The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1859-08-24

COuhleHduCt. aup suu was CHdiMHS auu
admirable woman. No wsnder the girls low
ed her as soon as they saw her.
- am sure you are very good, ma'am
and we shall be happier here that ever we
we're in all our lives. ! feel at home al
ready said Jalia Ashton, impulsyely.
As the travellers were weary they retired
early to their rooms. Sweet, white washed
rooms, fragrant with flowers and clean udurs.
The snowy beds invited them. aud soon they
were lost In dreams. Meanwhile the other
members Of the party were equally pleased
with their reception and accommodations.
"lIow many girls want to see splendid
sunrise y cried the next marnlng the voice
OF man, standing at the foot Of the stairs.
at Is Mr.. Stone," cried Grace, leaping
at the same moment from dr9amland aud from
bed. Jump into anything. girls, and hur.
ry down. We will carry towel and wash
at the brook
"Wait! we are all coming" called Flor
sncs, opening the door little.
"Well hurry, for can't wait long"
In three minutes the troop was at Mr..
Stones heels, and away they went afeld the
four girls fastened like young ducks to the
fresh. running water. and happy and rosy
saey looked when they stood BY the farmers
side.
He gazed adniringy at them. smiled and
said
9" You are pretty creatures--all Of you.
God bless you y
The SUI rose in all his majesty, and after
seeing him safely above the horizon. and
then talking good scamper across the fields
the girls returned, hungry as bears, to the
house. Mr.. Stone was there before them,
and the table was spread with an inviting
breakfast. After doing justice to Mrs.
Stones bsunteous fare, the girls ran to feed
the poultry. and hunt for the eggs. This
was new work for the Ashton girls, bu, il
delighted them greatly. They were Joined
BY tho other members Of their party, and had
regular Jumping match in the barn. Then
they all went into the kitchen, and picked
over dried fruit and greens fer dinner. At
twelve o'clock they parted; and alter dinner
the Ashtons we're so tired out that they were
glad to 20 to bed. But every day they grew
hungrier and stronger, and wilder also and
before they had been month in the country
they were. as Ada said, good as new"
Rainy days they spent in writing to their
parents, or in bel ping the farmers wives make
rag carpets or mats. Time never hung heavy
on their hands. There were plenty Of books,
magazines, and papers to read; and then the
boys (who were nearly mem were always
ready for storytelling and riddles. Those
boys were fine fellows, and very agreeable
companions, but il is not worth while to say
much shout that. There was boy" at
coilege-Mr. Edward Stone, strangers called
him, but they all called him Ed" at home.
He was at hOms week. and the girls were
not sorry, but il isn't worth while to say mach
about that, either.
Miller was the name Of the family where
,he other girls boarded. There we're several
boys" there too.
swell, Armstrong" said Mr.. Ashton to
his friend, on finding himself again seated
beside him ia down town car, "my young
ones are 50 10 love with the country that
can't get them home. Carrie actually pleads
for permission to live with good Mrs. Stone,
whom she calls the best woman 10 the world,
and better than her owe mother. Yeur rus
tic friend must be remarkable woman,
heyf"
"Sbe is. Ashton. A more agreeable per-
son il would be hard 10 find. All my girls
love her very muck. What is your haste TO
recall your family a. IT'S sickly here Jet.
Let them remain until October
"oh, can't get along any longer without
them: the house is like tomb and ] must
have them back next week"
But the girls. accustomed to have their own
way, fatty refused to come unless their pa
rents both went for them. " We want you
10 know these best Of people. especially Mrs.
Stone" they wrote; ]" and we want you TO get
st least one good long smell Of the delicious
ali Of this place.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ashton complied with the
desire Of their children, and one day at sun
set they stood AZ the gate Of farmer Stones
eommUjious house"
Who were the rosy girls that spfang 10
meet them surely not their thin, dellcats
daushtersf
"oh father, oh nother--we are SO glad !!
Come in come in Mrs. Stone Nrs.
Stone here are father and MOTHER cried
the girls, aud thsn Grace aud Julia rosbed
into the porch, and instantly returned, drag
ging in the blushiDg aud futtered looking
lady q The house.
She had never appeared more charming 10
her LIE than She did then, with his children
clinging about her and eontending with each
other who should say most in her praise. So
thought Mr.. Ashton, a. he looked upon " Ma
ry,n bis sweetheart Of The olden time, and
knew her at the first glancs.
"And 10 IL 90 r. he said, IS he tOok her
plump hand, and pressed II warmly. Mary
understood him, but no one else did.
All the girls were there. and there was no
hearing ones own ears. Presently Mrs.
Stone cleared them al out. TO allow Mr. and
Mrs. Ashton 10 take their supper in peace.
my girls are all recrested and sm sure
they owe much Of their fine eopditioa OF
health and spirits TO your mntherly care.
My dear Mrs. Stone, how shall We ever thank
you !"
by sending them 10 ME very summer
Eas the smiling reply
A pleasant visit soon passed, and then the
Ashtons al took leave II their dear friends,
"A -