The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1859-10-15
OCTOBER
THE COUNTRY COUSIN.

C.OUN
THE COUNTRY COUSIN.
"How provoking!'' cried the gay and
beautiful Emily Howard, as she threw aside
letter she had been reading, only think,
to be bored for whole fortnight, by
vulgar country coasin, and that, too, during
the gay season. o dear 0 dear! what
will the Wilmot's say? But there it is,
must write her to come, for father has
given her pressing invitation, of course
never once thinking she would accept"
And she seized her pen and wrote pretty
note, and Fastening to the bearer, who was
awaiting an answer in an adjoining room,
with face wreathed in smiles. presented
it. But, alas! not one syllable of her vehe-
ment Soliloquy, had escaped the gentleman,
and he being friend of the family by whom
he had been commissioned to deliver the
message, on returning, related the whole
affair to Louisa Dalton-the country cousin.
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 suddenly
merry laugh burst forth, and she roguishly
said:
Gay, that will be fine, at all events. Pll
make the most of my visit, and foolish
ieceitful Emily Howard shall find that her
cousin, in point of vulgarity, is quite up to
her Imagination. | am sure, it is but fair
shes hould be punished, and as to her own
opinion, or that Of her associates, it matters
but little to me. True, it will be a difficult
part to play, but trust much to my powers
of imitation in carrying out my plan, which
fortunately, according to the science of
phrenology, are uncommonly developed''
Could Emily Howard at this time have
looked in upon her expected guest, Size
would have dismissed all fears of being
disgraced by her, as even she-the admired
city belle-in point of beauty and accom-
plishments, could not rival her. She was
gracefully reclining on luxurious lounge,
IN rich and tasteful apartment. The light
of the departing sun was streaming through
the window, and tie damask curtains re-
! fected deeper hue to the rose-tint on her
cheek: Though the traces of tears were
still visible, a sunny smile played around
the lips of Madonna beauty, and every fea-
ture seemed radiant with the light of warm
affection and home. Oh! joyous, happy
season, when life with its varied charms
opens upon the young maiden, with only
rainbow 'hues; when on the sunny landscape
she sees no dark spot, no eclipse.
The father of Louisa having acquired
competency, and being fond of rural life,
while she was still a mere child, had chosen
a lovely sequestered retreat. Here, amid
natures sweet adornngs of flowers and
shady groves, with fond mother, she had
passed her happy childhood, and here she
had numbered her eighteenth year. She
vas possessed of fine natural talents, and
under the guidance of her accomplished
mother, had made great proficiency IN both
solid and ornamental branches. Although
she had traTe!ed much with her parents,
and for one Of her Years, had seen much of
the gay world; though admiring eyes had
gazed on her, and t,attery's seductive voice
had breathed in her ear, she still retained
the sweet simplicity and love of nature,
which ever springs from pure heart.
| Mr.. Charles Howard, her mothers broth
er, resided in distant city, but owing to
slight misunderstanding between himself
and Mr.. Dalton, the families had never been
Oh terms of intimacy, and, until within
! few months, had not visited, when Mr..
Howard. in compliance with his sisters
., rnest request. had spent few days with
then at their delightful home. He had ever
fondly loved his sister, and the attachment
vas war mlv returned by her, so that sat-
isfactorv explanation of the misunderstand-
mo had acc. .sioned the breach, was highly
pra1ifvins to both, and they only regretted
that recone;Iiat, on had been 50 long post
noned. Mr. Howa rd was delighted with the
genius. beauty, ant accomplishments of
Louisa. and could no, forbear contrasting
the graceful modesty o. her manner, with
the lofty bearing and ha ,1g hty ahectatlon
of his own beloved child; al d when he had
urged the acceptance Of his .'nvltntien' u
had been with the hope of beneL ting hef;
not less than with desire for the oonSenla'
society of his interesting niece. t.'e was
aware that his daughter, having seen only
rustic beauties, had imbibed a foolish, l. Ut
strong prejudice against those whose lot
was cast without the pale Of popUious
city, and he forebore making any comments
on their expected guest, as he wished to
witness the surprise of Emily, when she
should discover the superiority of her coun-
try cousin. 1t every mention of the visit,
the fallen countenance of Emily, betrayed
to him how unwelcome it was, and he well
knew she was bitterly anticipating many
humiliating mortifcstton and trying posi-
ton to which her visitor must expose her.
She dared not complain TO her father, for
she understood his views too well to expect
sympathy: and she also knew that he would
require of her every possible attention
towards her cousin.
The expected day at length arrived, and
with a sickenilg heart, Emily, for the first
time in her life, behed a stage-eoach stop
before her fathers mansion. As she had IL
great aversion to such vehicles, she could
restrain herself no longer, and forgetting
all her fears of her fathers displeasure, with
soornful manner and distressed tone, she
exclaimed:
ga dusty stage coach! Oh papa, how
could you doom me to such annoyance, all
for the sake of miserable country girl
What vii! the Wilmots say?''
The color mounted to the temples of Mr..
Howard, and Emly's cheek flushed beneath
the harshest look which 81 had ever seen
on his usually benevolent face. AS she
reluctantly rose to receive her guest, he
coldly said:
"Hon't trouble yourself; will do the
civilities, as cannot bear to see my daugh-
ter welcoming with honied words end smiles
on her lip, one who in her heart she des-
pises, thus acting the double part of false
hood and Hypocrisy"
"She has not come after ALL" said Mr..
Howard, as the stage door was opened; but
instantly he recognized the lovely features
shaded by large bonnet. As he assisted
her in alighting, he could scarce repress an
expression of surprise at her grotesque
appearance, while she ingenuously said
81 am glad to see you, my dear uncle, but
30 doubt you are surprised at my travel ing
equipage. Do not remove my baggage, as
perhaps you will not approve of the assumed
character wich circumstances compel me to
act, if ! remain with you.'
She then explained all in regard to the
letter which had been overheard by the
bearer, and closed by saying, that since she
had sent compliments, she had thought best
to come; but if such part as she purposed
to act, would be in the least unpleasant to
him. she would unhesitatingly depart.
s'By no means!' replied her uncle, "your