The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1872-02-22

he returned them, of which he was
not slow to take advantage.
From this they fell easily into con-
versation; and it was curious how
sociable they became.
They talked OF the beautiful seen
cry through which they were pass
ing; of the newest books and latest
magazines, some of which Russell
had with him.
The lady inwardly thought her
companion to be the most entertain
ing and agreeable man she had ever
met with. And as for Russell, he
often lost the thread of his discourse
in admiring the red, dimpled lips
and the pearly teeth they disclosed |
whenever she spoke or smiled.
Certain it is that his four hours
ride from P to Dighton were the
shortest four hours ride he had ever
known IN his life.
"Where do you want to be left,
sir 2" inquired the coachman as he
entered the village.
cat Mr.. Charles Hunts. Locust
Hill. Do you know where that is?"
said Russell, putting his head out of
the window.
Certainly, sir; take you there in
a jify."
"Why, there's where I'm going!"
said the lady, opening her eyes wide
ly. "Nelly-Mr. Hunts wife is
my most particular friend; we used
to go to school together"
"And Charley Hunt is my most
particular friend, and one of the finest
fellows in the world"
Chow very odd"
elbow very fortunate" exclaimed
Russell, with meaning glance at
his fair companion, which made the
rosy cheeks still more rosy. 'Might
1 take the liberty of inquiring-"
But just at this moment the stage
stopped in front of the house, on the
portico Of which stood Mr.. and
Mrs. Hunt, enjoying the evening
breeze
In a moment Russell was shaking
hands with the former, while his
companion rushed into the arms of
his surprised and delighted wife.
"Why, what a happy surprise,
Jennie" she said, after sp;riting her
off to her own room; II had given
up all hope of seeing you this sum-
mer."
"And 1 had no idea of being
able to come until just before 1
started. You see, mamma-my step
mother, you know-was going to
uncle Wilder's and she insisted on
my going with her, to see that hate
full, disagreeable cousin of mine that
they are determined 1 shall marry.
So when she was busy packing, I
just put on my things, and slipped
of, leaving a note to tell where 1
was going. Was not that good
joke on them all"
81 should think it was," said
Nelly, with burst of merriment
far more than the occasion wars
ranted. "When I saw who your
companion was I thought you were
on your wedding tour
mo, indeed; never saw the man
until he get Oh the stage at P.
But he is the finest-looking man I
ever saw and so agreeable. Who is
he?"
ooh, I'll introduce you when you
come down stairs. There's Sarah
| waiting to see me about supper.
You will have only time to dress.
you look your prettiest.
And with a roguish shake of her
! finger at her friend, Nellie ran away
to see about supper.
If Jenny did not look her pref
test she looked very lovely as she
entered the supper room, her linen
suit exchanged for a fresh, soft mus
lin, whose simplicity and purity were
relieved only By the violet colored
ribbons in the hair and at the
throat.
Russell had also taken great pains
with his toilet, as could be seen by
the spotless linen and carefully ar
ranged hair.
The pause that was followed by
Jennie's entrance was broken by
Mr.. Hunt, who, in response to a
meaning glance from his wife, said:
"Russel, allow me to introduce
you to your cousin Jennie; Miss
Carlton, your cousin, Russell Will
der"
The embarrassment which followed
the blank astonishment in which the
announcement threw the parties, SC
unexpectedly made known to eact
other, was quickly dispelled by the
turn that was given to the converse
ton by the host and hostess.
81 suppose you'll want to bool
yourself for the next STAGE" sale
Mr.. Hunt, slyly, to Russell, wht
had been taken into his friends con
fidence.
''And you" said his wife, turning
to Jennie.
81 don't suppose anything woul(