Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-02-11
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From the Ladies' National Magazine.
COIN G A SLEIGH ING
BY 9. J. PETERSON.

1t was on fine bracing moonlight evening
that Colonel T-stopped with halo at our
hotel in--county, and told us to turn out for
sleigh ride. His own eqnipage was what a
flat-boat man would call screamer He had
six horses harnessed to an enormous sleigh,
which was already half full Of girls and beaux;
and as for bells, their name was legion At ev-
cry movement of his spirited animals, as they
stood champing the bit at our door, a gush OF
wild music went ringing up, that made the blood
dance in our veins
We were soon equipped tumbed into the
sleigh, almost into the laps of two pretty girls,
between whom | was to sit in space about five
inches wide; but Harry Stanhope eaping into
his own light equippage, and cracking his whip
led the way, though not before heard the Colo
mel whisper to him.
Il have splendid partner for you-a beauti-
full creature and full of spirits. She is my
wites cousin, just from town. advise you, too,
sixty thousand
Away we went, haIloong over the wild hills
Of that half settled district, and stopping at ev-
cry farm house for warm coffee and punch, until
we drew up, with a smoking team, at the Colo
neFs doors Our cOrtege, by this time numbered
dozen sleighs
saw Harry start when the Colonel led forth
his cousin, for she was indeed all, and even
more, than he had said. Just eighteen, with a
most roguish eye; rich, red pouting lips an arm
and hand turned like statues; and shape
light and graceful as a young gazelIe's; she was
the very creature to fall in love with, even if a
man had sworn to be an ancholte Harry's eye
kndled,- and his cheek gowed with pleasure as
he handed her into his sleigh, and dashed off,
again in the advance, as if pack Of wolves
were in pursuit. Away-away we went, up hill
and down dale, our spirits rising with our speed
Now and then we would meet single sledge OIL
gay party of them going in an opposite direc
tion,-it was but joyous hurrah, crack Of the
whip, and We shot past like arrows, eacbspeed
ing on its way. Yet still Harry led the advance
We could see his light sleigh, half smothered il
buhaoes keeping its rapid flight ahead-hert
lost over the hill top there re-appearng in thu
valIey-wih now and then gush of rich ring
ing laughter sweeping towards US, and the plume
of his fair partner streaming out like a whit
banner on the wind.
We drew up at last at the place where w
were to take superb hot smoking, substan
tial supper-and the girls could scarcely keel
their feet still from the moment they heard tn
old black fiddler give the first preparatory scrap
on his violin. Harry led out Miss Melville
They were, with all odds, the most beautiful
couple in the room. The exercise had give
the lady rich color, and she really looked raw
ishiEgly beautiful Harry, have forgotten t
say, had fine person, was grace itself, and
most accomplished man for general society,"
He and Kate ratified away like two fencing ma
tiers; it was quite struggle of wits betwee
them. Both were flushed with excitement; bot
were obviously highly pleased, and before til
party broke up l began to think that they wei
little in love
The firtation--ior such it reall was after TIL
eyening-wore 4 more serious aspect daily
Harry was always at the Coonels. Kate, thong
beauty and heiress, made no effort to conce
her preference. had no doubt she was sci
ousy in love, and honored the nobIeness of h
nature which sc5rned the coquetry too commc
on such occasions. She believed Harry Soug
her affections; his attentions certainly had be-
most marked; and she met the silent, but el