The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1911-03-10
CHAPTER VII.

Tl HAT evening when Asaph and
Bailey, coming for their usual
call, peeped in at the window
~ they were astounded by the
tableau In the Whitaker sitting room.
Captain Cy was seated in the rocking
rhair which had been his grand
fathers At his feet, on the walnut
cricket with a haircloth top, sat a
little girl turning over the leaves Of
tattered magazine, Godey's Lady's
Book. 4 pile Of these magazines was
beside her on the floor. The captain
was smiling and looking over her
shoulder. The cat was curled up in
another chair. The room looked more
homelize than 1t had since its owner
returned to it,
The friends entered without knock
ing. Captain Cy looked up. saw them
and appeared embarrassed.
Hello, boys" he said. "Glad to see
Il Come right in. Clearin' off fine,
s,In't itz''
We've didn't know you had COM
Dany, Whit said Asaph. I'VE been
up TO Simmons, and Alpheus said you
was thin and peaked and looked sick.
Said you bought sass'p'rilla and all
kind of truck He was afraid you
had fever and was out Of your head,
cruisin' round in the rain with no um-
brella. The gang weren't talkin' Of
nothin' else, so me and Bailey thought
we'd come right down.
''That's kind of you, I'm sure. Take
your things off and set down. No; Pm
sorry to disappoint Smalley and the
rest, but I'm able to be up and-er-
make my own bed, thank you. So a.
pheus thought I looked thin, hey?
Well, IL I had to live on that soup be
sold me I'd be thinner'n am now
You tell him that canned hot water is
all right if you like 1t, but it seems a
shame to put mud In ii. 1t only
changes the color and don't help the
taste"
MIR. Bangs, who was still staring at
Emily, now ventured a remark.
Is that relation of yours. Cyl" he
asked.
&That? Oh! Well, no, not exactly.
Anq [et don't know but she is. Eel
;iers this is Emmie Thomas. Can't
you shake hands, Emmie?"
The child rose, laid down the maya
1lpR, which was opened at the colored
picture of group of ladies in crino-
line aud !ehignons, and, going across
the room, extended hand to Mr.. It'd
dit.
"Why--er-how dye do? I'm pretty
smart, thank you. How's yourselfF'
TIN better now. guess the sass
parilla was good for me"
"'Twan't the sass'p'rilla," observed
the captain with conviction. "'Twas
the Arabian balsam.' Ma always
cured me with 1T. and there's nothin'
finer"
But what in time began Bailey.
Captain Cy glanced at the child and
then nc the clock
Don't You think you'd better turn
in now. Emmie?" he said hastily, cut
ting Off the remainder Of the Bangs
query. Its after 8, and when was
little ! was abed afore that"
Emily obediently turned, gathered up
the Lady's Books and replaced them
IN the closet. Then she went to the
dining room and came back with a
hand lamp.
Good night" she said, addressing
the visitors. Then, coming close to
the captain. she put her face UP. for d
kiss
A. Bailey told Asaph afterward,
Captain Cy blushed until the. ends Of
the red tapped over ut the nape, Oh hls
neck However, he bent and kissed
A. rosy lips and then quickly brushed
hia own with his hand.
Yes, yes" be stammered. '.Well-
-e--good night Pleasant dreams to
,you. See you - The mornin."