Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1879-07-31


that would reflect as much credit on herself
as possible.
But thoy were going at last, and Josie
was at liborty to mako her own simple
preparations, which did not tako her long to
complete. lC
Thu father and daughter had nioo,
quiet tea together. Joaio was going on
tho morrow, anG as, sitting opposite him
and pouring out his tea, she saw the hard
lines soften in the oaroworn face, end how
happy no was in her society, her heart re-
proaohed her for leaving him.
"l have half mind not to 90, papa, it
seems too bad to leave you hero all by your
solf.'
But MIR. Wilson would not hear to this.
81 insist upon your going; you have been
working hard and you need change.
My life would bo much the same any how"
"You can expect mo in three weeks,
papa" smiled Josio, from tho car window,
your little housckeopor by that timo
know"
And Mr.. Wilson went back to tho cor
roding anxieties that mado him IN old man
boforo his time, thanked God for this bit
of sunshine, and which left its glow in tho
heart long otter it had vanished.
There were only few passengers for
Baybridgc, q small town in tho interior of
tho State, though there were the usual
loungers upon the platform of the station as
josie stopped out. But they soon scattered
leaving her to stare blanky around for the
carriage that she supposed would bo waiting
for her.
She walked clear around the station
looking in every direction, but not vehicle
was in sight except rough box wagon with
board across it, drawn by pair of spirited
black horses, that stamped their feet
aud tossed their heads rs if inpatient to be
of.
A man stood by tho sido of the restive
creatures that yot seemed to bo undor per-
feet control.
"Thcrc, Jonnyl Be easy, katiev' he said
patting tho satin smooth skin, and speak
ing very much as mother would to q
child.
The baggage master was standing near
pile of trunks and parcels.
''Is this your trunk, Miss?" he said as
Josie approached him.
eyes, was expecting friends to mcet
mo, but they arc not hero There must be
some mistake"
81 know most of tho people around here.
What might their namc bc?''
"Crofton."
"Why bless me, you've got off at the
wrong station. They live at North Bay
bridge, five miles bcyondO
"Whcu does the next train loave?"
'To-morrow morning"
Josie looked the dismay that she felt at
this announcement.
CTS too bad, deolaro," said tho good
natured officer, plying Josie's evident dis.
tress.
Then, as his cycs foil upon the ownor of
the tenn, who was looking towards them,
he added,
eff this aint freak of luck. Hcro's
John Manning, their next noighbor. IIo
can take you along just as we'll as not"
"John, here's young woman that's got
Oft at the wrong station. Sho wants to 90
to Croftons. l tell her she can ride with
YOU"
Tho young man removed his straw hat,
revealing forehead full and broad, and
where whitcncss contrasted strongly with
tho healthy brown Of the checks below.
~ should DO happy, if the young lady
has no objection to riding with a farmer in
q farmers wagon"
The admiration SO clearly visible in tho
honest blue Dyes that met her own made
JUse's cheek redden.
Gift will not be too much troubled"
AS the young man listened to those low,
softly spoken words, he fclt that nothing 2
the speaker could ask would be any trouble
at all.
Springing to work 10 soon improyiscd
quite comfortable seat for Josie by passing
n ropo from one stake to another, lust bacls
of tho board in front, throwing a thick, soft
blanket over tho whole.
Glad to be released, "Jcnnic" and "Kate"
bore thcm swiftly along the winding country
road, dotted here and there by farm houses,
nestled down among trees and shrubbery
AS soon as Josie got little used to it
she enjoyed hor elevated and novol position,
which gayo her fine view of the bcauti-
ful country through which they were pas.
sing.
llcr companion smiled at her enthusiastic
eAo!"uluIlohs aud comments, seeming to
take pleasure SO frankly and innoccntly cx-
pressed
"Do you think you would like to live in
the country" he said stealing an admiring
glance at tho glad young face. :
"Aboyo all things" responded Josie.
"That isl she added, after moments
pause, "if papa could be here soo | wish
ho could be, just for littlo whilo; tho would
enjoy it so. Papa was brought up on a
iarm, and it would seem like old times to
him. l heard him say once that he wished