The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1879-11-01
Rounding on an Old Chm,

were standing under the porch Of Il
quaint old Uncovered house
called Ashton Cottage-that stood
on tho banks of the Thames not far
from Richmond.
Tho trio were laughing and chat
ting as gayly as children just let
out of school. Judging by an occa-
sional shout for "pat," they were
evidently waiting for some one
else.
The cottage itself stood alone in
its own :grounds-a large, old fash
ioned garden. The country about
was plentilully woodcd,an through
the chcstnut-trees glimpses Of other
houses might be seen. Very mod
est and pretty looked the gable
rooted dwelling, cmbowered in tho
roses, honeysuckles, and fruit
espalicrs, the clean, muslin-drapcd
windows cleaned in the evening
sun.
The road passing tho house
curved to the right and then formed
an avenue, bordcred on either side
by large chestnut-trecs, overshad-
owing the paths leading down to
tho smooth, broad river.
Beyond the road, in front Of tho
house, was umdulating meadow
ground, knec-dccp in grass and
flowers. The road to the left led
round to Kilcraddock House,an un.
tcnnnted mansion overlooking the
river, the grounds ofwhich were in
closed by walls extending for con-
siderable distance along the bank.
Tardy Pat-a oad-shouldered
young fellow of about eight and
twenty, rather above the middle
height, and not by any means good
looking-soon made his appear
ancc. His hair and beard were al-
most red; his features large, but
regular; his hands and feet well
shaped, though not small; he had a
hearty, mellow voicc,and one ofthe
sohost and most genial smiles that
could be seen. ITc came along
struggling into his well-worn coat
underneath which was wooden
jcrsey-cxplaining 10 his .compan-
ions that ho had just stayed to give
II helping hand to Mr.. Sinclair,who
had come upon q tough bit Of
ground in tho kitchen garden, which
had been too much for tho old gen.
tleman's strength.
The four then took their way to
the river, on boating purposes in
tent, as evidenced by the nautical
costumes Of the males.
II say, Devainc," said the young
est of the three men, a bright-look-
ing young fellow Of about seven
teen, what q swell you are I
wonder when l shall be able to
sport q silk jersey. I know,though,
what l shall buy out Of my first
quarters money"
when do they begin giving you
salary, Frank?" asked Pat.
"After Christmas"
Well, Frank" said tho girl-a
tall, finely built brunette, whose
large, thick-fringcd, dark gray eyes
slightly retrOusse nose, magnificent
teeth, and deep dimple .on either
side the large but handsome mouth
made up Us fine n specimen of girl
hood as one would wish to see-"do
tell us how you intend to astonish
-"
"The natives? All, you needn't
pull up short, Miss Comp! Girls
are such humbugs. You know YOU
can talk sling as well MS any fel-
low when you like" was the saucy
and voluble reply Of her brother
Frank.
do you plead guilty to the soft
impeachment, Miss Sinclair?' smil-
ineiy asked the handsome Devnine,
with u certain tcndresse in his voice
which brought n telltalc blush into
Conny's oval cheeks.
"You hAvn't told US yet, Frank,
what YOU are going to buy" said
Pat, after Il quick, panied glance ut
the girls face.
"Why, l mean to get Il pair Of
patent-leathcr boots, blue satin
tie, n pair of yellow kid gloves, and
n silk umbrella"
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