Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1857-10-24
Srlrtt Gale.
MEs,.APPLEToN's MAID.
1Y EA1K n. y.

II ever there WAS another perstn ii the
wide, wide world, like Aliue Ashley. or one
that enjoyed fun, mischief and irolicking
better than she did. Id like to sre her. She
would make one laugh for hours in spite .:
ones notion Of propriety and good kehse.
Now, Aline was not handsume. neither was
she downright hou,-ly. Her dark hazel eyes
were brimtul OF mischief; and mischief, the
.auncy fellow, could not be content with
fihhg her eyes, but must needs 90 lurking
around Que Of the sweetest little mouths that
ever was uade.
We'll, this same AliGe was blessed with a
bachelor uncle VINO resided for many years
beneath her fathers hospilnhls roof, and who,
alter suffering many years with ininmmatory
rheumatism, died just one year from the time
NY story opens, leaving Aline. his pet, the
bulk of his property. which consisted of up
wards Of ten thousand dollars.
Alne WAS al only child; therefore no pains
we're spared to lavish on her all that fond
hearts and wealth could bestow. She had q
cousin, q Mrs. Appleton, living at some dis
lance, whom she had never visited since her
marriage, hut longed to see. After much
teasing and coaxing, her parents were at
length prevailed upon TO part with their dar-
ling. for at least whole fortnight, TO make
the long promised visit.
Mrs. Appleton's husband owned largo
farn and all farmers wives. or NEST Of
them, have to live in large. uncomfortable,
iucunv-ulrnt old fashioned houses, that Eve
herself would be ashamed of nowadays.
But there are exceptions to all rules; aud
thi, WAS one Of them.
Mr.. Appleton was obliged to build, for
there was nothing inhabitable on the farm
when he purchased it. This pleased Mrs.
Appleton; for, when he had farming in view
she contemplated nothing better than spend
ing the remainder Of her days in an old worm
| eaten house.
When the Birds nest was built, she had
her say (quits remarkable. wasn't il y SO, OF
course, the house was built in modern style,
neat and comfortable. amid a large clump OF
evergreen, beech, and maple trees, and was
! chrstrned the Birds Nest. or Robins
Retreat, receiving its appellation from herds
of robins that annually nested amung the
| trees and about the premises.
The long participated journey uasperformsd
mostly by railroad. When within ten miles
Of her cousins home. she was met at the
depot by Mr.. Appleton with his beautful
| ponies aud carriage. Never did Aline enjoy
ride better. The freshness around, the
be iu,iful wheat and rye fields just headed,
|
with their melodies. and the sociable, good.
I natured Mr. Appleton made the time slip
away SO pleasantly that she could hardly
b-lleve, as they drew up in front OF the
Retreat, that she had ridden ten miles. Aline
had received faint whispsrngs from Mrs.
Appleton's pen of the beauties which sur
rounded them, but lever had they sesmed
so real as now. I'm so delighted poor
word" thought Aline, ss she answered Mrs.
Appleton's query Of And how do you like
the Birds Nest, AliueF
Her first week danced by merrily. Aline
| fitting here aud there, finding new beauties
| even in the poultry yard, which she had
always detested until now.
"W hat sm To do" said Mrs. Appleton
coming into the purlor, looking perplexed
and out of humor. interruPting Aline, wht
had just settled herself for n good hours
practice on the piano.
"Wby, what is it? How should know 7
"Surs enough, elf! Listen, and III tel
you"
| IAN attention. please ma'am," said Aline
opening her mouth-a way she had OF listen
ing when Mrs. Appleton felt out Of humor.
"Weil, Robert received = letter from hi
uncle, Mr.. Jsr,is. from Boston, stating, il i
would be convsnisnt, he would be up to th'
Retreat, on Thursday next, with his fanil
aud friend Of thairs, Mr. Richard Elgin, 4
spend few weeks. Oh. dear what shall
do Robert has tried fur aud near. vithou
success. TO hire q girl to sweep. dust th
rooms. and take care Of the chldres. l hav
all l possibly can do to look after the COO
Snd dfsius rucsS sirft Ass "a me Y sss