Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-09-07

bs here on the next train, Russell, said Mr..
Wilder to his nephew. You had better
bring the pony chaise, and bring them from
the
Cant. I'm going away myself, sir"
"The-the ID you are !" responded the old
gentleman, pushing his spectacles up over bis
forehead, and regarding bis nephew with an
air o. surprise aud CONSERVATION.
"Ycs, sir. Charley Hunt invited me out to
his place for few weeks, and thought that
l might as well go now as any time -,. 80
al should say that it was very strange
time to be leaving home. Your aunt and
cousin will consider it as personal aifront,
sir.
at is not intended as such, sir. Though to
be frank, considering the object Of Jenuie's
visit, prefer not to see her. And l must say
that think she would have shown more sense
of delicacy il she stayed away"
"YOur cousin is very lovely girl Mr. I'm
pudence, and won't be likely to go begging"
al don't doubt it in the least But for all
that she won't suit me for a wife, uncle"
How do you know that, You conceited
young donkey, when yOubavc never seen her''
inquired the rrate old man, bringing bis cane
down upon the floor with startling emphasis.
Common sense teaches me that no mar
rage can be happy that does not spring from
mutual love. And on one thing | am resolv-
ed, that l will never marry from mercenary
motives"
Nobody wants you to marry the girl un-
less you like her ~ roared Mr.. Wilder, his face
growing purple with rage and vexation at bis
nephew's perversity. All that ask is that
you will stay and see her. And this is point
that insist upon-yes sir, insist upon it 4"
q am sorry to disobcy you, uncle, but if l
should stay, it would only give rise to conclu-
sions that am anxious to avoid But will
tell you what l will do: will relinquish all
claim to the property that you are so anxious
should be divided As that seems to be the
main object, Ithink that it ought to be salts
factory to all parties" I'.--'.
A few minutes later, Russe, passed By the
window vslisO in hand.
He nodded good humoredly to his uncle, as
he glanced in, who glared after him in speech
less rage. .---' f.'.
He shan't have & ponny--not penny" !" he
growied, rs sinking back in a chair he wiped
the perspiraton from bis forehead.
WHAT'S the matter now 2" said the gentle
voice Of his wife Polly, who had just entered
the room. -.
Matter enough should say. Russell has
gone-actually cleared out, 50 as not see his
cousin. What do you think Of that ?" @
a think that you will have another spell
of the gout, ifyou get yourself excited" said
the good lady as she placidly resumed her
knitting. '.i'.
What's to be done7" :.
Nothing, that can see. IF Russell and
Jennie had seen each other before they bad
any notion that you wanted them to marry,
ten to one but they would have fallen head
and ears in love with each other; but as mat
/ ters are now, don't believe it would be the
/ least use. From what Ellen writes me, !
should think Jennie to be as much opposed
to it as Russell. She says she can't bear to
hear his name mentioned, aud that it was as
much as she could do to get her consen! to
come at all when she heard that Russell was
at home"
"They are a couple of simpletons, said
the old gentleman, testify. 1--WE got half
mind to make another will and leave my prop
erty to some charitable institution"
In going to Dghton, whittier he was bound,
Russell Wilder had to travel part Of the way
by stage.
There was only one passenger beside him
self, for which be was not sorry, the day be-
ing very hot and sultry.
The passenger was a lady-there was an air
Of unmistakable ladyhood about her which
told him that. lie noticed particularly ths
dainty gloyed hands, and close fitting boots.
Her graceful form indicated that she was
both young and pretty, but he could not see
her face on account OF the envious veil that hid
il. ....
But as socn as she got comfortably settled
in the corner, to which Russell assisted her,
she threw it back, disclosing fair sweet face,
lighted BY pair Of wonderful, bright black
eyes which shot swift bswildering glance in
to bis that were so intontly regarding ber.
The sudden starting Of the coach, which sent
some of the lady's parcels from the seat to the
floor, gave Russell an opportunity Of speaking,
as ho returned them, Of which be was no. slow
to take advantage .+.t- ...
From this they fell easily into conversation,
aud it was curious how sOciable they became.
They talked Of The beautiful sceuery through
which they passed of the ne*es: books, and
latest magazines some Of which Russell had
With him. ,
The lady inwardly :hough:he- companion
70 he the most entertaining aud agreeable
man she ever me. with. And as for Russell,
he often les. the thread Of his discourse in ad-
miring the red, dimpled lips, and the pearly.
teeth they disclosed whenever she spoke or
smiled. 49,.