The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1860-04-20
HOW I TOLD MY LOVE.

Oh, the glories Of a sleigh:ride in the
sparkling, bracing air of Canadian win
ter! The sky clear and exhilirating-keenly
bright, but with different degree Of lucidi-
ty from that Of a bright summers day.
Broad, expanding plains-,he city receding
behind us, as the horses, leaping onward to
the music of the Ginning bells, made for
the broad, boundless country. The fir for
ests are clasped in shadowy, gbos,ly slum-
Der. Far away on our right are those path
less funeral groves where the wolves aggre-
gate in hundreds. To the left lies ridge
Of hills sloping down to the river, which is
looked upon in the iron manacles of the
Winter King. Ahead, and right before us
whittier we are bound-over waste and plain
and clearing-lies a snugly sheltered, spot
the headquarters of the 'lumberer' and the
voyageur. Our destination is not quite
so far. r..
This said destination, ,,isa broadly spread,
lowIying farmstead, With itsalmpst number.
less onthouses, consisting of cattle sheds
and dairies, corn stores, rooffings for winter
fodder, wood stacks, and other concomitants
surrounding the dwelling, all palisaded by
zigzag fences, as SO many outworks to pro-
tect the comfortable citadel. Within it,
warm fires blaze and sparkle from the huge
and odorous logs cracking on the broad
bounteous hearth.
In the great common chamber, rated and
picturesque as an antique gothic ball, are
warm hearts and flashing eyes. Bearded
men and fair woman are there-laughing
maidens and strapping young hunters, who
-hsajust shaken the snowseff their furs at
the portals. Despitesthssstsrn, yet musical
baritone of the singing wind, as it goes by
sstipging, cheeks, biting noses intospprple,
and making the blood tingle, shouts Of fmirtb
and laughter rise above the boreal blasts !;
and our leaping sleigh gliding-lying along
rather-to the music Of the soft musical
bells is fast FAST approaching Its termin
u.s. S%+ .p
In the meantime asks the reader, who
occupies this sleigh2' hasten to answer:
First. there was your humble servant, the
narrator, Dick Harding by name, but few
months back FROM the banks of the Isis,
with the bar in prospect. I add few Of
my personal items.-Ratber good looking;
fair shot; can hit with wonderful vigor
straight out from the shoulder; am five
feet ten and growing, can play the fiddle, a
game Of pool, and have the temper Of an
angel. have been one of party of ad-
venturous sportsmsp 'going in for some.
thing worthy Of Alexander, and, with fish.
ing.tackle, spears and shooting.ironsE had
done no inconsiderab:e execution among the
denizens Of the Gsdsaian jwoods and sound.
ing 'rapids,' and hunted tie beasf66 Bis own
bold and picturesq qus,fstaesses.s
Enough for myself. Now for my COM
panions. ''' 81 |-.a -
Place aux Rames. therefore-for nest
lidgsby my side, wrapped up in rugs and
wmmfars, il Lota d'Asyills.-a bright eyed,
rosy dpns 6pg caasliap, as lovely
giiiI:wopaa ~ fssenteen as glanse eof man
ever. rested. .eob9 9aesntly upon: fhe' Cana
dian mother and tbe French ssfaiher we're,
expressedsin herman Her playful, lam:
benseyes hsd exc III q thsif sofceiy upon,
me sis Hiis;s apd tie md 5h.ion Of sssoioe
,aseaeatsA its low soft ss~eetnssss eSm.
ld t Young syienas & triumph. Tbis 81
May 1otHa had exchanged no conf.
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