The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-03

toms fine span of horses and light demo
craft are standing near by, and it needs
but little persuasion to induce Mr.. Morton
to accompany bis friend to his home,
which he has never yet visited. The con-
versation is lively and spirited-they re-
call tue feats of their school days, the ex-
periences of after life, and compare their
present position in the world, with tho
golden futdre of which they used to
dream. Mr.. Morton is bachelor. and
very fsstidious in his tastes-as that class
of individuals are prone to be. The rec
election of this flashes on Mr.. Thornton's
mind as they drive along towards their
destination. At once his zeal in the dia-
logue abates, he becomes thoughtful and
silent, and does not urge his team onward,
but seems willing to afford Mr.. Morton an
opportunity to admire the beautiful seen
cry on either hand, the hills and valleys
clad in the fresh verdure of June, while
the lofty mountain ranges look blue and
dim in the distance. He cannot help
wondering if they will find his wife in the
same sorry predicament in which he left
her that morning, and involuntarily
shrinks from introducing so slatternly
parsonage to his refined and cultivated
friend.
But it is now too late to retract his po-
lite invitation-they are nearing the old
homestead'-one field more and his fer
tile farm with its well kept fences, appears
in view. Yonder is his neat white house,
surrounded with elms and naples. They
drive through the large gateway, the man
John comes from the barn to put out the
horses, and Mr.. Thornton hurries up the
walk to the piazza, leaving his friend to
follow at his leisure-hc must see his wife
first, and if possible, hurry her out OF
sight before their visitor enters. He rush
es into the ng-rooln-words cannot
express his amazement,-there sits the
very image of his lovely bride, and self
conscious blush mantles her cheek as he
stoops to kiss her with words of joyful
SURPRISE Why, Ellen!' He has time
for no more, George Morton has followed
him, and he exclaims,-'Hal Charley, as
Iover-like as ever-hasn't the honeymoon
set yet?' and then he is Only presented to
Mrs. Thornton, who, under the pleasing
excitement of the occasion, appears to far
better advantage than usual. Tea is soon
put upon the table, and the gentlemen do
ample Justice to the tempting repast
spread out befort them. A happy meal
it is to Charles Thornton, who gazes with
admiriug fondness upon his still beautiful
wife. Supper over, Mr.. Morton coaxes
little Nellie to sit on his lap, but she soon
slides down, and climbing her fathers
knee, whispers confdentially, Don't ma
ma look pretty?' He kisses her and an
swers, Yes, my darling
The evening passes pleasantly and
swiftly away, and many a half-forgotten
smile of their life-pilgrimage is recalled by
some way mark which still CLEANS bright
in the distance. They both feel younger
and better for their interview, and deter.
mine never to become so like strangers
again. Mr.. Morton's solilqouy as he re
tires to the cosy apartment appropriated
to his use, is-'Well this is happy fam
ily! What lucky fellow Charley is
such handsome wife and children ~--ant
she so good house-keeper, too! May b'
I'll settle down some day myself which
pleasing idea that MIG hit mingled with hi
VISIONS.
The next morning Mr. Thornton watch
ed his wife's movements with some anXl
ety-he could not bear to have her DIES
troy the favorable impression which h
was certain she had made on his friend
mind. and yet some irresistible impuls'
forbade his offering any suggestion or al
luding in any way to the delicate subjec
so long unmentioned between them. Blu
Mrs. Thornton needed no friendly advic
with true womanly tact she perceived
the advantage she had gained, and wa
not at all inclined to relinquish it. Tn
dark gingham dress, linen collar AM
snowy apron, formed an appropriate ant
becoming morning attire for housekeep
er. and the table afforded the guest no oe
casion for altering his opinion in regar'
to the skill and affability of his amiabl
hostess. Early in the forenoon MIR. MOI
ton took leave of his hospitable friends
being called away by pressing affairs 9
business.
Mr.. and Mrs. Thornton returned t