Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-08-02
VOLUME Y. NO. -.

group at the opposite end of the piazza
The curiosity of the inmates OF th'
Prospect House was soon gratified by
learning that the new arrivals were the
wife and two nieces of Judge Bacon, {
prominent professional gentleman OF
New York. Also, that the young ladies
were cousins, and were named Misses
Ashley and Huntington.
Prospect, the little village where the
scene of our story is laid, was upon 1
high elevation, two miles from the foo
of neighboring mountain. Fine scene
~ and fresh mountain air rendered it 8
favorite resort for summer visitors. The
three large hotels were, during tine
months Of July and August, filled tC
their utmost capacity. In winter, moth
ing remained in the quiet rustic town t.
remind one Of the gayety Ofthe summer
Now, however, in the midst Of the sea
son everything exhibited life and ami
nation. Drives, walks upon the noun
tain, music and dancing furnished
amusement for young and old. A shOr
time suffices for the new arrivals to be
come participants in the common pleas
ures.
In a country town, where many as
semble for merry summers holiday
the strict etiquette and reserve Of city
life are thrown aside, and all meet up
on the same level OF frank sOciabiIity
Thus in a few weeks intimacies art
formed which it. would require months
perhaps years Of city cOuventiOnalities
to establish. So it was, that in less thar
two weeks, Margaret Ashley and May
Huntington were the acknowledged
leaders in every party of pleasure. May
by her girlish, winning why's, soon gain
ed the hearts OfaIl. She possessed the
rare charm of being as great a favOritt
with her own as with the opposite sex
Always anxious to give pleasure to 9th
ers, generous in all her acts, she cOulC
not fail to attain the reward which al
ways springs from unselfshness.
Margaret Ashley received a very diff
fsrent kind of homage FROM that be
slowed upon her cousin. She was {
strange girl every one said; possessed o
rare intellectual endOwments and won
derful conversational powers; yet eve
envelOped in an impenetrable reserve
which rendered her an object of admi
ration rather than Of love.
One day a merry party started, par
on horseback and part in carriages, fO
a ride over the winding roads which liz
at the foot Of the mountain. 1t was pro
posed that they should take short ride
then leaving their horses in the care 0
attendants, should ascend the mountain
on foot and have picnic at the sum
init. A small house on the left furnish
ed accommodations for visitors.
It was early in the morning wheI
they set out. The air retained its swee
freshness, and drowsy haze still resteC
over the valleys at their feet. After al
hours ride they reached the base of tn,
mountain and dismounted for the as
cent. Taking possession of the staff
which previous visitors had thrown
down after their descent, they began t,
make their way, with much gayety, to
wards their pilgrim shrine.
It was not a high mOuntain-OnI.
three thousand feet about the level O
the sea-and small trees, Overhanginl
shrubs and vines, furnished delightful
little resting places by the way.
Robert Libley was escOrting the Mis-
ses Ashley and Huntington, while Har
Ty Vincent was galIantIy assisting tw,
| lively young ladies, Belle and Jenni
! Chandler. Walking quite rapidly the.
did not perceive the progress they wer
making, until turning they found the.
had lost sight of the rest of their party
Sitting down upon broad fiat stOn
by the side of the path they awaite,
{ the approach of the others.
''Lookv' cried May Huntington. 9th
, mist which hung over the valley is nov
lifting"
The milk-white clouds at their fee
were slowly rising in rolling undulatinI
waves.
'ROsy-fngered Eos is unwilling tn
Valleys said Margaret Ashley.
AS she spoke, the rising mists reveal
ed a clear glittering lake, which shon
under the beams of the sun like trans
, parent glass;
Those Clouds spoke Harry Vincent
might almost he spirits themselves. Sc
what fantastic shapes they assume. Ar
they not virgin daughters of daybreak
who flee away at the near approach Q
Phebus?'
As he spoke voices were heard, ant
presently the rest of the party came il
: sight. Joining them they walked on
and soon, passing the open space which
? begins not far from the top of the noun
tain, reached the Summit House.
After resting from their walk, sky an,
l feld-glasses were brought into use, il
l viewing the surrounding prospect. o.
, every side lay little villages, costly nest
2 ling among slOping hills, or besid
2 green forests. Each one discovered
3 was greeted with the delight with whicl
q schOOl-bOy halls newly-fOund bird
nest, containing its treasures of Iittl
= white eggs. Rivers and lakes, winding
! in and out, seemnd, from their remote
= ness, like tiny streams. The whole
: view spread out before them appeare,
more like a panoramic scene than
a living reality.
{ At last, descending from rapturOus ex
CARNATIONS of delight at nature's handi
work, the party began to unpack thei
:: weII-laden baskets, and prepare 70
, what all by this time were quite read.