The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-03-06
THE COUNTRY COUSIN.


breeze as it swept through the open win
dows at their pleasant residence in Phil
adelphia. Mr.. Fenton had been naming
over his relatives which might happen
to visit them, and had already mention-
ed long list when his son Tom inter-
rupted him by saying:
"Oh if you go to counting up, you'll
never get through. "But sayl haven't
we any Objectionable connections at all ?
Isn't there some old dufier who'll turn
up just at the wrong moment ?''
No, haven't any," said Mr.. Fen
ton.
"No-o-o," said Mrs Fenton, rubbing
her forehead thoughtfully. "Stop! l
think | remember one. OF course
Cousin Je,5tshd! wonder l didn't
think before. But don't kno,O that she
is Objectionable; the fact is don't know
anything about her. She's lived way
up in Vermont all her life. She is
niece of grandfather's, and is an old
maid at least she ought to be, if she
isn't married or dead Her name is Hev-
ngton--Jerusha Hevington. l always
thought it such pity to spoil such q
fine name as Hevington with Jerusha.
hope she won't come; I'm sure she
must be perfectly awful
The two young ladies had been looking
at their mother in blank silence ever
since she had mentioned this unpleasant
relation; Tom had gone off in fit of
laughter; so that Mr.. Fenton was the
only one who spoke;
Well, if she comes, all we can do is
to make the best of it, and treat her as
well as we know how
"Oh, of course" said Mrs. Fenton.
Tom here looked at his watch, and
started up, exclaiming that he should be
late, he had an appointment, and bolted
off, promising to be home early. Then
Mr.. Fenton settled down for a nap; Mrs.
Fenton buried herself in lorna Doone
and the girls yawned over japanese
canvass, fearing dull evening.
The air gently fiuttered the lace cur
tains, the mellow light shone down from
the many -globed chandelier, upon the
fresh white mating, the linen-draped
furniture, the pictures and statuetts, the
three ladies in their pretty evening dress
es, and the old gentleman snoring away
behind his newspaper; all was as quiet
as quiet could be, when violent peal at
the door-bell made them nearly all jump
out of their skins.
''Who on earth is that 20 asked Mr.
Fenton, bouncing up.
81 suppose it's Mr.. Vanderpool,' - said
Mabel.
eOh, no, he necer rings like that,
said Florence.
The old colored waiter had opened the
door by this time, and loud voice was
heard inquiring, docs Mr.. Fenton-Mr.
Samuel Fenton-live here?"
g Yes, ma'am, he does" old James
answered respectfully.
q" Wa'al, then, 1 guess I'll walk right
in-I seen the folks through the win
der !" and apparently before the old SER
want could stop her, the owner of the
voice did walk right into' the parlor
"a tall, strong featured woman, with
iron gray hair, clad in brilliantly flow
cred dress that bulging hoop-skirt
showed to advantage, and shawl of
vivid red and yellow plaid. A bonnet
of the shape called poke was on her
head, and from it dangled thick green
veil. She wore gray cotton gloves, and
one hand firmly grasped lumpy car
pet-bag, the other fat umbrella. She
looked comfortable and common from
top to toe. She peered at the group
through her steel-bowed spectacles, and
tucking her umbrella under the carpet
bag arm, she extended her hand, "Wa'al
now, s'pose you don't know me. Pm
Jerusha Hevington-yer cousin ,Jerusha
Hevington."
The stricken family were dumb. Mr..
Fenton was the first to recover. He took
the proffered hand, shook it warmly and
led the lady to chair, begging her to be
seated; he could not say she was well
come, but he tried to make her feel as if
she were. Mrs. Fenton then came for
ward and sitting down beside her, asked
her some friendly questions about the
journey and the girls, a little conscience
smitten, offered to take her things.
" Wa'al, l guess l won't jest now,
thank yer-I've got to go and see about
my trunk in minute: he'd it left in
grocery store jest around the corner.
Theyoung man wasawful pleasant when
told him that was one of your folks.