Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-07-23

who chased the pigs from the garden, as mer-
THY as II she were running race, so that the
pigs did not mind her, was Patty. On the
other hand, she that so carefully was max ing
with its own ravelled threads, an invisible
| darn in her mothers handkerchief, and was
nearing her sister read the while she that
SO patiently was feeding, one by one, two
| broods OF young turkeys she, too, that so
! pensively was watering her own bed of delicate
and somewhat rare howers-the pale hues of
! The Alpine pink, or the alabaster blossoms of
! the white evening primrose, whose IN Oldest
1owers, dying off in the blush, resembling her
own character-was Jane. Some Of the gos.
sips of Aberleigh used TO assert that Jane s
! signing over The flowers, as well as the early
steadiness Of her character, arose from an
engagement to my lords head gardiner. an
Intelligent, sedate, sober and steady young
Scotchman. OF this | know nothing. Ger
tain it is that the prettiest and newest plants
were always to be found in Jane's little flower
garden and If Mr. Archibald Macane did
sometimes come TO look after them did not
see that II was any ybody's business.
In the meantime, visitor OF another de-
scripton arrived at the farm A cousin OF
Mrs. EvaRs had been as successful in trade as
her husband had been in agriculture and now
he sent his only son to become acquainted with
his relations, and to spend some weeks i'm
their family. Charles Foster was a fine young
man, whose father WAS neither more or less
than a linen draper in great town, but whose
manners, educati on, mind and character might
have done honor to a far higher station. lie
was, IN word, ono OF natures gentleman, and
IN nothing did he more thoroughly show his
taste and good breeding than by entering en-.
titely Into the homoly ways aud old fashioned
habit of his country cousins. IIe was de-
lighted with the simplicity, ftugality and in
dustry which blended well with the sterling
goodness and genuine prudence OF the great
English farm house. The women especially
pleased him mach. They formed a strong
contrast with any he had met with before.
No hnery, no coquetryi no French, no piano.
IL is impossible to describe the sensation Of
relief and comfort with which Charles Foster,
sick OF musical misses, ascertained that the
whole dwelling did not contain u single musi.
cal instrument except the bissoon ON which
George Evans was wont, every Sabbath, at
church, to cXcruciate the ears Of the whole
congregation. He liked both sisters. James
softncss and considerateness engaged his ia
esteem. Patty's innocent playfuness suited
best with his own high spirits and animated
convers saton. He had known them apart
from the first, and indeed denied that the
likenesses were at all puzzlng, or more than
is usual among sisters; and secretly thought
Patty AS much prettier than her sister as she
was avowedly merrier. In doors and out he
was constantly at her side and before he had
been month in the house all the inmates had
given Charles Foster as lover Of his young
cousin; and she, VIXEN rallied on the subject,
cried ''Fie ~ and sPish ~ and s'Pshaw - and
wondered how people could talk such nonsense
and liked to have such nonsense talked to
her better than anything in the world.
Affairs were in this state, when one night
Jane appeared even graver and more thought
ful than usual, and far, far sadder. She sigh
ed deeply; and Patty-for the TWO sisters oc-
cupied the same room-inquircd what allied
her.
She burst into tears, whilst Patty hung over
her and soothed her. At length she reused
herself by a strong effort, and turning away
from her affectionate comforter, said in low
tone:
81 have had great vexation to- might, Pat |
ty; Charles Foster has asked me to marry
him.
"Charles Foster! did you say Charles Fos-
ter 70 asked poor Patty, trembling, unwilling |
even to turn her own senses against the evil |
dence of her heart s'Charles Foster ?''
eyes; our cousin, Charles Foster -
"And you have accepted him ?'' inquired |
Patty, in hoarse voice.
"Oh! no-no-no! Did you think l had |
forgotten poor Archibald? Besides, [ am not |
the person whom he ought to have asked to
marry hm-fasc and heartless as he is; |
would not be his wife--cruel, uneelng, un-
manly as his conduct has been No. not if |
he would make me queen of England 20
sYou refused him, then 20
"No; my father met us suddenly, Just as |
was recovering from the surprise and indigna-
ton that at first Stauck me dumb. But shall
refuse him-the false, deceitful, ungratetul
william ~
"Poor father-he will be disappointed. So
will mother.''
eThey will both be disappointed, and both
angry, but not at my refusal. Oh! how they
will despise him 20 added Jane.
Poor Patty, melted by her sisters sympa-
thy, and touched by an Indignation most un-
usual in that mild and gentle girl, could no
longer command her feeling, but threw her
self on the bed iC that agony of passion and
grief which the first great sorrow seldom fails
10 excite in the young heart. After while
she again resumed the conversation.
awe must not blame him too severely.
Perhaps my vanity made me think his atten-
ions meant more than he really did, and you
lad all taken up the notion. But you must
not speak of him so unkindly. He has done
nothing bnt what is natural. You are SO
much better and wiser than L am, my own
lear janet He laughed and talked with me
but he felt your goodness; and he was right
was never worthy of him, and you are; and,
1 it were not for Archibald, should rejoice
rom the bottom of my heart,' continued Pat
Y. sobbing, "if you would accept'--but, un-
bile to speak her generous wish, she burst in
o a fresh flow of tears and the sisters, mu-
uaIly and strongly affected, wept In each
,ther's arms aud were comforted.
That night Patty cried herself to sleep, but
uch sleep is not of long duration. Before
lawn she was up, and pacing with restless
rritability the dewy grass walks of the garden
md orchard. In less than ha If an hour light,
,lastic step-she knew the sound well-came
apidly behind her hand-oh how often
lad she thrilled at the tonch of that hand
ried to draw hers within his arm; whilst a
veil. known voice addressed her in the softest