The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-07-25
COUSIN JEDEDIAH.
by j. HARVEY SMITH.
ssTHERE is a gentleman waiting be-
Il low" said the servant, and then

|
He says he has no card" answered
the servant, "and when l asked him his
name, he told me to say Cousin Jededi-
ah"
"Good gracious |" cried Mrs. Warning
ton, despairingly. "Annie, 1 do believe
it's your Uncle Caleb Starts son /"
This remark was addressed to a young
lady lying on the lounge with half closed
eyes. A pretty young lady was Annie
L can assure you. Dark, small, and
roguish-looking, with dancing black eyes,
and good humored look on her face--she
looked her nature-full of fun.
What shall L 90, Annie?" asked her
mother, fretfully.
"Tell him to come up of course" said
Annie laughing.
suppose we must see him." said
Mrs. Warrington, resignedly, for your
father has such queer notions, and would
be so angry if we failed to treat his sis
ter's son with respect"
Turning to the servant she ordered him
to show the gentleman up.
Now what shall we do with him?"
continued Mrs. Warrington, fearfully.
You know you are to go on the river
this afternoon, and 1 can't stay here with
such a"
"Hush" said Annie, warningly,
here he comes"
The door opened and in strobe Cousin
Jedediah.
Mrs. Warrington nearly tainted when
she saw him. Dressed in the most out
landish fashion he certainly was. Cor
duroy breeches, immense boots, swallow
tailed coat with brass buttons, and high
conical-shaped felt hat, and gorgeous
vest; his appearance was what might
truly be called stunning. Still, Cousin
Jedediah, in spite of his dress, was good
looking, indeed, quite handsome
How are you Cousin Annie ?" he
cried, in boisterous voice, as he entered,
and shook her hand heartily. 81 hope
find you well, num-" he continued turn.
ing to Mrs Warrington, who was regard
ing him in silent horror.
I'm quite well, l thank you" she
said stiffiy.
"Glad to hear it," answered Jedediah,
heartily. We're well down our way,
except Sis. She sprained her ankle
coming up from the spring house. Get
ting along pretty well now, though. You
see, | was coming to town with some
market stuff, and dad he says to me, now
be sure to call and see your aunt and un-
Gle, for they might get angry if they
knew you were in town without going to
see them So promised him and so here
| am. And then dad told me that
should see cousin Annie; told me she
was splendid gal, and so you are, Cousin
Annie-beat all the gals ever see"
Much obliged for the compliment"
laughed Annie because Cou sin Jedediah
evidently was not the man to fatter-he
meant what he s.id.
Well, | know very we'll it's the
truth" said Jedediah, doggedly. You
beat Squire Watson's girls all to nothing,
and they were considered to be the hand
soonest girls around our way"
/" How long can you stay, Mr.. Starr ?"
asked Mrs. Warrington, anxiously.
"Well, I guess l can stay until tomor-
row." said Jedediah, musing. "I did in
tend to go back tonight, but I suppose
| can stay a little longer, to please YOU"
This generous proposition quite over
come Mrs. Warrington she could only
stare blankly at the unwelcome visitor in
acknowledgment of his Kindness.
Thus kindly welcomed, Cousin Jededi-
ah laid himself out to please and succeed
ed, in half an hour, in nearly driving
Mrs. Warrington to the verge of despera-
ton, with his illusions to country life, |
turkeys, pigs, and all such Questionable
themes of conversation, while Annie, on
the contrary, to her mothers great indig-
nation, seemed to consider Cousin Jeded- |
ah an excellent companion, and fairly ri
vailed him in trying to recall reminiscent
ces of her visit to his home five years be-
fore.
In the midst ofthis conversation car
riage drove up to the door, and deposited
three ladies and one gentleman. '' ~
Mrs. Warrington welcomed their arri- |
val joyfully, as the means by which she
might get rid of Cousin Jededah-so she
said: aH.
" Here comes your friends, Annie
you know you are to so with them on the
river this afternoon, to take sail" Nd.
+" Very vel" " said Annie. 81 am
ready, all but my hat and sacque
Cousin, must leave you now for awhile"
"Going to take sail ?" asked Jededi-
ah.
eyes"
g WALL nnr. % n.:l I.l.l..I ~ ~