. Raymond, he
said, as he entered the room, at the same
time extending his hand cordially in greet
ing, to rather short dumpy man who had
such shocking mass of straight white hair,
and so stubby red mustache, Mr.. Steve
Benton nearly laughed aloud.
The new conner was sitting awkardly on
the edge of a chair, and was encircling his
hat nervously about his fingers.
CLOCKS like a Swede, thought Mr..
Benton Mr.. Raymond arose, and grasped
the extended hand in harty grip.
"You re Mr.. Steve Benton he said
holding tightly on to his hand.
eyes" replied Steve in surprise.
sI knew it, sir Miss Phoebe has
written me so much about her brother
Steve, that really, sir, feel as if | wal
meeting an old acquaintance. .
':Is that so p asked Steve, delightedly
Phoebe was their baby and pet They
were large family of boys, with only three
girls. The other two girls were married
and so Phoebe received all the petting anc
teasing.
sShe says" continued Mr. Raymond
eagerly, "You plague her nearly to deatl
and it keeps her busy getting back at you.
Steve laughed. ''Yes, she is sure t,
retaliate, he said. ''But pray be seated
and let me take your hat. By the way
Mr.. Raymond, you must have driven out
allow me to have the horse put up for tn
night.
sI didn't drive, sir, | walked
Mr.. Benton elevated his eyebrows il
surprise.
'I'll tell you the truth, sir, he con
tinued, in an embarrassed tone. II was 81
anxious to see your sister, that | left the
train at the crossing, and came across lot.
s'You see Miss Phoebe gave me such .
vivid description of your beautiful surround
ings, that | didn't have the least difficulty
in finding my way. | knew the house al
once, by the grand old palms carved in
stone.
| Mr.. Benton was amazed This young
man without doubt was desperately in love
with his sister, and he wondered if it coulc
be possible that fastidions little Phoebe was
in love with this homely, awkard fellow
whose hair and moustache reminded one O.
a brush heap, and who wore such fine, bu
such ill-ftting clothes.
Il am very sorry that my sister is NO
in, ;" he said politely. 81 have dispatched
one the servants to find her. Have yor
dined Mr.. Raymond p
eyes, thank you. | had dinner on the
train.
s'Have you ever been in Reisterstowr
or Westminster before p
''No sir In fact, I've never been in
Maryland before. have spent the great
er part of my life in Rhode Island, and
from early boyhood have been resident
of the same neighborhood your aunt resides
in
O-oh. "
81 believe Miss Phoebe enjoyed heI
visit to Rhode Island
Immensely. ."
81 thought so. And she made it very
agreeable for few Others said the young
man meaningly.
Steve Benton was astonished at the fel.
lows audacity. II wonder what Phoebe
sees in him to admire, he thought. ''His
black ewes no doubt. Girls are sure tc
fall in love with fellow if he has black
eyes.
| H., N,n Dant1, and tho uortnor