Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-03-13

engaged.
There was really a good fishing stream
running close by Littletown, with small
fishing inn, and both enjoyed a respecta-
BILE prestige among amateurs Of the craft,
even in distant parts of the kingdom.
frankly confess I took deep interest in
the fishing stream and inn; it seemed to
me healthy feeling that could draw fine
young fellows from such distances, all for
the sake of pursuing an innocent and
manly recreation. The creatures of our
our own district small plebeian fry, clerks
and "counter,jumpers" cared little TOT
such simple and innocent pastimes;
though, indeed, had they done so, we
should have cared but little. Some OF
these, indeed, were disposed to interfere
with the practice of my profession, one
or two good-looking ones, though their
claims to pecuniary substance were IN an
exactly converse ratio. In so large a
family IS mine there was sure to be a
margin of folly, in spite of all our exer-
tons and good bringing-up, and the re-
preston of such symptoms as mutual
attachment springing up" love and
other folies, simply ridiculous in large
family of unprovided daughters, was
highly necessary.
l allude especially to Olivia. I always
kept wary eye upon the dolly Fisher
man." which was the name of the little
inn; for it seemed to me that, in pro.
fession such as followed, chance would
often do more than the most laborious
exsrt Si sna aa ~ tny thu rss1pata
those in high rank, who are often known
to seek solitude as sort of Alternative,
sick of the insipid and interested atten.
tons of those of their own class-might
fairly be the scene of adventures aim ost
romantic
was out walking one afternoon with
would like to indorse with you," the
name of some desirable young gentle
man-when we passed by the door of the
outside here, dear, while I go in and see
if there is anything for me-"
This was a habit of mine, and called
it "going my rounds" AS l was enter
ing, two gentlemen came up, with fishing
baskets, rods, ETC., and l took special
note Of them. One was a fair, ithely-
made, genteel-looking youth of about
eighteen summers, as the novelists say,
with something of refinement and
breeding about him. His companion was
heavy, solemn, stability dressed indi-
Vidual; slow moving and absent in man
ners; remarkable contrast to his
friend, who seemed to be Overlooking
with gaiety and spirits. Indeed, he
looked at me so gaily and joyously, that
| at once accosted him with "Good
sport, sir, 1 hope?" He answered, off
hand, "First-rate p' But I noted that it
was not so much to me he made the reply
as to Olivia. His stolid, stupid friend
was attracted by nothing, and seemed i'm
patient to get into the inn. He murmured
something about supper; at once seized
the opportunity-an irresistible some
thing whispered to me l could not be
making false step-and asked both up
to my simple mansion" as l called it.
81 have simple family, gentlemen" 1
said, land our tastes are simple. We
can offer you nothing but what presents
an innocent flavor of rusticity and virtue
The man who is addicted to the pleas
ures of the town may find me and my fam
lily very insipid." For a moment felt
rather ashamed of Slipping into the man
ner of the excellent Vicar of Wakefield :;
but, after all, he found it to answer very
well in the end.
They returned with us. In our large
family-and it was embarrassing for
strangers-they showed not the least con-
iIEhhs s g6u 9at m msa u and Olivia were firm
friends in a moment The electrical sym
pathy Of kindred natures had at once be-
gun to tell. Her thoughtful and reflective
nature had found its true correlative in
his, lively as it was. The evening was
most delightful; we had small plays, the
young man told stories, gave limitations,
sang and played. His companion, though
heavy and reserved, began as my wife
said, "to come out" He had, indeed,
nothing to say for himself; but l noticed
that he at first gazed with sort of stupid
surprise at his friend, as these gifts were
being developed, then began to enjoy
ing, "Capital - Bravo ~ "WeI, l
declare I" with other tokens Of apprecia-
ton.
When had said "God bless you ~ to
them on the steps, and returned to the
family, there was a chorus of delight
They were charming. Such an addition!
How lucky we had taken that little walk
"Softly," said, "my dears. This is all
very we'll. The world is full OF charming
and agr, cable young men, which qualities,
l am sorry to say, are all the property
they have in the world, out of which they
are to feed and clothe themselves, their
wives, and such families as they may have
to bring up. Everything promises well,
SO far as it goes. But we must inquire
We must have chapter and verse Show
it to me in black and and white, sir. Cash,
securities, lands, whatever it may be.
To morrow these things must be ascer-
tanned. should say" l added, gravely,
cas- speculation, that it will turn out to
be young man of fortune, put under the
direction of grave and sober director,
who is to look after him-a sort of gov
ernor, such as used to be imposed on
young men Of fortune and breeding"
We all went to bed in spirits and antic-
ipation. But there was much to be done,
and, as father of family, / was bound
to ascertain all about them accurately. /
soon learned their names through the
agency of the postmistress. They were
Mr.. Anerley and Mr.. johnson. Anerley,
as my Olivia said, was exactly the sort of
name she would have supposed for the
young man; it had the same gay and en-
gaging tone about it that he had. John
son was quite in harmony with the pom
derous yet majestic dullness of his COM
panion. went to call on them formally
after breakfast. The young man was sit
ting in front of the jolly Fisherman, en-
joying a cigar.
''Mr. Johnson not down, I see," said.
"The early bird gathers the worm, Mr..
Anerley.
He looked at me, puzzled johnson
not down! Why Oh, I see; very
good; Of course he amt"