The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-10-04

titled at making his debut lnto-the pres
ence Of a lady in this fashion"
:: "Ah, George, you are the same as ever
I sec," replied the young girl, a and the
smile deepened' on her face as she: looked
at his'wet garments; amply besprinkled
with mud. 9s'Your friend and yourself
have indeed had ataste of the shower. Il
IS heavy and came up suddenly, Mother.
was afraid you would be caught in it, =:
Yes, We have had it, as you see,"' said
George. "But where is Fanny, and when
did you come home?"' T., ,,:,,i;.t... Tx !
/, "You will see her. soon. We. returned
this morning, shortly after you. went out"
replied Alice.;..t IL" F.. Ill.,. !; Il.
swell, Tom, shall we 60 to our rooms
and make ourselves presentable, or would
you prefer gazing at my fair cousin hcre2"
said. George, with a laugh: 49,: :.
.'Deuce take you, George!" said Tom,
after, the young men were in their room:
You talk about me and to me ridicu-
lously; and I won't stand it., Your cousin
will take me for simpleton." l,"..;
"Pshaw, Toni; What matters it what
the girls think. of 1you2 Nobody but
country girls land you don't care a fig
for the good opinion Of: any lady, you
know" retorted his friend. 10 -
"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, yet L would
wish to have their good opinion"
30, we'll 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 Lad Detu struck
with the pretty face of Alice, he was
much more pleased with the loneliness of
her sister Fanny; for, while Alice had a
form a little above the medium height,
with fresh, rosy complexion, and fair blue
eyes, Fanny, with petite figure, possess
ed a 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. I believe he
has already made the acquaintance Of
Alice" he added, with smile.
ayes, I have had that HONOR" replied
Tom; {" and, begging her pardon for the
mlshap occasioned her, trust that the
acquaintance so inauspiciously commenc-
@ ed may prove as pleasant as I think it
Come, Tom," said George, the next
morning, "what say you for fishing
party? We will invite the girls to 90
with us, and have little bottom fishing.
They are capital anglers; for the last time
l was here, the fish always took their bait
in preference to mine. These country
girls understands the art almost as we'll as
the town-brcd ladies d." he added quiz
zically.
"Well, George, agreed. It's capital
morning for bite. The suns little
clouded, and though I'm not much of an
angler myself, yet | shall enjoy the sport
Of others; and Of which your old Isaak
Walton so delightfully."- discourseth."
In half an hour the party stood upon
the little bridge which SPAWNED the stream
at the back of the farmers house, and,
with hushcd voices, cast out their lines.
90, George, I've got bite !" exclaimed
Fanny, in triumph, as she drew up her
line and displayed a 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; it is nat
ural that the fish should prefer yours.
You understand using the rod very skill
fully, Cousin Fanny. Don'tyo think she
does, Tom?'
Tom was busily talking with Alice, a
little apart from the others, and idly play
ing with his line in the water, and did not
heed.
"What don't Think Georgc2" 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.
eyes, Miss Fanny has thrown us COM
pletely in the shade,'' replied Tom.
"What a fine fish, tool" he added. II hope
she doesn't try her skill on any spoil but
fish; for 'twould be dangerous to nibble at
her bait" he continued, laughingly,
and glancing at the sparkling eyes and
cherry lips Of the young girl as he spoke.
30, no, never fear!!" she replied, saucily.
II am but "a country-girl,' and do not
use 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 chattcd 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 a strong barrier be-
tween Tom Vincent and the witty, piquant
Fanny; for though she treated the young
man politely, yet she always met any ad-
vances he might make with her old spicy
words and saucy looks. This'comp1etely
baffled 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 capt.
waited his heart.
And so, though he had no reason to
think that Fanny cared aught for him,
yet 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.