Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-12-06

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interior of the State, though there were
the usual loungers upon the platform O.
the station. as Josie stepped out. But
they soon scattered, leaving her to stare
blankly around for the conveyance thai
she supposed would be waiting for her.
She walked clear around the station
looking in every direction, but not a vehi
Gle was in sight, except a rough box wag
on, with board across it, drawn BY a pail
of spirited black horses, who stamped theil
| feet and tossed their heads as if impatient
to be off.
A man stood beside the FESTIVE crea.
lures, who yet seemed to be under perfect
control.
''There Jenny! Be easy. Kate!'' he
said, patting the satin-smooth skin, and
speaking very much as mother would tC
child.
The baegage-master was standing near
a pile Of trunks and parcels.
els this your trunk, Miss?" he said, as
Josie approached him.
Eyes. I was expecting friends to meet
me, but they are not here. There must be
some mistake.''
Il know most Of the peopls around here.
What might their name be?"
"Crofton."
"Why bless me, you've got off at the
wrong station. They live at North Bay.
bridge, five miles beyond"
'sWhen does the next train leave?''
Tomorrow morning."
Josie looked the dismay that she certain.
ly felt at this announcement.
sits too bad, declare, said the good
natured official, plying Josie's evident
Distress
Then, as his eye fell upon the owner of
the team, who was looking toward them,
he added:
eff this is not streak of good luck
Here's John Manning, their next neigh
Dor. He can take you along just as well
as nGt.'',
John, here's young woman that's got
off as the wrong station. She wants to
go to Crotton's. 1 tell her that she can
ride with you.''
The young man removed his straw hat,
revealing a forehead broad and full, and
whose whiteness contrasted strongly with
the beautiful brown OF the cheeks below.
~ shall be very happy, if the young lady
has no objections to riding with farmer,
and in farmers wagon?'
The admiration so clearly visible In the
honest blue eyes that met her own, made
Josie's cheeks redden.
IF it will not be too much trouble"
AS the young man listened to those low,
softly-spoken words, he felt like nothing
the speaker could ask would be any trouble
at all. Springing to work, he soon i'm
provised quite comfortable seat for Josie,
by passing rope from one stake to an
other, just back of the board in front,
throwing a thick, soft blanket over the
whole.
Glad to be released, Jenny and Kate bore
them swiftly along the winding country
road, dotted here and there by farm
houses, nestled down among the trees and
shrubbery. AS soon as Josie got little
used to it she enjoyed her elevated and
novel position. which gave her fine view
of the beautiful country through which
they were passing.
Her companion smiled at her enthusi-
astic ordinations and comments, seeming
to take delight in the pleasure SO frankly
and innocently expressed.
''Do you think you would. like to live in
the country?" he said, stealing an admir-
ing glance at the glad young face.
''Above all things,' responded Josie
''That is" she added, after a moments
pause, eff papa could be here too. I wish
he could be, just for little while; he
would enjoy it so. Papa was brought up
on a farm, and it would seem like old
times to him. heard him say once that
he wished he had never left it."
81 had strong desire, when boy, to 60
to the city, where could have chance to
get rich, and not have to work so hard.
But ism an only son-an only child since
last inter''-here the speakers eyes sad
dened. 81 promised father just before he
died, that I would never leave the farm
while mother lived, and 1 don't care to do
so now"
II wouldn't, if was in your place, :"
said Josie, with wise shake of her pretty
head. Its dreadful hard times in the
city. Everybody is groaning about them,
which makes it dismal enough. And as to
working hard, I'd like to know who works
any harder than pa does. It's ever so much
nicer here.''
The honest young fellow, whose heart
was in his eyes, ipwardly hoped that she
would always think so.
"There is where live" he said, aloud.
pointing to house, with q wide piazza
running round two sides, and which looked
very pleasant amid the green verdure that
surrounded it.
Young Manning drew the reins at the
gate, inside of which pleasant faced, Sill
ver-haired woman was standing.
Here's the mail, mother" he said, toss
ing down to her some papers and pamph-
let's "Been lonely any? I'm going to
take tlhlis younlg. lady to Mr.. Crofton's: NY
mother, Miss Wilson"
The young man took leave of Josie with
feeling at his heart SUCH as be had never
experienced before,
SHOW pretty she isl'' he thought; "and
as good as pretty, am sure.''
"What an honest and pleasant facet I