Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1858-11-05
Mistrllantons.
From the Lady's Book.
THE INNKEEPEsR'S DAUGHTER.

ny ANNIE FRArsT.
The inn where my heroine was born and
lived was the only one in the ncighborhood
of the town of C; it stood about half a
mile out of the town, and was famous place
of resort for the young people who wished to
have riding, shooting, or fishing parties.--
Looking from the windows of the house, you
could fancy, so wild and picturesque was the
scenery all round, that you were miles away
from any house; but, if you left the build
ing, and climbed the hill directly east Of it,
you could see tho town of c. lying be-
low you.
Joseph Langlon, or as he was generally
called, Old Joe Langdon, had owned the inn
since the death of his father, who was the
former landlord. Here he had brought his
wife home hero his only child, Minnie, was
born; here his wife had died, and here he
hoped himself to die. Just at the time my
story opens, there was not happier man
alive than Joe. His inn was in fourishing
condition, with new sign swinging from
the door, and the old name, "Fox Hunt"
blazoncd on it in letters an inch long. His
pretty daughter had completed the educa-
ton he had given her in boarding school
in c., and had returned homo to pct
her old father to his hearts content; and
Joe, to complete his state of felicity, had Just
received notice that a party of young ladies
and gentlemen from Squire Oldfcld's man.
sion were coming down next day to spend
the day in riding and hunting, and would
stop at his house for both luncheon and din
ner.
snow, Minnie, lass, shy round. Are you
sure all is in order for the hunting party I"
ayes, father"
"You sec, Minnie, this is fine company.
There is Squire Oldfeld's son, Mr.. Harry,
and his sister, Miss Kate, and there are
many more, and to be sure there is lord
among them, Lord Herbert Adair, that they
say is after Miss Kate"
"Well, father, all is ready; and now come
out upon the porch and we can chat togeth-
or. Who is Lord Adar, papar
"Why, he's great lord, Minnie, young
and handsome, and very rich, and they say
his mother and Squire Oldfeld's lady were
very intimate when they were young, and
they wanted Lord Herbert to marry Miss
Kate. Tho young folks haven't seen one
another yet, but his lordship is to como
down here tomorrow to meet them, and as
they are both so young and handsome, why
of course they will fall in love the first thing.
Now, Minnie, sing to mo while l smoke"
Minnie stood upon tho porch of the little
inn, and, leaning against one of the pillars,
began to sing. A prims donna might have
envied that young girls voice. 1t was clear
and most melodious, and every note of the
simple ballad she warbed was clear and full.
She mado very pretty picture, this little
Minnie, as she stood there singing to her old
father. The last rays of the sinking sun
fell upon her rich chestnut hair, her round
white shoulders and arms, and threw out the
colors of her pretty gay dress, which was
short enough to give glimpse Of most
dainty little foot. cased In neat black boot.
The long green branches and bright flowers
Of red rose twined round the pillar against
which she leaned, and the whole effect was
very fascinating. There were two people
who thought so; one was Joe himself as he
laziy watched and listened; the other was
a horseman, who had stopped his steed near
the inn, and, unperceived by the group on
the porch, was waiting pause in the song
to speak to the landlord. Ho was young,
handsome man, the rider, ard evidently had
an eye for beauty.
snow, Minnie, sing one of tho songs you
learned at the school,"
"Whew p said the rider, in an under tone,
as Minnie sang the first notes of the brindisi
from Macbeth, "Now for murderw
No such thing, Sir Critic. AS the last
note died upon the air, the young man struck
bis hands together crying
"Brayo! beg your pardon" he added,
seeing the surprise his appearance OCCASION
ed; ~ have been here some time, but /
could not make up my mind to interrupt
such heavenly sounds"