Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-05-19

Highlander had the black horse that Won used
| to ride. We called at neighbor Grey's and
got his pretty Amy to accompany US We
were all in fine spirits. Amy was such gay
little gypsy, she delighted US all. But. as Mr..
Fits no Tse became inspiriied by reise, and
we left the macadam zed road for the winding
and sometimes rocky by-roads, which took us
through more romantic part of the country,
/ saw that the poor fellow had all he could do
to old on. He ceased TO jest he ceased to
pay compliments; he grew silent, for all his
energies were absorbed in clinging to his bri-
die and stirrups, and occasionally 10 his
horse's neck and name. Amy proposed a
race. We started, Notwithstanding Fits en-
treaties to ssHoId on ~
laughed Amy.
His horse, more ambitious than his master
was to be distanced by nothing in that party,
and soon passed us all in gallant style, with
his riders arms about his neck. A sudden
turn in the forest road took him out of sight !;
and, when we finally came up with him, he
was sitting by the roadside on stump, hold
ing IBedouin" by the bride. Whether he
had been thrown. or got off of his own accord
he did not say. He only begged to exchange
horses with the other gentleman. as '|Bedouin"
was so very hard under the saddle that he
was tired out. We rode home slowly, and
found dinner waiting. Amy dined with US.
Immediately after the meal was over, Mr.
FiH Foom was obliged to take to the sofa.
He was unable to make the exertion of wait
ing upon Amy home so we left him to
sieeta, and escorted our fair friend to her door,
What was said upon that memorable re-
turn walk, / shall never hint-never, to my
sober old bachelor uncle! A sudden glory,
that was not all effected by the Indian sum-
mer sunshine, came down upon the world.
But no sentimentality TO be laughed at by an
old fogy uncle So | shall not tell you any
more, if you teaZe me ever so much. Suffice il
to say that that evening my Highlander gave
papa the letter which you sent him and he
and mother sat up late in the dining-roOm, be-
fore the wood fire, reading and talking it over.
Mr.. Fitz Foom tried hard, that evening. to
outsit his rival in regular country style. He
was evidently afraid that the path was not
quite clear. But the fatigue of his ride over
powered him: and, secretly borrowing of
mother bottle of Ready Relief for some
bruise which he may have received by that
unseen downfall, he retired in distress and dis
gust.
Another very bright day followed on. Fitz
seemed in better spirits and declared a desire
to become somewhat better acquainted with
some of the details of country life. A visit to
the cheese-press, the dairy -house the "avi-
ary." the cider-mll, and the great barn was
proposed. We strolled about from spot TO
spot; and astOnished my exquisite Fitz by
vivid descriptions of sundry slides down the
straw-stack, and rides upon '-Sukeys" back
and childish feats in that great Juvenile GYM
nasium, that paradise of chidren-the barn.
When we entered the aforementioned barn,
we found father and his men at work there
getting ready for our corn-husking. Father
left off to call us out in the yard, and expa-
tiate upon his stock. Everybody has his
weakness, and dear papa's is his fine stock.
He pointed out pair of noble DevOnshie
oxen that were ranging in the meadow open
ing out of the barnyard, and my dear little
cow, ''Sukey," with four or FIVE others, who
were at the water-trOugh. He has about
twenty merinoes ; and, wishing to show to my
Highlander (who pleased him by talking
understandingly with him) the superior quail
ity of the wool, he called them out of the
field; and they came running for the salt
which they expected to find in his hand.
''What are those creatures ?" asked Mr.. Fitz
FOom affectedly, as the flock came running
and crowding about.
"ThOse are Sheep
''Awi are they, indeed? This is the first
time ever beheld genuine specimen of those
pastoral animals, so conspicuous in poetry
and rural scenes. Sheep, aw ~
/ know not whether the veteran leader of
the flock took offence at this declaration of
previous neglect to pay his respect to the
tribe, or whether the red scarf which Mr.. Fitz
had thrown over his shoulders upon coming
out, excited his ire, but at that instant saw
him lowering his horns, and had just time to
eXclaim. 'Take care ~ when he hit him a
square blow in the stomach, which Frustrated
him quick as thought. Before he could make
another spriug, FitZ was on his feet, and took
refuge in the barn. The fiery merino was
after him; and they both disappeared through
the opposite door. We all started in pursuit,
hoping to arrest the offender.
Three times the two made the circuit of the
barn. Fits scarf streamed out behind, add
ing fury to the hot pursuit. Father did his
best to knock the beast down with a rail- but
could not come near him. We all formed a
line, and attempted to head him off; but he
broke through our midst, after momentary
parley. This moment of grace enabled Fitz
to make for the field but the gate was open,
and he was too frightened to close it. The
Shanghais crOwed, the sheep bleated. the cows
paused from their drink in establishment
Betty Stout, who hated poor Fitz for his
slight OF her, sprang up on the fence, and
laughed, aud clapped her hands.
When he had got well into the meadow,
Fitz turned to see If he were safe; but oh,
horror of horrors! not only was the ram close
at his heels, but " Sukey," the big oxen, the
sheep, and horses had all joined in the general
stampede, and were tearing up the grass in
every direction. With shrek of terror, he
dropped to the ground; he - could no more"
he had tainted from sheer alright Father,
who was still sanguine of rescue came up TO
him just as the ram, disappointed in his cacu-
latiOn by the sudden fall, went over his pros
trate body, and awed by papa's club, gave up
the chase.
Poor FitZl his clothes were pretty well used
up, and his strength completely so. He took
to his bed, with but poor appetite for the
dainties my compassionate mother cooked up
for him. This morning, he packed his carpet
bag, and babe us farewell. 81 had induce
mems held out to me by Mr.. Wilmot to come
here" he said, as he babe me cold good-by,
"bIT they are not sufficient to attract me to
remain in the country. | consider it both vul-
gar and dangerous but am glad if you find il
to your taste. No; thank you for your po-
lite invitations; but / shall not trouble you
with further visits"
Will you not even come TO the wedding"
asked my Highlander, with what l must con-
slider rather ungenerous kindness.
A glance of anger and stiff bow were the
only answer. Now, uncle. if it is true, as |
have been told, that you encouraged him TO
come, and that he got trusted for his new suit
of clothes on the strength of his expected
success, I think yon are in honor hound TO
pay for~the suit which he ruined, and to make
him a present of another besides.
My Highland Chief has not yet departed,
and is grumbling because / have given you SO
much time. Isn't that ungrateful OF him!
Father and mother send much love. expect
to be In the city before long to do a little
shopping, when l shall need your advice in
choosing certain-but good-by, with many
kisses. Yours, afFectionately, LUCY.
Curio u Spring I'm Alabama.