St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1910-09-17

| New York, come to visit his aunt
Miss Cornelia Wade"
The door slammed shut, and the
steps on the other side caused Hamp
ton to turn in surprise. He was alone
His guide had gone.
The blindness now partially left the
youth. He turned to confront two
young girls, evidently sisters. and 4
smiling elderly woman.
Uncle Oscar Is so eccentric" said
one of the girls, advancing toward
Hampton, and relieving him Of his
suit case. His eyes caught the rudy
CLEAN Of her hair, the cloud-blue OF
her eyes. A spot OF red dotted. for a
passing second. the white OF her
cheeks.
Il am Virginia" said the girl
simply. Let me introduce my
mother and my sister, Louise"
Louise was young maid. in looks
and actions the double Of the fair
Virginia. She had the same grace
full carriage; the same rich voice.
Oscar is tease" contributed the
matron. "One-especially stranger
never knows how to take him" Her
laughing eyes peered out at Hampton
and roguish twinkle told OF a
kindred love for humor.
But" ventured Hampton. Ill at
ease, II am sure there has been a
mistake. +"
"Oh, we all understand" laughed
Virginia. Eve all know Uncle Os-
car"
But"
Positively ne explanations. They
are not needed"
IT only wish you understood" half
whispered Hampton, gazing wistful,y
at the girl. She had made great
impression on the youth from the
city. With social footing in New
York second to none, and an income
that had allowed him to travel ex-
tensively, he had imagined that the
gentler sex had palled upon him.
Hence this early-spring fitting to
Lukesdale. He was cloyed with so
cfety-and women.
This girl was a revelation. Conf
dent of poise, cool, wholly at ease,
under what must be to her, to say
the least. singular circumstances, she
was, withal, prettily natural and sim
pie.
Probably Mr.. Hampton wishes to
battle his hands after his long ride
on that hateful accommodation"
1t was the elderly woman who
spoke. Show him to his room, vsr-
einia. He can join us at his con
venience."
With a resigned sigh, Hampton
followed the maid. Some one had
been expected by these good people.
In short time the proper guest
would arrive, and then-well, Hamp-
ton, fmpostor, would be kicked out.
This would end his acquaintance with
this rare maid.
Timidly, Hampton again entered
the parlor.
A wheezy voice greeted him. How
I've do, Hampton? Feeling re-
'reshed?"
The young New Yorker glared at
he returned Joker. Uncle Oscar
shifted about uneasily under the pro-
onged and eloquent stare.
"Um-m-m," ventured Uncle Oscar.
I guess I'll have to speak with
Hampton alone for a moment.
Unceremoniously he dragged the
7outh into the library.
TITS all right" he interrupted,
Using pudgy hand to- the young
mans wrathy vociferations. TITS all
light. Hampton. Don't get excited.
met your aunt on my trip to the
acquainted with her,
'ou know. She was called away sud-
lenly to the bedside of a sick friend,
md she asked me to find you and |
,ring you here to my sisters home,
where she had made arrangements
or you to stay until her return.
Surely" beamed the youth. |
More than satified. I like"
Eyes, I see you do" said the old
nan. Virginia likes you, too. See
Low she flushed when you came back
-eh? Well, good luck to you, Hamp-
on. AS for me, I'm going home"
The old man disappeared down the
lall leading to the street door.
Iamnton hurried back to the narlor