River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-10-04


'Pshaw, Tom What matters il what
the girls think of youl Nobody but
country girls and you don't care a fg
for the good opinion of any lady, you
know" retorted his friend.
Now George, you're unmerciful. I've
no doubt that the young ladies are both
intelligent; and though, as told you be-
fore, shan't fall in love, vet would
wish to have their good opinion"
30, well we'll see, Tom, about the
love and the opinion, in the future" re-
piled George, laughing.
When the two young men descended
to the sitting room, where the family
were already assembled, tea was awaiting
them. If Tom Vincent had been struck
with the pretty face of Alice, he was
much more pleased with the loveliness of
her sister Fanny; for, while Alice had a
form little above the medium height,
with fresh, rosy complexion, and fair blue
eyes, Fanny, with petite figure, possess
ed perfect brunette complexion, with
sparkling black eyes, and hair Of ebon
hue.
"Ah, Fanny, how do you do, my fair
cOusin!" cried George, as the girl rose to
meet him when he entered the room.
| MY friend, Mr.. Vincent. / believe he
has already made the acquaintance of
Alice" he added. with a smile.
Yes, / have had that honor replied
Tom; land, begging her pardon for the
m1shap l occasiOned her, trust that the
acquaintance so inauspiciously commenc-
will"
Come, Tom" said George, the next
morning, what say you for a fishing
/ party! We will invite the girls to go
with US, and have a little bottom fishing.
They are capital anglers; for the last time
Twas here, the fish always took their bait
in preference to mine. These country
girls understand the art almost as well as
the town-bred ladies do" he added quiz
Zically.
"Well, George, agreed. It's capital
morning for bite. The suns a little
clOuded, and though I'm not much of an
angler myself, yet / shall enjoy the sport
of others; and of which your old Isaal
Walton so delightfully."- discourseth."
In half an hour the party stood upon
the little bridge which spanned the stream
at the back of the farmers house, and,
with hushed voices, cast out their lines.
90, George, I've got bite y exclaimed
Fanny, in triumph, as she drew up her
line and displayed fine gudgeOn. They
like my bait best, George; for saw this
one play around yours some time, but he
took mine in preference"
80, of course said George; 1T is nat
ural that the fish should prefer yours.
You understood using the rod very skill
fully, Cousin Fanny. Don't you think she
does, TOm!"
Tom was busily talking with Alice,
little apart from the others, and idly play
ing with his line in the water and did not
heed.
What don't think, GeOrgein he said,
advancing to them; II did not understand
your question"
"Why, don't you think that Fanny here
my country consin-is a pretty good
angler for little one. See her trophy
the first fish yet-beat us both!' said
George.
ayes, Miss Fanny has thrown us COM
plctely in the shade replied Tom.
what fine fish, too" he added 81 hope
she doesn't try her skill on any spoil but
fish; for 'twould he dangerous to nibble at
her bait" he continued, laughingly,
and CHANGING at the sparkling eyes and
cherry lips of the young girl as he spoke.
20, no, never fear" she replied, saucily.
II am but "a country-girl,' and do not
use a golden bait.
The young man flushed, and turned
abruptly away, and again stood beside
Alice, who was intently watching her
line and float.
All that morning Tom Vincent remain
/ ed beside Alice, for she did not shock
him with replies or flashing chances like
+ her most beautiful sister. And so Fanny
/ and George walked and chatted together,
and her musical laugh rang out upon the
clear air.
+ In the ensuing week of the young
mans stay at the farmhouse there
/ seemed to grow up strong barrier be-
/ tween Tom Vincent and the witty, piquant
I Fanny: for though she treated the young
marpOlitely, yet she always met any adj
vances he might make with her old spicy
words and saucy looks. This completely
I baiiled him, and Fanny could not have
/ angled more successfully if she had pur-
pOsely designed to win the love of the
/ fastidious Tom Vincent; for her careless
+ independence of manner and the frank
/ freedom of her speech completely capti-
/ waited his heart.
/ And so, though he had no reason to
/ think that Fanny cared aught for him,
/ vet he determined, if possible, to win
\ her love; for he saw that underneath
her independence of manner she posses
sed heart capable of the most devoted
attachment.
! Another week of shooting, boating and
riding had elapsed. On the morrow the
Young men were to depart
+ The last night had come-a beautiful
! September evening, with the moon sail
4 ing high in the heavens, and bathing the
earth with a soft flood of light. Tom
/ Vincent sauntered into the sitting room,
where the farmer, his wife, and Fanny
Z sat.
$50 you must leave US tomorrow, my
young friend said Mr.. Randall. 1--WE
shall certainly miss you, for we've had a
capital time of it since you and George
have been here. The girls won't go fish
ing much, expect, after you're gone"
"Why not, father.n said Fanny, speak
ing quickly, with flushing face.
"Ah, you know best, Fanny" replied
her father, smiling. "Tis pleasant to
have company, isn't it Fanny" he add
ed.
30, yes, MS pleasant to have COM
pany," She replied; but then one can do
without it, you know
"Yes, Miss Fanny can, know replied
the young man. "She prefers solitude y
20, no, YOU are mistaken" said her
mother; Fanny is fond of society; and
tbs dull enough for young folks here in
the country
"Where is George:' asked Tom, to
change the conversation, which he saw
did not please Fanny.
lie went out with Alice some time
since" replied the farmers wife.
The young man stepped out into the
moonlight, saving:
=. Cov.a Mis- Eouuv ursfl xDu NOT halr,