The Van Buren press., 1872-07-02

Miss Wallace the talented and bcautl'
full cousin gave start, and brighter
color tinged her checks, but she had on
ly time to shake her finger at Bessie and
threaten, as she was still unconvlnced, 10
hold her lecture in reserve for more
convenient hour when the gentlemen ap'
preached the house and were soon ush
cred into the drawing room.
After few polite inquiries after the
state of their health, remarks upon the
charming weather, etc. Mr.. Leslie ask
cd thh'
Ladies, What do you say to assisting g
us in getting up picnic to Rock
Point =
"Oh, capitalr ~ exclaimed Bessie May
clapping her hands with almost childish
''elight Il was just becoming terribly
lennui and feared if nothing out OF the
ordinary way soon took place that cous'
in Joe and | would stagnate
"Sptak for yourself Bessie, and not
for me for you know I'm more of a low.
er of quiet than excitement, without
which you alone profess inability to ex-
ist.
That's true, so as to have time to
make profound study Of nerves.
Bessie May 4" Indignantly exclaimed
her cousin
In response Bessie only gave merry
ringing laugh which excited the curiosity
of at least one gentleman for he at once
asked;
"Miss Nav, what do you mean? !
should not think the calm and dignified
Miss Wallace could have occasion to
make a study Of nerves. "
at is only some Of Bessie nonsense
Mr. Leslie. She has been in an uncom-
monty teasing mood this morning; per.
haps for the want of something better to
do The proposed picnic, hope. will
give her better theme for conversation
than my doings, "
Miss Wallace spoke in rather haugh-
ty annoyed manner quite unusual to her,
Mr.. Buckley was struck by it and being
warm friend and admirer Of hers, felt
sure that something was amiss, so he en-
deavored to change the conversation.
The truth was, that Miss Wallace was
still unknown as the authorcss OF numor
Gus sprightly contributions to papers and
periodicals. They were much talked Of.
and great wonder expressed as to who
they could be written by; so she wished
to keep her incognito As long as posi-
bic.
Her cousin Bessie had often playfully
Al III a. a.; r,;.rI. th,t llna
stocking was among them; and th's
morning, vexed by the deserved censure
on her flirting, she WAS upon tho point
Of rctaliating in hopes of equally annoy
inc her mentor Love, however re
strained her; for with all her thought
lessness she WAS sincerely attached to
her cousin Josephine She also, often
wished she possessed her talents and her
many noble traits Of character. While
now in daily intercourse with her at the
seaside, she felt the contrast between her
own trivial AIMS in life, and her cousin
more quiet hours spent in doing good
either through her pen or ministernS to
others. Still she had become such
complete butterfly, seeking only for sun
shine, living upon nattcry and courting
adulation, that she could not easily brook
rebuke even from one she truly esteem
ed.
While stopping to give slight do
scription of our characters, they have
been holding an animated discussion over
the proposed picnic. Who to invite,
how they were all to reach Rock Point,
etc.
"Well, | believe it is now all sstisfac-
torily arranged, said Mr.. Buckley, as
he rose to 90. Leslie, do you accom-
pany me or remain with the ladies p
~ am in very agreeable quarters, Clar.
ence. and rs Miss May has cast u spell
over me it is difficult to decide
"Oh, Mr. Leslie, what q flatterer to
call me an enchantress. l shall punish
you by removing the spell.
Then you actually drive me from
your charming presence. y
"Yes, at once" laughingly replied
Bessie, for | do not wish any spell
bound Xnights about me.
"You arc cruel Miss May; but au re
roir, for see Buckley is waiting "
The morning for which the picnic was
appointed, proved to be a beautiful one.
and the lovely cousins were in readiness
when the phaetons drew near. MIR. Clar-
cnce Buckley was to escort Miss wal
lace, and MI William Leslie had begged
the honor Of driving Miss May to the
Point.
Arraycd in white piquo with blue rib.
bon trimmings, and her tiny hat placed
jauntily upon her golden ringlets, Bessie
May seemed prepared to make new con
quests.
Remember your promise, cousin
Bcss, " whispered Josephine as they de-
scended the stairs,
Promise? Why I have made no
promise. warned you that should
no, do 80 for fear | might break it. And
to day / hold qulyer full Of arrows
with which intend to shoot right and
left and kill, or mortally wound as many
Martins and Squads AS | can.
Bessie May had such a saucy, witch.
ing air as she laughngly replied to her
cousin that she could only shake her
head and gravely utter the words
beware, Bessie dear, beware that
some arrow does not rebound and again
wound you. "
mo danger" lightly replied Bessie
as they reached the lower hall where
their well filed baskets and tho gentle
men stood in readiness for them.
Their drive proved such delightful
one-.thc scenery in some parts so charm