The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-07-06
MY COUSIN MAY.

1t was in the carly part of August, 1857,
that I, John Richards, law student, resid-
ing in the lively town Of S., took my seat in
the dusty cars with the purpose of visiting
my old cousin Tom.
was not in the most pleasant mood that
day, as had previously intended to pass my
summer vacation at Newport. A number
of my city friends, including two or three
very irritable young ladies, were going to call
upon the old city, and was expecting to bo
their favored attendant while there besides,
was rather good.looking fellow, and fiat
tered myself particularly upon my fine man
ncrs, and very naturally thought l should
make quito sensation among the blooming
bellies and matchmaking maumas, who
thrpng that fashionable resort. According
ly. made q forcible attack upon my pure,
and bountifully supplied myself with oil
kinds Of summer clothing No wonder I
used some very decided expressions ono day,
hen, as stood before the mirror, surveying
myself in the last purchased suit, feeling very
satisfied at my appearance, letter from my
father was handed me, which on being open
cd was found to contain wish, and, in fact,
command. that should Immediately visit
my cousin Tom.
1t seems that Tom, who was many years
older than your humble servant, was quite
indignant that had never accepted his many
invitations to visit his country home, and
had at last in despair given up urging me,
and had written to my father telling him to
send the scamp down. had not seen him
since his weddins-day, eighteen years before,
when had reached the dignity of six ycars,
and remembered him only Us hc stood, with
as long face as the solemnity Of the occa.
sion could draw from him, by the side Of o
pleasant, quiet little thing, who seemed to
think nobody quite equal to 'him.' re.
member receiving very condescendins pat
on the head, the only thing his newly ac-
quircd dignity for the moment permitted
seeing him jump into the waiting sleigh,
tuck with careful hand the buffalo robes
round his little bride. wave his hand to us,
and then drove Of at an astonishing rate
That was the last had seen OF him.
We had heard, however, of his purchasing
farm in the Western part Of the State,
thriving bodily, mentally, and last but not
least, pccuniarily, finding the cxcellcnccs Of
his worthy wifo increasing with years, and
being blessed with a goodly number Of
troublesome comforts I occasionally re-
ccivcd few aflcctionate lines from him, al-
ways pressing me to take n peep at his coun'
try home, but my enthusiasm had never been
sufficient to get mo started. Now, however,
my father was determined that we should be
strangers no longer, and l was informed that
Tom would expect me next week. i tried to
plead of, but he grew more decided when he
discovered my disinclination, and, as l 70
mcmbercd the unhappy condition Of my purse
and the necessity Of Its being repleni'hcd by
his usually indalgcnt hand, ! felt forced tc
yield the point, aud accordingly dispatched
note to Tom, telling him that he might SOC
me next Thursday.
OF course, I thought my new clothes would
bc of no use in country place, still my van
, ity would assign them q place In my trunk
| in hopes that something might be going on,
50 that could display them, though I could
not help sighing @ I packed them, at the
thought that they would have no chance tc
"tako the eye" Of somc rich southern belle
"Cousin Sarah and her daughters" said tc
my.clf, "nover can appreciate them. How
ever, shall not have to trouble myself about
the daughters, for doubtless all Of them whc
have reached their teens are provided viii
bOaux, who will mako their appearance ever
evening at sundown, and in the daytime, o.
oOune, they viii Be at work about the bOusee
hope. BY the way, they arc good COOKS
Tha. May ought TO be old enough BY thi'
time to make good bread" % with this hop
I DISMISSED the women from my mind.
spent the journey in reading. slespins
and an occasional. grunt st my change o
prospects for the summer. Twas punishet