The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1911-08-18

Doesn't your housekeeper. VINO sees
you every day. respect and like youf
And little Emily-doesn't she love you
more than she does all the rest OF as
together"
well, guess Bos'n does care for
the old man some. that's a fact. She
says she likes you next best. though.
Did you know that"
But Miss Dawes was indignant
Captain Whitaker" she declared,
zone would think you were a hundred
years old TO hear you. You are always
calling yourself an old man. Does Mi.
Atkins call himself old? And he Is
older than you"
well. I'm over fifty. Phoebe" In
spite Of the habit for which he had
just been reproached. the captain
found this difficult statement to
make.
Il know. But you're younger than
most of us at thirty-fve. You see, I'm
confessing. too" she added. with a
laugh and little blush.
Captain Cy made mental calcula-
ton.
Twenty years." he said musingly.
Twenty years Is a long time. No;
I'm old. And, worse than that, I'm
an old fool, l guess Ii / hadn't been
I'd have stayed in South America in
stead OF comm here to be hooted out
OF the town was born in"
The teacher stamped her foot.
"Oh, what shall 4 do with your she
exclaimed 1T Is wicked for you to
say such things. Do you suppose that
Mr.. Atkins would find 1t necessary to
work as he is doing to beat a fool?
And, besides, you're not compliment
tary to me. Should 1, do you think,
take such an interest in one who was
an imbecile?'
"Well, It's mighty good Of you. Your
comm here SO to help Bos'n's fight
along Isl
"How do you know it is Bos'n alto
gether? p She stopped suddenly,
and the color rushed to her face. She
rose from the rocker. 'I-really 1
don't see how we came to be dis
cussing such nonsense" she said
''our ages and that sort OF thing!
Captain Cyrus, 7 wish You would 60
to Washington. I think you ought to
60"
But the captains thoughts were far
from Washington at that moment His
own face was alight. aid bis eyes
shone.
Phoebe" he faltered unbelievingly,
"what was you goin' to say? Do you
mean that-that"-
The side door of the house opened.
The next instant MIR. Tidditt, drip
ping umbrella In his hand, entered the
sitting room.
Hello. Whit he hailed. Just run
In for minute to say howdy." Then
he noticed the schoolmistress, and his
expression changed "Oh. How be
you. Miss Dawes?' he said Il didn't
zee you fust on Don't run away on
my account"
"I was just going" said Phoebe. but
toning her jacket Captain Cy accom-
panied her to the door.
"Goodby." she said. There was
something else meant 10 say. but
think II ls best to wait I hope to
have some good news for you soon,
something that will send you to Wash
ington with light heart Perhaps
shall hear tomorrow. II SO will call
after school and tell you"
Yes, do" urged the captain eager
ly. you'll find me here waitin'. Good
news or not. do come. IT amt said
all wanted to myself"
He returned to the sitting room
The town clerk was standing by the
stove. He looked troubled.
whats the row, Ase" asked Cy
cheerily. He was overlooking with
good nature.
"Oh, nothin' special" replied Mr..
Tidditt. you look joyful enough for
two or US. Had good company, amt
you?"
"Why. yes; bout as good as there Is.
What makes you look SO glum?"
Asaph hesitated '.e--~,----..--.
phoebe was here yesterday, too,
want sheP he asked.
"Yup. What Of it?"
"And the day afore thatT'
mo. not for three days afore that.
But what Of II, ask you"
well. now. Cy, you mustn't get mad.
I'm a friend OF yours. and friends
ought to be able to say most anything
to each other. Tiff I was you I
wouldn't let Phoebe come SO often
not here. you know, at your house.
Course ] know she comes with Bos'n
and all, but
Out with itr' The captains tone
was ominous. What are you drivin'
att"
The caller fidgeted.
well. Whit" he stammered, there's
considerable talkin' goin' on, that's all"
''Talkin'? What kind OF talkin'2"
well, you know the kind. This
town does a good deal or Il, specially
after church and prayer meetin'.
Seems if they thought twas a sort OF
proper place. 7 don't myself. I kind
OF like to keep my charity and brother
~ love spread out through the week.
butt
"Ase, are the folks in this town say
in' a word against Phoebe Dawes be-
cause she comes here to see-Bos'n%
"Don't-don't get mad Whit. Don't