The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-02-17

edge of her position, concluded, "but will
just do my best to fill the place of the indi.
vidual she took me for, and conduct her
wherever she wishes to 60, if I can only find
where it is !" I turned to her with an af-
fectation of ease, which was very far from
feeling, and said, sit is a long Journey"
"Do you think so? But it is very pleas
ant, isn't it? Cousin Jenny enjoyed it so
much?"
"Ah indeed?"
"Why, why, what queer mani she said
with little laugh. doesn't she never tell
you, as she does me in all her letters, how
happy she is, and that st. Louis is the
sweetest place in the world to live in! Dear
me that 1 should have to tell her own
husband first. How we shall laugh about
it when we get there"
So it was St. Louis where we were going
to and was her cousins husband. I never
was so thankful for two pieces of information
in my life.
"And how does dear Jenny look? and
what is she doing? and how is dear Aunt
Beman? do tell me the newsv'
Jenny" said I mastering courage and
words, sis the dearest little wife in the
world, you must know, only far too fond
of her scamp of husband. As to her looks,
you can't expect me to say anything, for she
always looks lovely to me-"
"Brave!" said the pretty girl, with a
malicious smile but about aunty's rheu-
matism?"
"Miss, mean, of course, Mrs. Beman, is
very WELL"
"Well," said my fair questioner, regarding
Inc with surprise, 81 thought she had not
been we'll for number of years !"
Il mean we'll for her." said I, in some
trepidation "the air of st. Louis (which
have since learned is of misty, mostly
order) has done her world of good. She
is quite different woman"
Il am very glad !" said her niece.
She remained silent for a few moments,
and then a CLEAN of amusement began to
dance in Der bright eyes.
ITO think !" she said, suddenly turning to
me with musical laugh, "that in all this
time you have not once mentioned the
baby"
know gave violent start, and think
turned pale. After had run the gaunt.
let of all these questions triumphantly, as l
thought, this new danger stared me in the
face. How was ever to describe baby,
who had never noticed one? My courage
sank below zero, but in the same proportion
teeth fairly chartered in my head.
"Dont be afraid that shall not sympa-
thize in your raptures," continued my tor
mentor, as l almost considered her, 81 am
quite prepared to believe anything after
Jennys letter-you should see how she cares
for him."
Him! Blessed goodness, then it must be
boy!
"Of course" said 1, blushing and STAN
mering, but feeling it imperative to say
something, eve consider him the finest fellow
in the world, but you might not agree with
us, and in order to leave your judgement
unbiased, 1 shall not describe him to you"
"Ah! but know just how he looks, for
Jenny had no such scruple-so you may
spare yourself the trouble or happiness, which
ever it is-but tell me what you mean to
cali him."
ave have not decided upon name,"
replied.
"Indeed 1 thought she intended to give
him yours"
The deuce she did ! thought 1. "No, one
of name is enough in family" an
swered
The demon of inquisitiveness, that, te
my thinking, had instigated my companion
heretofore, now ceased to possess her, for W.
talked of Indifferent things, and l had relic
of not being compelled to draw on my OWL
imagination at the expense of my conscience
when I gave the particulars of my recent
journey to Boston. Yet I was far from
feeling at ease, for every sound of Ter voice
startled me with dread of fresh questions
necessary, but impossible to be answered
and felt guilty flush steaming upon my
temples every time met look of those
innocent eyes.
1t was late when we stopped for supper
and soon after saw the dark fringes of my
companions eyes droop long and often, arc
began to realize that she ought to be asleep
Isknew perfectly well that it was my duty t.
offer her resting place on my shoulder, bu
l hardly had courage enough to ask tina
innocent face to lie on my arm, which wa
not, as she thought it, that OF cousin, ant
married man. Recollecting, however, tina
it was my duty to make her comfortable
and that l could scarcely deceive her mor'
than l had already done, I preferred thu
usual civiIity. She slightly blushed bu
thanked me, and accepted it, by leaning bel
head lightly against my shoulder, and look
ing up into my eyes with smile, said, GA
you are my cousin" Soon after her eyes
closed and she slept sweetly and calmly, al
if resting in security and peace.
l looked down at the beautiful face
slightly pa'ed with fatigue, that rested
against mine, and felt like villain. dared
not to touch her with my arm, although the
rebounding of the cars jostled her very much
! sat remorseless until the sleeper settled the