Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1860-01-12
yntettsting Storp,
COUSIN JONATHAN.
BY CORA LYNN.

|
Before blight fire in handsomely
furnished driving room, two persons
stools one EVENING" young and very
lovely girl, with merry glance and
smile. She was dressed in sotHethine
soft and white. that foated round her like
"A mist; and in her nut-brown hair nestled
half blown rose.
Her companion was a man, past the
prilte of young manhood; and, perhaps
the 6rst impression his appearance gave
was that of awkwardness only. Short
and ungtacefully, yet powerfully made
with features far from regular, it would
be difficult I'd describe him az other than
plain man, of some FIVE and forty years
OF age. Yet he had bne chatm-a voice
of wonderful richness and depth; soft and
gentle. too, then speaking to His fair com
pa ius
II hope you will enjoy it as much as
you expect, Alice"
:" l hope shall; but, coHsin, why are
you not going with US ~
YOU will not miss me, and have let.
tiers to write this evening. Besides what
should an old fellow like me do at ball?'
Alice Turned round and gave him a
very saucy little look out Of her brown
eyes.
What q silly thing you are, Cousin
Jonathan"
At that moment q tall, hearty looking
gentleman entered the room, evidently
enjoying some joke, much to His own sat
islaction. He carried parcel in his hand
See, Miss Alice, here's..a queer sort
Of a thing come FOR you. Can you imag
inc what it isl I'm sure / can't"
She unfolded the silver paper, and
brought to light an exquisite boduet OF
hot house flowers.
"jOh. how lovely how very lovely i
But who can have sent them?"
She glanced at her cousin as she spoke
laughing.
" Not Jonathan, Tn sure" said her
father; he's old enough to have more
sense
g Did you send them ?" persisted Alice.
moving nearer to him, her voice faltering
a little.
Il no. Is it likely? See, here is a
card In the paper"
she took 1t up and read aloud: With
Captain Rays Compliments"
" Very polite very proper very kind
said her father, rubbing his hands" very
much so indeed"
Cousin Jonathan moved away.
Mr.. Braybrook took his daughters
hand, and turning her deliberately around
examined her with great apparent salts
faction.
mot amiss, is it, jonathan y said he
appealing to their Quiet COMPANION.
That gentleman was reading letter,
and, looking up. fof a moment, replied
F" Certainly not, Sir
He bent over the paper again but any
one near might have seen It tremble in
hi. Hand.
Alice grew very rosy. and drew ub her
slender figure to its full height.
pray, papa. don't ask Mr.. Waring to
admife poor me; you disturb him from
his letter; and, besides-1-I'm sure it
Doesn't don't"
MY opinion can be of no value,
know" said her cousin, with another
glance from his occupation.
Never mind him, Puss," said Mr..
Braybrook, as he thought he saw Alice's
lip culver; these Gid bachelors always
are cross and ill.tempered.
The carriage is at the door," cried
the fo6tman, entering very OPPORTUNITY.
Mr.. Braybrook left the room, and al
ices maid came I'd with warm cloak of
white and cherry colored silk.
Good night" said the little lady,
Then this charming affair was properly
pnt on, and Black lace veil was thrown
over her head.
Mr.. Waring looked up. She stood be-
side him, holding out tiny white gloved
hand. He took it, saying" Good night.
| hope your first ball will be merry
one, Alice.
The hand fingered in his.
!" If you were only coming Cousin Jon
altman"
He interrupted quickly, and almost
harshly. But I'm not, SO good night"
She went away silently, but turning at
the door to say Good night" once more,
he fancied he saw tears glistening through
the sbadowy black veil over her face.
He started to bis feet; but a thought
seemed to strike him, and be Sat down to
his papers again, muttering- She'll
make me make fool of myself, whether
| will or no, with that voice and those
pleading eyes. Pshaw man az my
age-ridiculous!' And on went his pen
faster than ever.
Hour after hour passed on, and still he
was busify at work. One-two-three
O'Clock struck. There was sound OF
hustle in the hall below. He heard AL.
ices clear, ringing laugh-that laugh
that was like no other. He heard MIR.