The Van Buren press., 1871-09-05
NO. IA
"And Charles Hunt is my most partic-
ular friend, and one Of the finest fellows
Ia the world. -

ular friend, and one Of the finest fellows
Ia the world.
"How very oddl'
"How very fortunate" exclaimed
Russell with meaning glance at his fair
companion, which made the rosy checks
still more rosy Might take the iib-
erty Of inquiring-T
But Just at this moment the stage stop
ped in front of the house, on the portico
of which stood Mr and Mrs. Hunt, en-
joying the evening breeze.
In a moment Russell was shaking
hands with the former, while his compan'
ion rushed eagerly into the arms OF the
surprised and delighted wife.
"Why, what happy surprise, Jen-
nier' she said, after spirIting her visitor
off to her own room; 81 bad given up
all idea of seeing you this summer.
"And had no idea Of being able to
gone, nn,il lust -before Ls8LE Ion
see, mama--my step mama, }. O. ss1goW
was going to Uncle Wilder $, E-....shv
insisted on my going With her to see the
hateful, disagreeabie cousin OF mine, that
they are determined TO marry me to So,
when mamma aas ousy packing, ] just
put on my things, and slipped of, leav-
ing note TO tell where | was going.
Wasn't that good joke on them all 7"
81 should think it was, said Nellie.
with burst of marririent, far more than
the occasion warranted. "When / saw
who your companion vas, | thought You
were ont on your wedding tourf'
mo, indeed never saw he man until
he got into the slaee ii P. But,
really. he is the fines, looking man even
saw, and so agreeable WHO is he Z"
"Oh, I'll introdreeyou vhenyou come
down stairs There's Sarah, wanting to
see me about supper You'll have only
time, to dress. Mind, and look your
prettiest@
And with roguish shake ofthe inger
at her friend, Nellie ran away to see
about supper.
If Jennie did not look her prettiest, :
she certainly looked very lovely as she
entered the supper room, her linen suit
exchanged for fresh, soft muslin, whose
simplicity and purity were relieved only
by tha violent colored ribbons on the
hair and throat.
Russell had also taken great pains with
his toilet, as could be seon by his spot
less linen and carefully arranged hair.
The pause that followed Jenne's en-
trance was broken by Mr. Hunt, who, in
response TO meaning glance from his
wife, said;
Russell, allow me to Introduce you
to Your cousin. Jennie; Miss Carlton,
your cousin, Russell Wilder =
The embarrassment which followed the
blank astonshment into which this an
nounoemeut threw the parties, so unex-
pectedly made known to each other. was
quickly dispclcd by the turn that was
given 1t by their host and hostess.
az suppose you'll want to book your
self for The next stage r said Mr.. Hunt,
slyly to Russell who had been taken into
his friends confidence
"ADd you, y said bis wife, turning to
Jennie, :" don't suppose anything could
tempt you 10 remain, now that you have
seen that hate full, disagrecsble---"
"Nellie = interrupted Jennie. crimson.
ing, as she remembered her words.
"Well, won't then. But you must
let me laugh! Just to think Of you both
running away from each other and run.
ming in the same direction. and TO the
same placev
The ringing laugh that came from
Nellie's lips was too contagious to be re
sisted even by those at whose expenseit
was raised
This merriment was followed by gen 4
eral good feeling, and a plessau'sr tea
party never gathered around the social
board
We need hardly say that Russell did
not take the stage the next morning, nor
did Jennie seem at oil disposed to cut
short her visit on account Of her cousin'a
unexpected appearance.
When they did go, they went, as they
came. together.
Mr.. Wilders astonIshment was only
equaed by his delight. on looking out OF
the window to see The two Walking up the
path toward the honss, arm in arm, and
apparently on the best ofterms.
As for Russell and Jennie they seem
to regard this unexpected meeting AZ an
indication of their manifest destiny"
accepting it as such, much TO the Joy Of
their uncle, whose darling wish was ac-
complished in the marriage OF the two,
thus made happy in spite of themselves.