Hilda's Mascot: A Tale of "Maryland, My Maryland"

by Mary E. Ireland

Although she had seen but little exhibition of a Jerusha Flint temper, Hilda never gave up the conviction that it was there, only waiting occasion to be called forth. Many traits which she remembered as being possessed by the adversary of her childhood were noticeable in this fair and refined-looking prototype.

Mrs. Paul Warfield resembled Jerusha Flint in her untiring industry and her methodical habits, her uncompromising neatness, her ability, her satirical opinion of anything that failed to agree with her ideas and her extreme selfishness. She had a much better education than had Jerusha and her environment had been of the best, but the texture of her mind was no finer; she was cold, calculating and heartless. In short, Mrs. Lura was so much like the one with whom part of her childhood had passed that, try as she might, Hilda could not persuade herself to love her.

Happy as was the young girl in her Ohio home, and tenderly kind as were Mrs. Warfield and her sons to her, she did not forget her Dorton friends. She looked eagerly for letters from them, and the most trifling incidents which interested her Maryland acquaintances were full of interest to her, and knowing this, Mrs. Merryman let nothing which came to her notice pass unmentioned.

Hilda was informed of Erma attending school in Baltimore, staying five days out of the week with her grandparents there, of Norah’s faithfulness, and Perry’s improvement in all branches of farm work, of everything in fact that would keep up Hilda’s interest and affection for those who loved her and held her in remembrance.

It was the rule from the beginning that after the Merryman household had read Hilda’s letters, they were passed on to “Friedenheim,” for the Courtneys had always evinced much interest in her, and she had made no restrictions in regard to her letters.

When Mrs. Courtney had read them aloud to her family they were sent the same evening by Mose to “My Lady’s Manor,” and in this way Mr. Valentine Courtney was kept in touch with Hilda’s everyday life.

When she left Dorton “My Lady’s Manor” lost its charm for him. He missed the gentle girl more than he had ever before missed a human being, and felt that life was scarcely worth living when she was not there to brighten it.

He tried to arouse himself from what he considered unmanly weakness, but without avail. He went from his home each morning disconsolate, and returned to it despairing. Had it not been for the efficient management of Mrs. Flynn within doors and Sandy MacQuoid without, home life would have been at low ebb. But these faithful servitors, without appearing to notice the changed manner of their once cheerful employer, attended to their allotted duties, enjoyed each other’s society, fed the terrier and the parrot, entertained the Courtney boys and Ralph and James Rivers, and Norah and Archie, to the best of their ability, when they gave “My Lady’s Manor” the pleasure of their company.

The first gleam of comfort which Mr. Courtney received lay in the knowledge of Paul Warfield’s engagement. Each succeeding letter of Hilda’s spoke of Fred, dwelt much upon him, but for months it did not occur to Mr. Courtney to fear a rival in him. Hilda was so unrestrained in speaking of him, even making merry over his love affairs, more as an older sister would jest of a young brother or some other jolly companion than a maiden of a lover. Then came a time when Fred’s name dropped from her letters, and a grave maturity came into them, unnoticed by any reader save Mr. Courtney; and then it dawned upon him that he had indeed a rival. His heart ached with its burden of unrest; his home had grown into a prison; he felt that he must leave it and seek change from the thoughts which oppressed him; he resolved to close “My Lady’s Manor” and pass at least a year in travel. Ralph and James Rivers could attend to the law business, and if it suffered financial loss in their hands it was of but little moment to one of Mr. Courtney’s wealth and disposition.

One evening after coming to this decision, he sat alone in his library. It was cool for the season and Chloe had made a glowing fire upon the hearth before which he sat, lost in thought.