Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1874-07-30
THE HIGHFLIERS.

HE HIUnT LlLhos
The three Misses Highfier were sit
ting in their morning room engaged in
fancy needle-work. 1t was cold yet
nleasant day in December and the
ground was covered few inches with
snow. Sleighs jingled merrily by at short
intervals, causing the youngest OF the
sisters to glance frequently out of the
spacious bay window, which, by the way,
was filled with exotics, and blooming like
garden in June.
@Florence, do wish you would not be
SO interested in those countryfied
sleighs," remarked Julia, the elder Miss
Highflier. "pd be little more
dignifed were | in your place"
"Now, sis" retorted Florence, saucily,
"you're too stuck up by great deal.
Because we once lived in the city we are
very grand think we might accept
Jane Clover's invitation for tomorrow
night" And plucking pink rosebud as
she spoke, she placed it coquettishly
among her brown curls, and bowed to
her reflection in the opposite mirror.
Julia gave her contemptuous glance.
"Indeed! that gouId be lowering our
dignity You forget that Jane Glover is
only farmers daughter. We, who are
both the wealthiest and most fashionable
and refined family in the village, should
be careful with whom we condescend to
associate" And Miss Highfiier's nose,
which was by no means small one, ele-
waited itself considerably.
ingly; "aaheml Allow me to inform
your ladyship that Jane Clover is as well
educated and has as much refinement as
the proudest in the land. Her society is
sought, you well know, by persons of the
highest responsibility. She is true
lady, though she puts on no airs and
makes no pretensions."
at is easy to see that you have been
spoiled by old Uncle Wilmot. IT'S a
pity you did not stay with him-he was
bringing you up admirably" sneered the
amiable Julia.
Dear Uncle Wilmot! Good old man!
How | wish father had permitted me to
remain with him!" sighed Florence. 81
was so happy there, I"
"We1l willingly sign petition to have
you returned to him." remarked the sec
ond sister, Belle. Indeed, itwere con-
summation devoutly to be wished"
"I'm going to ask father to let me at
tend Jane Clovers party" said Florence,
after short pause.
Ou Ddu DtLtPr! TBLuT0Bu Julld,
sarcastically "You have got such low
notions, | would advise you to fall in
love with Fred Clover-hadn't you bet
ter, now?" Julia looked into her sisters
face, and was surprised and shocked to
see it mantled with a burning blush
"Good gracious Belle! / truly believe
the creature is in love with that horrid
farmern she cried; "do look at her!"
Belle held up her hand in horror, while
Florence sprang like frightened bird
from the room.
Goodness! What shall we do? That
girl will be an everlasting disgrace to the
family. Who would have imagined that
she would descend to smile on Fred Clo-
yer? What's to be done, BELIEF"
Let US carry the matter to our re-
spected parent" returned the sister, who
was exceedingly affected in speech and
manner; she will undoubtedly bring
matters to crisis" i.
81 wish l could, Fred. But mother
won't consent"
ALLOW me to ask her. We are going
to have such pleasant time"
mo, no! there is no use. When she
says a thing there is no turning her"
It's too bad. | wish your mother was
like other folks"
$50 do l. There is no use in wishing,
however. You must go, Fred; they'll
soon be home from their sleigh-ride, and
mother will almost murder me ii she
finds you here"
"Does she so hate me?" asked the
young man, shadow resting upon his
handsome face.
mo, she does not hate you; but-but
they all think that yor.-"
understand you now. They do not
deem me worthy of your society. II
would be modification to their pride to
associate with farmer Good morning,
Miss Florencep
"Stay, Fred / am not proud have
no ridiculous ideas of exclusiveness; l
don't think myself better than my neigh
bors; +"
Then you do not hate me, Florence.
pou do not think me beneath your no.
tice. You will not be angry if dare TO
treasure your image in my heart? An
swer me, Florence, dear
She laid her blushing face upon his
manly shoulder. 1t was answer enough
for him. AS his lips touched her brow
he murmured, BLESS you, darlingT'
Starting from him, she sprang to the
window as sleigh dashed up to the
door-a splendid turnout with pair OF
dancing horses and iiveried driver.
Here they arel What shall do!
60 out of the back door, Fred!-here
qnick!' exclaimed the poor girl, In a
great trepidation.
Not /; never take the back track.
coo'ly answered Fred; let 'em turn me
outr' And. seating himself, young
Clover quietly awaited events.
Mrs Hi0h fiar oud her two daupht0fs