The Republican journal., 1876-10-05

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Yet it is poor, docaycd sort of place,
which you would get tired Of in year,
practical manner Of his. which always
eXasperated me intensely.
.Nevern | cried 1T would never lose
its fascination for me The ruined arches,
the fountains, the broken columns And
then the Coliseum Did you make the
usual visit by moonlight. Mr.. Rhysdale? 2
i was invited to make one of a party
but moonlight at thirty three, and moon
light at seventeen, are two different things
so declined'
4 dare say, too. at thirty-three. rheu-
matism may be added to the delights of a
moonlight ramble, said tartly
Mr.. Rhysdale laughed Rheumatism is
Il disease not to he tritled with, although
cannot speak from experience, never
having had it,
ortunately. other visitors came in. at
this moment; but | was already ashamed
OF my conduct, If there was anything |
detested, it was personality.
During the evening | saw Mr.. Rhysdale
survey me, curiously, several times; and
felt fully repaid for the sacrifice of wear
ing yellow dress. by hearing him remark
to Aunt Sophy, Miss Madge has very
brilliant taste in dress, hasn't she p
Meantime, another guest Dr. Palmer,
bad engaged me for the picnic. on the
morrow.
Directly, we had some singing by Nio-
let, whose voice was so sweet Mr. Rhys-
dale said it reminded him Of silver bells ;
She sang Robin Adair' tonight
Finally, the party broke up, with the
promise to meet at ten the next morning
Our destination was the Glen, and | was
wild to go, for had heard much of the
beauties of the place We were all going
on horseback. except Uncle. and Aunt,
and the minister and his wife These four
declared themselves too old for the sad
die. and chose the phItOn Violet and my
self, the two Miss Graysons, Dr. Palmer,
Mr. Rhysdale, Oscar, and several others,
composed the rest of the party
The morning rose clear and bright
Promptly, at ten. we began to assemble
Mr.. Rhysdale's glossy black had Just
drawn up by the side of Eiolet's white
pony, as | stepped out on to the portico
and DR.. Palmer, at the same moment,
lifted his hat to me, in gay good morn
ing, rs lie cantered up the drive on his
beautiful chestnut
Oscar, whom had not seen before this
morning, now made his appearance
What will you do, Madge!' he said,
coming toward me with a veXed look
The black pony is dead lame. and there
is not another lady's horse in the stables
How provokingn | exclaimed, feeling
wonderfully low all at once; for now
would have to 90 in the phetor with
Aunt Sophy. and Il dull time | would
have of it; for aunt never allowed the
horses to 90 faster than a walk being Il
| grea: coward.
Permit me- said Dr. Palmer, eagerly,
ito offer my horse. lie is an admirable
riding horse Il little fiery but easily con-
trolled.'
Iaccepted the offer with delight. had
great confidence in my horsemanship, and
felt no fear.
But what will You do yourself?' | said
remembering. suddenly that he could not
walk
He can have Hunter, fathers horse
said Oscar. Il will 90 and bring him ro@nd.'
| Oscar soon came back with the two
horses, and all being now assembled. we
concluded to start, and leave the ph;eton
| to follow at its leisure.
The word was given, and away we gal
lnned the chestnut hehaviro hn9utitnlly,
He has been grossly mallgned, l SAID
| to Dr. Palmer, as we drew rein, at last
t. rest. Il am his champion from hence
FORTH patting his glossy neck as spoke
4 am glad YOU like him replied the
Doctor. He is perfectly safe now, only
ago, a lady could not have ridden him.
| 4, I lrpD ,,f Jhnrn
is no one to equal him
Unless it is Mr Rhy5daic's black, OBJ
served Oscar Il should like to see the
two in 4 fair race
'Oh, how | should like the glory in
beating himr cried.
so should L. replied DIR. Palmer, smi
! ING; but not with You on the chestnut.
why notg said l. pouting, and putting
my horse to Il canter as | spoke, which
ended the conversation for the time.
We reached the Glen in due time. 1t
was IL lovely spot, between two hills.
mountain torrent, splashing down over
huge gray rocks, gave life to its solitude.
The green trees, growing on the side OF
tile hills, arched their branches. until they
almost met. seeming like SO many sentl-
nels guarding the silence of the spot.
Dismounting, we sat down to rest, and
enjoy the cool shade, which was lneXpres-
sibly grateful after our long ride Our
horses were placed in u shed, close by,
arranged for the convenience of visitors,
tor, as might have been expected, the
place was Il great resort,
Look at Violet whispered Oscar, as
he sat down by my side. at the foot OF Il
tree Isn't she lovely? No wonder
Rhysdale seems enchanted
The phHton was now seen approaching
and then the light wagon that carried our
provision; and we were soon buslly en-
gagged in preparing lunch.
i installed myself rs headwaiter, and
chose Oscar and Dir. Palmer tor my assist
ants. pinning up my habit, tied huge
white apron around my waist, Oscar and
Dr. Palmer adorned themselves with long,
white towels. and, thus equipped, we pro-
ceeded to arrange our repast.
A large, flat rock served for our table.
We placed the cold chicken, sandwiches,
tarts. etc, picturesquely, Oscar decorat-
ing the dishes with pine and scarlet col
umbine A huge bouquet of ferns was
placed in the centre, and an immense
bougk of evergreen fixed over the table,
to serve the double purpose. Oscar said ),
of keeping off the insects and being orna-
mental
How we Ell enjoyed it! Even Mr..
Rhysdale forgot his statelness, and did
not frown once, even though | salted his
coffee, instead Of sweetening it, a misad-
venture, must confess, premeditated.
After lunch we walked to the head OF
the Glen. We went over slippery rocks
and mimic precipices; sometimes in the
water. with here and there a Jump, which
every lady said she could not make, but
always did.
f drew Il long breath as looked down.
1t seemed as if some mighty convulsion
in nature had rent the two hills asunder
Massive rocks were piled high, one above
the other Great clefts were in the earth
Here and there Il pine, with its roots
washed bare, stood up. The black water
rushed, and boiled, and whitened, in It's
impetuous haste. All formed scene