Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-11-23
Select Gales.
From the Olive Branch
THE COUNTRY COUSIN.
BY S. NJ. HUMPHREY.

Sne mad been reading 'Olly IHihh, u po Oolou
for a whole fortnight by vulgar country cous
ill., and that too, during the gay season; dear
o dear! what will the WImots think? But
there it is must write her 10 come, for father
has given her pressing invitation, OF course
never once thinking she would accept"
And she seized the pen and wrote pretty
note, and fastening the bearer, WHO was await
ing an answer ia al adjoining room, with face
wreathcd IA smiles presented it. But aasl not
one syllable Of her vehement soliloquy had es
capped the gentleman and he being a friend of
the family by whom he had been commissioned
to deliver the message, ON his return, related the
whole affair to Louisa Dalton-the country cous.
in.
On being left alone, the astonished girl burst
into tears-tears of disappointment, indignation
and mortified pride. But she soon recovered
herself, and wiping her eyes, seemed lost in
thought, when suddaly a merry laugh burst
forth, and she roc1lshIy said,
'Ay, that will be fne; at all events, I'll make
the most of my visit, and foolish deceitfu Emf
ly Howard, shall find that her country cousin in
point of vugarty, is quite up to her imagination,
| am sure, it is but fair she should be punished,
and as to her opinion or that of her associates, it
matters hut little to me True, it will be DIFF
fcut part to play, but trust much to my pow
ers oil imitation in carrying out my plan, which,
fortunately, according to the science of phreno-
logy, are uncommonIy Developed
Could Emily Howard at this time have looked
in upon her expected guest, she would dismissed
all fears Of being disgraced by her. as even she
the admired city belle, in point Of beauty aud
accomplishments, could not rival her. She was
gracefully reclining on \ luXurIant lounge, in
rich and tasteful apartment. The light of the
departing sun was streaming through the wind
ow, and the damask curtains reflected deeper
hue to the rose-nt on her cheek. Though the
traces of tears were still visible sunny smiIy
played around the lips of Madonna beauty, and
every feature seemed radiant with the sweet light
of warm affection and young hope. Oh! joyous,
happy season, season when life with its varied
charms openS aP"n the young maiden, with only
rainbow hues; VIXEN on the sunny landscape she
sees no dark spot, no eclipse.
The father of Louisa, having acquired com
potency, and being fond of rural life, while she
was still mere child, had chosen a lovely Sc
queStered retreat. Here, amid natures sweet
adornings of flowers and shady groves, with
fond father and tender mother, she had passed
her happy chlldhood, and here she had number
ed her eighteenth year. She was possessed of
fine natural talents and under the guidance of
her accomplished mother had made great pro.
fcIaucy in both solid and ornamental branches.
Although she had travelled much with her par
c0s aud for one of her years had seen much Of
me gy world, though admriDg eyes had gazed
on her, and ilattery's seductive voice hau been
breathcd III her ear, she still retained that sweet
simplicity and love of nature, which ever spring
from pure heart
Mr. Charles Howard, her mothers brother
resided in distant city, but, owing to slight
misunderstanding between himself and Mr. Dial
ton, the families had never been on terms of in.
tlmacy, and uutil within few months had not
visited, when, MIR Howard, in compliance with
his sisters earnest request had spent few day,
with them at their delightful home He had ev
er fondy loved his sister, and the attachment
was warmly returned by her, so that satisfacto
ny explanation of the misunderstanding which
had occasioned the breach was highly gratifyin!
to both, and they only regretted that reconca
ton had been so long postponed Mr. Howard
was delighted with the genius, Seauty and &C
complIshmeuts of LoU5ia, and could not orbea
contrasting the rflceul modesty of her manners
with the Lofty bearing and naughty affectaton o
his own beloved child and when he had urge,
an acceptance Of his invitation, it had been Will
hope of benehting her, not less, than with
desire for the congenia society of his interesting
nelce. He was aware that his daughter, havn,
seen only rustic beauties, had mbibed a foolish
but strong prejudice against those whose lot wa
cast without the pale of populous city, and h
torebore making any comments upon their ey
pected guest, as ne wished 20 witness the surprs
Of Emily, when she should discover the SUPER
ority OF her country cousin AT every mentio
OF the visit, the fallen countenance of Emily be
trayed TO HIM how unWelcome it was, and h
we'll knew that she was bitterly anticipatin
MANY humiliating notification and trying pc
sltlon to which her visitor must expose her Sh
dared not complain to her father, for she under
stood his views too well to expect sympathy; an
she also knew that he would require of her ever
possible attention upon her cousin
The expected day at length arrived, and wit
aslckenlng heart, Emily, for the first time in he
life belleld stage-coach stop before her father
mansion. AS she had great aversion to sue
vehicles, she could restrain herself no longe
and forgetting all fears Of her fathers displea
ure, with scQrutul manner and distressed tont
she exclaimed,
"A dusty stage COACH oh! papa, how could 20
doom me to such annoyances and all for II
sake OF miserable c0untry-gr? What on cart
will the Wilmots sayP
lie ColOI uouhleu 10 the temples OF Mr. HOY
ard and Emilys cheek flushed beneath IL
harshest look Of reproval which she had ev
seen on his usually benevolent face As she r
luctantly rose to receive her guest, he cold
said,
Emily, don't trouble yourself will do II
cvilites, as ! cannot bear to see my daught
welcoming with honied words and smile on h
lip one who in her heart she despises, thus ac
ing the double part of falsehood and hypocrisy.
She has not come, alter all, said MIR Ho
ard, as the stage-door was thrown open; but
stanLy he recognized her lovely features shade
by alarge bonnet. As he assisted her in aligl
ing, he could scarce repress an expression of su
PRISE at her grotesque appearance while she i
geuu'usy sad
J am glad to see you, dear uncle, but no dou
you are surprised at my travelling eouippage. |
not emove my baggage, as perhaps Won will n
approve otthe assumed character which c;rcn,
stances compel me to act; if l remain with vor
coJ -,