Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1878-10-31

Josie looked the dismay that she
certainly felt at that announcement
It's too bad, I declare, said the
good-natured officer, plying Josle's
evident distress.
Then, as his eye fell upon the own
er of the team who was looking tow.
ards them, he added:
III this aint striek Of luck !
Here's John Manning, their next
neighhor. He can take you along
Just as we'll as not.
John, here's a young woman that's
got off at the wrong station. She
wants to 90 to Croftons. l tell her
that she can ride With you.
The young man removed his straw
hat, revealing forehead broad and
full, and whose whiteness contrasted
strongly with the healthful brown Of
the cheeks below.
I shall be very happy,if the young
lady has 10 objection TO riding with a
farmer, and in a farmer S wagon"
The admiration SO clearly visib e in
the honest blue eyes that met her
own made josie cheeks reddec.
1T it will not be too much trou-
ble?'
As the young man listened to those
low, soflly-spoken words, he felt that
nothing the speaker could ask would
be any trouble at all. Springlng to
work, he soon improvised quite a
comfortable seat for Josie by passing
a rope from one stake to another, just
back otthe board in front. throwing
thick, soft blanket over the whole
Glad 10 be released, Jennie and
Kate bore them swiftly along the
winding country road, dotted here
and there by farm horses, nestled
down among the trees and shrubbery
As soon as Josie got a little used to it
she enjoyed her elevated and move
position, and which gave her u fine
view Of the beautiful country through
which they were passing.
Her companion s!ciled at her en-
thusiastic exclamalons and comments
seeming to take pleasure in the pleas,
ure 50 frankly and innocently ex.
pressed.
DO YOU think you would like tc
live in the country 2 lie said, stealing
an alnilir3 glance at the glad young
face.
Above all things, responded Jo-
sic. That is, she added, alter mo-
,nent's pause, ii papa conll be here
too. ! wish lie could be, just for a
little while re would enjoy it So
! Papa WAS brought ur on a farm, and
| it would seem like old times to him
( | heard him say once that he wished
he had never left it.
4 had Il stronS desire, when boy,
to 20 to the city, whern | could have
chance to gel rich, and not have to
work so hard. But I am an only
son-an only child since last winter
- here the speakers eyes saddened.
4 promised father Just before be died
that wouldn't leave the farm while
mother lived, and | don't know shat
care to DO so now
I wouldn't if | were 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
harder than pa does. It's ever so
much nicer here.
The honest young fellow, whose
heart was in his eyes, inwardly hoped
that she would always think so.
There is where l live, he said,
aloud, pointing to a house, with wide
piazza running around two sides, and
which looked very pleasant amid the
green .veraule that surrounded it.
Young Manning drew the reins at
the gate, inside Of which a pleasant
faced, silver haired woman wa, stand
ing.
Here's the mail, mother, he said,
tossing down to her some papers and
pamphlets. Been lonely any? I'm
going to take this young lady to Mr..
Croftons. My mother, Miss Wilson.
The young man took leave Of Josie