The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-11-28
Sister MarY's Conrtship.

before they are hatched, like that unfortunate
milk maid grand ma used to tell US Of Let
that be salutary lesson to you, sister mine,
never to indulge in day dreams or build foun-
dationless castles in the air. ~ M 5a*
'.Thank you, Mrs. Mary, for your sage ad-
vice. Perhaps some day Or other may profit
thereby. But my thoughts just now had very
little to do with either milk-maids or chickens
was wandering mentally in higher sphere
calculating how many years my charming sis
ter had been wife,
''Ah! Lucy dear, that reminds me, did /
never tell you the history of my courtship?-
For now recollect you were travelling with
papa in Europe in that time, and though FIVE
years have passed since became a faithful
helpmate to my liege and lord, yet you have
never designed to visit us in our western home
until the present summer '
s.You know very wellwhy I have not, Mary
While inclination has often bidden me, duty has
peremptorily called another way" ,..
"Never mind bringing up an endless TRADE
of excuses now, but just please touch the bell,
and tell Kate to take Maggie and Edward a
walk to their grandma's, and will commence"
Very little did that darling sister of mine
look like wife and mother, with her soft brown
hair parted on her fair brow, and her eyes as
bright and as blue as ever-and as she stood
before the dressing glass, she laughed galy and
exclaimed, as if speaking aloud the thoughts
that were at that moment passing through my
mind.
II don't look so very old, do I, Lou, though
have been married five years? I'm sure my
cheeks are as rosy as ever. Oh, Lou. hcw |
have wanted to look pale sometimes, because
then, you know one looks far more intellectual.
| Instead of that, always had such bright
color like any farmers daughter. But one
thing is true, the "cares of the household" as
aunt Ophelia says, don't trouble me much,
for Mamie does everything so well-''
"But Mary, | can see no very intimate con-
nection between her doings and your courtship,
, SO if you ever intend to begin, pray do.'' 1911
$50 will, love, only have a little PATIENCE -
said she, gaily, STOPPING down and kissing me.
''But assure you, you will find it very dull and
uninterestng, no ''har-b breadth escapes" no
'spirited horse just ready to throw itself and
rider myself of course over some steep pre-
| cipice, when just at the exact moment some
hero of the wood will come gallantly forward
and become my preserver and future lover
| No handsome manly cousin to fall in love with
and become his daily companion, in walks and
rides. Nothing of all this. forewarn you, but
if you still persist in hearing my home story,
you shall have it."
Merely bowing my head in assent, for was
becoming impetent, my sister seated herself on
low footstool at my feet and began.
"You remember Mrs Milton, who used tc
visit us in the city, and make me SO many
handsome presents? Well, she owned charm
ing place near the sea- a-shore. Oh Lucy, i
you have never been there cannot describe i
to you. The house itself is old fashioned, and
the furniture, though antique, is rich and costly
shall never forget the many pleasant evenings
I have spent in that vine-clad porch, with tht
whole expanse of blue, clear water, lying al
most at my feet. When laying aside my book
I would sit fairly entranced in the calm gre,
hour of twilight when silence reigned apund-
and the moon shed her soft light over the ricl
and varied scene. Truly has it been said tha
man made the city. But God made the coun
try. ..,...
"Mrs Milton was kind hearted woman
though one fond Of having her own way.
was ever great favorte of hers, SO was GER
tain young physician in neighboring village
How often has Mrs Milton spoken ia boundless
praises of him to me, telling how half the vii
lage girls were striving to win his noble heart
but striving in vain.
Mamma and | returned in the early part o
September from the springs, tired with the gaye
ty and excitement. | fairly cried torjoy whe1
Mrs. Milton came to town, nominaly with the
intention of having mamma and myself return
with her to her home Mamma, however pre-
ferred remaining in the city, though she finally
tol with MrS
the terms that should keep nay mirth within
bounds, for you know what wild mad-cap
was in those days, Lou.
Il will pass over our pleasant journey, and
my delight in exchanging the hot and scorching
pavements, brick walls, and dust-laden air, fol
cool, refreshing breeze, and waving green grass
I had been at Mrs. Milton's about fortnight
when one morning shehastily entered my room
saying, "Come Mary, brush your hair and fix
up, for dr. Louiston and Mr.. Neland are com
ing down the avenue, and I would not wish
them to see you in this plight" ''Nor l either
aunty," I replied, for [ had been out in the
woods all the morning, and my gingham dress
was sadly torn, and my white apron all stained
with blackberries. "Wel, dear she contin-
ued, ''come down in the parlor as soon as you're
ready, for [ must 90 and show them In, Nancy
is SO dumb, she will be more likely to take them
in the tea room, if she could condescend to IN
vite them to enter at ALL and SO saying, she
left the room.
s.What Mrs. Milton meant by fixing up do
not know, but l am afraid my toilet that after
noon did not exactly suit, for it was very warm,
I simply arranged my hair, and put on white
muslin dress without a single ornament, save
that little diamond ring papa had given me the
new years before. ... ..[ -.-
From various hints from my friends at
Westland and others interested, | had learned
that if had heard much of dr. Louiston, he
had heard much more concerning me. In fact
the whole country round was aware that he
had been selected by Mrs Milton as my future
husband But from several little stories had
heard, I knew very well that he was not easily
to be caught, and determined to meet him on
his own ground Much had been said by the
village bellies and young wives of the country
round in his disfavor in my presence. But
needed them not, for we'll understood their
motives, and though, sister dear, | cared very
little to see dr. Louiston, | did die to make
them envious as far as it was in my power I'm
r ~