The Phoenix herald., 1879-07-12
|" Sunshine. ''
BY ALICE.

BY ALICE.
 $ Oh, how beautiful " exclaimed Ethel Sharon, as on clear summer morning she stood by the flowing wa ters of the noble Hudson, and watched the sun as 1t rested on the majestic heights of Storm King and Crows Nest, and on the surrounding valleys below.
 As she stood watching the sun rise, she made 8 lovely picture; tall and slight, but perfectly formed, her golden hair falling in heavy curls below her waist, her dark blue eyes lighted up with wonder and admiration at the sur rounding view, and smile on her sweet lips which lighted up her face and made her most fair to see. One hand rested on the large setter which stood by her side.
 Suddenly the noise of horses hoofs attracted her attention, and turning, she saw approaching two young men on horseback; behind them came a dog-cart with a groom in attendance, and the necessary articles for a journey arcoss the country. As they came near they raised their hats, and the gentleman on the side nearest her said, d,-
 '' Pardon me, but will you be kind enough to tell me the name of those mountains opposite ?"
 She felt the color rush to her face as, lifting her large frank eyes to his, she replied,-
 '' Certainly; Storm King and Crows Nest"
 !" And is that West Point just below?
 "Yes."
 '' Many thanks for your information;" and again touching their hats, they rode on, leaving her to wonder who they Jrhn ho1 they needed to ask the names of the mountains along the Hudson.
 She watched him out of sight, then calling her dog started on run for the lovely home nestled in among the trees at the foot of $ Breakneck.'
 She was the only child of Mir. and Mrs. Thorn, and her sweet, loving ways and pleasant disposition had given her the pet name of $ Sunshine" by which all who loved her called her and al though in her nineteenth year, she was as HgLt-hearted and gay as child, for sorrow had not touched her innocent heart.
 As she approached the house, flushed by exercise, her father met her, say ing
 .. Sunshine. I was afraid you had met with an adventure, you stayed so long, u
 Suppose I should tell you I had met with an adventure 2"
 should have to put a stop to those morning walks or else accompany you. But, come, breakfast is ready, 1 and mamma impatient"
 While seated at the table letter was brought in to Ethel from her dear friend, Minnie Watson, begging her to make her a long visit. saying her brother was to return home that morn ing from trip across the country, | bringing his European friend, George Stanley, with him. She wanted Ethel's hep In entertaining them.
 So, after proper preparation, Ethel took the afternoon train to Peekskill, 1 where Minnie lived, and in short time | the two girls were busy talking over their sehooldays together.
 Minnie was a tall, handsome bru- nette, and though but few months | Ethefs senior. society belle, and, am sorry to say, firt, while Ethel summed anything of the kind as dis honorable, but the girls were firm friends, and loved each other dearly.
 '' And who, Minnie, is your brothers | friend you mentioned Some new ad- | mirer of yours ?''
 Oh, no I had never seen him un- Ill to-day. He met Ned Tn London, and they travelled for over a year to- gether, and so became fast friends. He IS handsome, and I think I shall like him if he will only condescend to notice me-" There is no danger but he will do that, Minnie. I am quite anxious to see your brother, as have never met him. Is he like you"
 Like me? Gracious no He is confirmed bachelor; unless he meets an angel in lis wanderings, he will never marry, for all mortal girls fall far short of his expectations"
 '' Is he really so hard to suit?"
 Yes, indeed; but still he admires beauty as much, If not more than most young men. You should have heard him describe a country girl he met this morning on his way home. There never was such beautiful creature seen be- fore. I told him he must have seen a mermaid"
 Did you say this morning 2"
 '' Yes.'
 '' Where was it?
 '' On the road somewhere between Fishkill and here; I could not find out just where"
 $ Were they on horseback, attended by groom Tell me, quickly, Min nie !"