The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1867-08-23

the close of sultry day about a week
after their arrival-"I declare, this is
the best part of New England; and
one would be almost tempted to leave
the city, and settle in some such spot
that is, during the summer season.
There is rational enjoyment to be found
here. A farmers life, after all, is not
to be despised, for he is quite indepen-
dent and enjoys vigorous health,
which is the foundation of all happi-
ness"
Yes, Paul, know it, and am very
glad that your opinions have under
gone II change; for you did not for
merly express yourself so in regard to
country life think farmer, who
is intelligenta and in easy circumstances,
IS very happy and Independent man.
But we must hasten back to Uncle
Georges, for there are heavy clouds
coming up IN the west; and, if I'm not
much mistaken, we shall catch sprink-
ling before we get home"
The young men quickened their
steps; but they were Yet full half IA
mile from the farm house when the
rain began to fall III torrents, and com
pletely drenched, they reached the
house at iull run. Paul, IN advance Of
Dick, sprang into the entry, nearly up.
setting young girl who was passing
from one Dom to another with pitch
or of mix III her hand.
Pardon excuse me, madam !" said
Paul, rs he glanced at the face of the
girl In my haste to escape the
shower, did not notice that any one
was here
"Ah, certainly, sir. Noharm is done,
she replied, smiling
"Ahce, Cousin Alice !" cried Dick,
who just then came in, "glad you've
returned; though can't say I'm glad
to meet you III such plight as tins ~
glanclng at his dripping garments
But you see, Alice, 1t IS raining slight
~ fast out; and my friend here and
were unlucky enough to be caught in
It, But allow me TO make you ac-
quMnted with my friend Mr.. Paul
Vincent, known as one of the most
fastldlous gentlemen in all Boston,
who, l dare say, Is deeply mortified at
making his debut into the presence Of
a lady IN this fashion I"
All, Dick, yo1 are the same as ever,
see 7! replied the girl, and the smile
deepened on her face as she looked at
his wet garments amply bespriukled
with mud. "Your friend and yourself
have indeed had taste of the shower
1t Is very heavy, and came up sudden
~. Mother was efraid you would be
caught IN 1t,
Yes, we have been caught in it, as
you see. But where is Fanny, and
when did you come home 2
You will see her soon. We re-
turned this morning, shortly after you
went out, replied The young girl,
well, Paul, shall we go to our
rooms and make ourselves presentable,
or would you prefer gazing at my fair
cousin here 2 SAID Dick, with laugh.
'Duce take you, Dick !" said Paul,
after the young men were III their
room, you talk about me and to me
lldicuiously; and l won't stand it !
Your cousin Will take me for n simple
I ton.
"Pshaw, Paul! What matters it
what the girls think of you! Nobody
but country girls; and you don't care
zig for the good opinion Of any lady,
you know retorted his friend.
Now, DICK. you're unmerciful T! I've
no doubt that the young ladies are
both very intelligent; and though, as
told you before, l shant fall IN love,
yet would wish their good opinion.
ooh, well, well see, Paul, about the
love and the opinion III the future p
replied Dick, laughing. But there's
the supper bell let us hasten. .
The two young men descended to
the sittlng-loom, where supper was
awaiting them, and where the family
were already assembled. If Paul Vim
cent had been struck with the pretty
face of Alice, he was more than ever
astonished at the loneliness of her SIS
ter Fanny; for while Alice had form
little above the medium height, with
fresh, rosy complexion, and fair blue
eyes, Fanny, with petite figure, pos
sessed perfect brunette complexion,
with sparkling black eyes, and hair of
ebon hue.
"Ah, Fanny, how do yoY do, my fair
cousin )" cried Dick, as the girl rose to
greet him when he entered the room.
My friend, Mr.. Vincent" presenting
Paul. Il believe he has already made
the acquaintance of Alice" he added,
with smile.
Yes. have had that honor" re-
piled Paul, "and, begging her pardon
Tor the mishap | occasioned her, l
Trust that the acquaintance so inaus-
piclously commenced may prove as
pleasant as / think it will.
Come, Paul, said Dick, the next
morning, "what say you for n fishing
party? We will invite the girls to go
with us. They are capital anglers; for,
last summer, the fishes always took
their bait in preference to mine. These
country gils understand the art al
most as well as city ladies do" he adj
ded, quizzically.
"Well, Dick, agreed It's a capital
morning for bite The sun is little
clouded, and, though I'm not much OF
an angler myself, yet | shall enjoy the