The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1860-09-12
B. B. BLACK W ELL. EDITOR.

| -tAt+ <AoHtpii1 uChSHtCu dG Iue
idea. The cars were at the park and
the gentlemen FASTENED each his sepa-
rate way, to business. But the morn
ing's conversation was not entirely
forgotten.
Mr. Ashton did not mention a word
at home of the subject of his wishes.
Poor man he knew it would be the
surest way to defeat the proposed
plan. Bnt the very next evening his
daughters resolved a visit from the
four rosy daughters of Mr.. Armstrong
and before the evening was over the
consent of Mr. and Mrs. Ashton was
gained that their girls should accom-
pany their young friends to the coun-
try to " stay all summer if you choose,
but shall expect you back in week.
said the mother.
A merry travelling party the seven
girls made; pleasant journey was
theirs to the place of farms Agnes
and Sarah Armstrong took Ada Ash
ton with them, while Grace and Flor
ence Armstrong, and Julie and Carrie
Ashton boarded together. They were
made cheerfully welcome by the hon
est farmers, and eat with keen relish
of the good supper provided for them
The Ashton girls owned they had new
er felt hungry for year
!" We will put a different color on
those pale cheeks, my little dears, .
said the pleasant Mrs. Stone, the wife
of the farmer where Julie and Carrie
were to board. The girls fell in love
with Mrs. Stone at first sight She
had the sweetest, most genial face in
the world her voice was as pleasant
as her conntenance. All, she was a
charming and admirable woman No
wonder the girls loved her as soon as
they saw her.
am sure you are very good
ma'Am, and We shall be happier here
than we ever we're in our lives | feel
at home already" said Julie Ashton,
impulsively.
As the travellers were weary they
retired to their rooms, sweet white
washed rooms, fragrant with flowers
and clean oders. The snowy beds in
yited them, and soon they were lost in
dreams. Meanwhile the other mem
bers Of the party were equally pleased
with their reception and accommoda-
lions
How many girls want to see a
splendid sunrise ?" cried the next
morning the voice Of man standing
at the foot of the stairs.
1t is Mr. Stone" cried Grace,
leaping at once from dreamland and
from bed " Jump into anything girls
and hurry down. We will carry
towel and wash at the brook. "
"Wait ! we are all coming" called
Florence.
Well, hurry for | can't wait long"
In three minutes the troop were at
Mr.. Stones heels, and away they went
to the field.
The four girls fastened like young
ducks to the fresh running water, and
happy and rosy they looked as they
stood by the farmers side.
He gazed admiringly at them, smi-
led, and said
You are pretty creatures, all of
you"
The sun rose in all his majesty, and
after seeing him safely above the hori-
zon and taking a good scamper across
the fields, the girls returned hungry as
bears to the house. Mr.. Stone was
there before them, and the table spread
out with most inviting breakfast
After doing justice to Mrs. Stones
bounteous fare, the girls run to feed
the poultry and to hunt for eggs
This was a new work for the Ashton
girls, but it delighted them greatly. -
They were joined by other members of
the party, and had regular jumping
match in turn. Then they all went
into the kitchen and picked over dried
fruit and greens for dinner. At u
O'Clock they parted, and the Ashtons
were SO tired out that they were glad
to go to bed. But every day they
grew heartier and stronger, and wilder
also, and before they had been month
in the country, they were as Ada said,
as good as new
Rainy days they spent in writing to
their friends, or in helping the farmers
wives to make rag carpets or mats
Tine never hung heavy on their hands.
There were plenty of books, papers
and magazines to read, aid the boys
who were nearly men, were Away $
ready for story telling and riddles.
These boys were fine fellows, and very
agreeable companions, but is is not
worth while to say much about that.
There was boy at colIege-Mr.
Edward Stone, strangers called him
hut they called him Ed at home =
He was at home week, and the girls
were not sorry, bnt itis'nt worth while
to saw much about him either