The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-07-27
MY COUNTRY CLOWN.
From Godey's Lady's Book.
BY L. S. CRANDALL.

our most urgent pleaQ1ngS TO reQeem bnaC
oft repeated promise to visit us. Thy
uncle bids me say, our nephew, Herbert
Grave, will be here also to assist in rem
dering thee contented. Give our love to
thy parents, and do not refuae to accept
our invitation. Very lovingly, thy aunt
MARTHA HAYES.
This is the note that was handed me
as [ returned from drive with the ele-
CANT and accomplished Conrad Mclean.
"How provoking! l will not go one
step!" cried, throwing the note from
me in vexation.
My mother picked it, and, after perus
ing the contents, remarked, calmly:
'Of course you will go, my daughter"
"Of course | viii not. Mr., Mclean
lust told me he should spend the season
at the White Mountains, and you know
very we'll I could rot exist without
without lively company.
''But, IN il uht, Elsie. you will find Mr.
Grave t. nc very pleasant"
pheasant, indeed A great, awkward
country clown !"
l fairly shed tears at the prospect of
being obliged to spend the summer in
such company. But when father united
his argument against mel was obliged to
yield ID reluctant consent. Accordingly,
one bright morning. found myself on
the platform of l. station with only
my great Saratoga and little satchel for
company. looked about for some one
to claim me, expecting to behold an over
grown youth, still wearing the clothes.of
his bOyhDod, with broad brimmed Qua
ker hat, and aspiring red side whiskers,
who
''Trudged along, unknowing what he sought !;
And whistled as he went, for want OF
thought"
| had not long to wait. Down the road
came uncle's span, driven by masculine
representative, who must, of course, be
Mr.. Grave. And there, indeed, were the
veritable side whiskers, under broad
brim, modified, however, in color, being
black.
This is Miss Hayes, presume p The
bow which accompanied these words,
though evincing embarrassment was not
ungracelul
at u.s." l replied, "and thts is my trunk.
[ suppose you are Mr.. Grave?"
He assented. In few moments we
were Oh iowa L ClA OClL' ACnAEo
back to contemplate my escort, by no
means satisfied to be deprived of Conrad's
refined society, and obliged to endue
his
True, Herbert Graves manly face, in
it's frame of black curls, did not lack
symmetry, and | could imagine, with
those curious, ill.ftting clothes exchang-
ed tor more fashionable attire, he would
be comedy. Yet his whole person be-
spoke .hecountry-b man, and nothing
to me coull be more distasteful. -
I'll fir with the clown, if it's posi-
ble," was my mental ejaculation
We had preserved Il solemn silence
since we left The depot, and [ began to
think the man as grave by nature as by
name when he turned his black eyes on
me and asked:
Have you visited this section before ?"
| saw by the hair hidden merriment
that lurked in those jetty depths, he did
possess irritable qualities. This gave
piquance to my efnrts to please. We
chartered costly as we rode along, until
his excellent language and innate refine
mcnt showed me had misjudged him.
At Fern Dell I was received with open
arms, deluged with kisses, and soon made
at home. For few days missed Con-
rad and contemptuously avoided Mr..
Grave; but, finding this would never do,
reused myself by Sunday, resolved to
make a stir. My uncle's family were
good "Hicksite" friends, and started ear
~ to meeting. After they had called me
several times, appeared on the portico,
~ 1oo NV r,F WI
other things to accord, while outside my
glove flashed my diamond cluster, which
sealed my engagement to Mr.. Mclean.
No wonder aunt and uncle opened their
eyes. I saw disapprobation in their
faces before aunt said, "My dear child,
thee would have been more appropriately
dressed in thy travelling suit"
"Oh, no, indeed / could not think of
wearing that to church." ! replied
quickly. asq#
sour meetings, Elsie, are for the aOo,'
ship of the Almighty, and not for shosO.
] felt the rebuke, and answered, impa-
tiently:- 9 a-f,ia aas.eiy
"Then will not GO at all! If my
wardrobe is not suitable for this place, l
lad better 60 home" ga F.lH
sect into the carriage, child; | am
sorry wounded thee"
Aunt Martha's tones showed how pain
ed and surprised she was. CHANGING at
Mr.. Grave, read in his eyes stern re-
proof, and was heartily ashamed of my.
self ri. liz sa9l 10 sr0m eioaIa mi 6a
ooh, aunt !" cried, blushing, "please
forgive that unladylike speech. I will
change my dress this minute"
"No, dear" interrupted uncle; sit is
late, and, after all, if the heart is right, il
does not matter 80 much about the dress
Only, Elsie, though thee may be able to
worship in spirit and in. truth when
thus arrayed, remember thee is apt to di.