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

"Why, there's where I'm going" said the
lady, opening her eyes widely. " Nelly--Mf.
Hunts wife is my most particular friend, We
used to go to school together"
And Charley Hunt is my most particular
friend, aud Ole of the finest fellows in the
world"
".How very odd '
" How ye7y fortunate !" exclaimed Russell
with meaning glance at his fair companion
which made the rosy cheeks still more rosy
Might take the liberty Of inquiring-"
But jus. at this moment the stage stopped
in front Of the house, on the porticO of which
stood Mr.. and Mrs. Hunt, enjoying the evening
air.
In a moment Russell was shaking hands
with the former, while lis companion rushed
eagerly into the arms Of the surprised and de-
lighted wife.
Why, what a happy surprise, Jennie she
said, after spritiug her visitor of to her own
room " had given up all idea Of seeing you
this Summer"
" and | bad no idea of being able 10 come,
until inst before started. You see mamma
my stsp-mamma, you know was going to IN
Gle Wilder's, and she insisted on my going
with her, to see that hateful, disagrseabo
cousin of mine, that they arc determined to
marry me to. So when mamma was busy
packing, just put on my things and slipped
OF, leaving note to tell where I was going
Wasn't that good joke on them all ?"
al should think it was said Nellie, with
burst of merriment, far moro than the occasion
warranted "When saw who your oompan-
ion was, tho't you were out on your wedding
tourW
"No, indeed never saw the man until be
got into the stage st P. But really he
is the fnest.looking man ever saw, and so
agreeable. Who is he
"oh, I'll introduce you when you come
down stairs. There's Sarah, wanting to see
me about supper You'll have only time 10
dress. Mind, and look your prettiest !"
And with rogush shake of her finger at
her friend, Nellie ran away 20 see about sup
per.
If Jennie did not look her pretties:," she
certainly 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 viole;-colored ribbons
in the hair and throat. 100 go .rri .'r
Russell had also taken grca. pa.na With hs
toilet, Q; could be seen b. the spotless linen
and carefully arranged hair rt
The pause that followed Jenue's entrance
was broken by Mr. Hunt, who, in response to
hint from his wife, said
Russell, allow me to Introduce to you your
cousin Jennie; Miss Carlton, your cousin,
/ Russell Wilder"
The embarrassment which followed tho
blank astonishmeut into which this announce
mcnt threw the parties, so unexpectedly made
known to each other, was quickly dispeIled
by the turn that was given i. by their most
and hostess.
"I suppose you'll want to book yourself for
the next STAGE" said Mr. Hunt slyly to Rus
sell, who had been taken into bis friends con-
! fdence. 49,"
And you, said the wife turning to Jen-
ME, 81 don't suppose any thing could tempt
you to remain, now that you have seen that
hateful, disagroeable-"
"Nellie," interrupted Jennie, crimsoning, as
she remembered heF words.
DWELL, won't then. Blu; you must let
me laugh Just TO think Of you both running
in the same direction, aud to the same place "
The ringing laugh that burst from Nelies
! lips was too contagious to be resisted, even by
those a. whose expense it was raised.
This merriment was followed by general
good feeling, and a pleasanter tca-party never
gathered around the social board
We need hardly say that Russell did not
take the stage the next morning, nor did Jen-
ME seem at all disposed to cut short her visit
on account Of her cousins unexpected appear
ance
When they did Co. they went as they came
together
Mr.. Wilkers astonishment was only equal
ed BY bis delight, on looking out Of the win
dow to see the two walking up to the path TO-
ward the house, arm in arm, aud apparently
on the best Of terms.
As for Russell and Jennie, they seemed TO
regard this unexpected meeting as an indca-
ton Of their "manifes! destiny" accepting it
as such, much to the joy Of their uncle whose
darling wish was accomplished in the marriage
Of the two, thus made happy in spite Of them
selves.