Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-08-25


intently regarding her.
The sudden starting of the coach, which
sent some of the lady's parcels from the
seat to the floor, gave Russell an opportu-
nifty of speaking, as he returned them, of
which he was not slow to take advantage.
From this they fell easily into conversa-
ton and it was curious how socablc they
became.
They talked of the beautiful scenery
through which they were passing; of the
newest books, and latest magazines, some
of which Russell had with him.
Tho lady inwardy thought her compan-
ion TO be the most entertaining and agreea-
BILE man she ever met with. And as for
Russell, he often lost the thread of his dis
course in admiring the red dimpled lips,
and the poarly teeth they disclosed when
ever she spoke or smiled.
Certain it is, that his four hours ride
from P to Dighton, were the shortest
four hours he had ever known in his life.
"Whore do you want to be left, sir?" in
quirod the coachman, as he entered the
village.
At Charles Hunts, Locust Hill. Doyou
know where that 50" said Russell, put
ting his head out Of the window.
"Certanly, sir; take you there in a jif-
fy."
"Why, there's, whore I'm goingr said
the lady, opening her eyes widely. "Nel-
ly-Mr. Hunts wife is my most particular
friend we used to go to school together"
"And Charley Hunt is my most particu-
lar friend, and one of the finest fellows in
the world"
GLOW very oddl"
GLOW very fortunate r. exclaimed Rus
sell, with a meaning glance at his fair COM
panion, which made the rosy checks still
more rosy. "Might I take the liberty of
inquiring -?"
But just at that moment the stage stop
ped in front of the house, on the portico of
which stood Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, enioying
the evening breeze.
In a moment Russell was shaking hands
with the former, while his companion
rushed eagerly into the arms of the sur
priscd and delighted wife.
"Why, what happy surprise, Jennie ="
she said, after spiriting her visitor off to
her own room; 81 had given up all idea of
seeing you this summer"
"And had no idea of being able to come,
until just before l started. You see, man.
many step-mother, you know-was 60
ing to Uncle Wilder's, and she insisted on
my going with her, to see the hateful dis
agreeable cousin of mine, that they are de-
termined to marry me to. So when NAM
ma was busy packing, just put on my
things and slipped oil, leaving a note TO
tell where was going. Wasn't that good
joke on them all ?"
81 should think it was" said Nellie,
with burst of merriment far more than
the occasion warranted. "When | saw
who your companion was, l thought you
W ere out on your wedding tour?"
"No, indeed never saw the man until
he got into the stage at P. But, real
ly, he is the finest looking man ever saw,
and so agreeable. Who is hep"
"Oh, I'll introduce you when you come
down stairs. There's Sarah, wanting to see
me about supper. You'll only have time
to dress Mind, and look your prettiestl r.
And with a roguish shake of her finger
at her friend, Nellie ran away to see about
supper.
If Jennie did not look her prettiest, she
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 the vio-
let-colored ribbons in the hair and throat.
Russell had also taken great pains with
his toilet, as could be seen by his spotless
linen and carefully arranged hair.
The pause that followed Jennie's en-
trance was broken by Mr.. Hunt, who, in
response to a meaning glance from his
wife said
"Russoll, allow me TO introduce to you
your cousin, Jennie Miss Carleton, your
cousin, Russell Wilder"
The embarrassment which followed the
blank astonishment into which the an
nouncement threw the parties, so uneX-
pectedly made known to each other, was
quickly dispelled by the turn that was
given it by their host and hostess.
81 suppose you'll want to book yourself
for the next stage?" said Mr.. Hunt slyly
to Russell, who had been taken into his
friends confidence.
"And YOU" said his wife, turning to
Jennie, 81 don't suppose anything could
tempt you to remain, now that you have
seen that hateful, disagree eable-"
"NellieW interrupted Jennie, crimson
ing, as she remembered her words.
"Well, I won't then. But you must let
me laugh! Just to think of you both run
II ing in the same direction, and to the same
place ~
The ringing laugh that burst from Nell
lies lips was too contagious to bo resisted,
even by those at whose expense il was
raised.
This merriment was followed by q gem
eral good feeling, and a pleasanter tea party
never gathered around social board.
We need hardly say that Russell did not
take the stage the next morning, nor did
Jennie seem at all disposed to cut short her
visit on account OF her cousins unexpect-
ed appearance.
When they did go, they went, as they
came, together.
Mr.. Wilder's astonishment was only
equalled by his delight, on looking out of
the window TO see the two walking up the
path towards the house, arm in arm, and
apparently on'the best of terms.
As for Russell and Jennie, they seemed
to regard this unexpected meeting as an in
dication of their manifest destiny, accept
ing it as such, much to the joy of their
uncle, whose darling wish was accomplish
ed in the marriage Of the two, thus made
happy in spite of themselves.
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WHAT is \ CARAT? The carat is an inn