River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-10-04
FANNY'S BAIT.
Ths story ora.summer l.over.

NcdtHtE. W nat say you 10 taxing run
into the cOuntryl'
{" / should like it above all things
George, Being thus confined to the sight
of bricks and mortar is enough to make
one sigh for a breath of fresh air and a
glimpse of the pure blue sky"
well, then, agreed, Tom. Well start
tomorrow. / have an uncle, a gentle
man farmer, living in the pleasantest spot
/ ever saw-a large, rambling farm house,
with plenty of land for shooting, and a
river with lots of fish; and then he had
pretty daughters beside. Ill warrant
you pleasant trip to my uncle's, and
who knows bVt that Mr.. Tom Vincent,
the fastidiOus cOnnOisseur of female
beauty, may lose his heart TO one of my
rosy country cousins before his returni''
Don't fear for nv heart" said Tom,
drawing up his handsome form and
sweeping back the thick masses of wavy
dark hair from his broad forehead; " |
never saw the lady yet who could fill 1t,
and though no doubt your fair cousins
are pretty, still you know me too well to
form any plans of that sort. No matri-
mOny for me this many year"
40, well, Tom, you'll be caught some
day by a witch of thing, who will tear
to tatters all your fine ideas about matri-
mOny, and so forth, with her spicy words
and saucy airs - laughed George, rising;
but | must be off now. Pack up your
pOrtmanteau tonight, and I'll be round
early in the morning. for we'd better take
the first train, in order to get to my Uncle
Randall's in time for dinner"
"Yes, I'll be ready" replied Tom, and
50 his friend departed
George Warner and Tom Vincent were
intimate friends, having been companions
at college, and graduated with equal
hOnOrs from their Alma Mater. George
was studying for the law, and Tom,
though the heir of wealth, still sat at the
mercantile desk where his deceased
father had acquired fortune.
The next morning the two friends seat
ed themselves in a railway carriage, and
we're borne rapidly away from the hot,
dusty city into the pleasant open country
refreshed with the varied glimpses of
green fields and sparkling waters, past
which they were whirled along. About
noon they arrived at their journeys end,
having ridden some twelve miles in q
sJage-coach after leaving the railway. and
both tired and hungry, they presented
themselves at the farmhouse door Of Mr..
Randall, where they were received with
hearty welcome.
I'm sorry, George, said his aunt, .that
eth girls ar, gone over To MeadOwland, TO
ethir cousi, :, on a visit. They only went
this mOrni ?, and will be away . week
or more. ow unlucky. but you must
stay till the come back-y9u and your
friend"
Thanks, Aunt Lucy; we will place
ourselves under your hospitality for a
short period, for we left town for rest and
enjoyment and if its to be had anywhere
we shall find il here, know" replied heI
nephew.
Mr. Randall soon made his appearance
from the fell. and welcomed the young
men with hearty shake of the hand.
so, then, nephew, I'm glad you have
not forgotten u.s. he said.
mo, Uncle Randall; nor the fine tTC
fishing in your river, nor the capital gan
in your woods. Ny friend Vincent is a
tirst-rate shot, and he's going to try his
luck here, II we can manage to stay till
the first of September"
"Well, we do have plenty of game here
Mr.. Nincent-plenty of hares and part
ridges; and many of your town folks
come down merely for the shooting, said
the farmer.
Il declare, George said Tom, as the
two wended their steps homeward al
The close % splendid day about week
after their arrival, ''thiS is such pleas
ant place that one would DC almost tempt
ed to leave town, and settle in some such
spot; that Is, during the shooting season
There Is rational enjoyment IN be found
here. 4 farmers life, after all, is not tC
be dcspiscd, for he Is independent, and
enjoys vigorous health. which Is the foun-
dation of all happiness"
"Yes, Tom. | know it, and am very
glad that your opinions have undergone :
change; for YOU did not formerly ex
press yourself 50 with regard TO a coun
try life / think farmer, like nv un
Gle, who is intelligent and in easy circum
stances, a very happy and Independent
nan. But we must hasten back, fOl
there are heavy clouds coming up in tn,
west: and if I'm not much mistaken, W,
shall get sprinkling before We reacl
home"
The young men quickened their steps
but they were vet full half a mile from
the farmhouse when the rain began Il
fall in torrents, and completely drenched
they reached the house at full run
Tom, IN advance of George. sprang int
the. u assage, nearly upsetting a yOun.
girl who was passing from one room L
another.
pardon me, excuse me, madam |,
stammered Tom, as he glanced at tn
face Of the girl I'm my haste to escap
the shower, did not notice that any on
was here
"Ah. certainly, sir. No harm is done,
she replied smiling.
Alice Cousin Alice cried George
who Just then came in. glad you've re
turned; though can't say I'm glad t
meet you in such a plight as this h
said. CHANGING at his dripping garments
But You see, Alice. the rain Is tremen
lous: and nv friend here and were un
Iuckr enough to be caught in il. Blu
allow me 10 make you acquainted wit
nv friend. Mr.. Thomas Vincent, know
as one Of the most fastidious gentleme
in town, who, dare say, is deeply MOI
tilted at making his debut into the pres
ence of lady in this fashion"
@Ah. George. YOU are the same as eve
/ see replied the young girl, and tn
smile deepened on heG face as she locke
at his wet garments amply besprinkle
with mud. "YOur friend and yoursel
have indeed had taste of the shower.
Is heavy and came up suddenly. MothC
was afraid you would be caughtin it."
ayes. we have had il, as YOU see, san
George. "But where is Fanny, and whe
did You come homer
sYou will see her soC-. We returne
this morning. shortly after you wentout-
replied Alice.
.'Well, Tom, shall we 90 70 our room
and make ourselves presentable, or wOlil
you prefer gazing at my fairco here
said George, with laugh.