The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1879-08-23
IIultIe,s Vacation.


nonth. I was an orphan, and lived with
my aunt, my mothers sister, to whom I
owed debt of gratitade. We lived /
alone, in a modest, unpretending way,
in q neat little cottage, situated on the |
outskirts of the village, ten minutes |
walk from my school.
/ had no sister nor brother, therefore |
was devotedly attached TO mynow absent |
cousin, Gertie, whom my mother reared |
from infancy. We naturally looked on |
each other as sisters and the dearest of |
companions. But she left the village,
prepared to travel and seek position as
isoyerness, while / remained with my
iunt near the lonely old home that was
now deserted 1t was nearly three years
since we parted, Gertie and /. / had
heard frequently from her. In her last
letter she told me she was engaged to be
married, but declined to give me the
particulars, saying she hoped soon to
have good news to tell me.
oh, how waited and longed for let
fers from Gertiel thought often, as the
weeks went by, that she must have en-
tipely forgotten me. It was probable
that she was married, and had found
new and nobler love than mine.
/ was absorbed in these reflections,
when the postman thrust in the open
window of the school-house letter
which he held in his hand. In moment
the envelope flew open.
H0h, it is from Gertiei Dear Gertie,
how could think you heartless?"
The letter read as follows
DEAR HArTIE:-It seems very long
fine since last I wrote, but I have
abundant good news to tell you. / have
now beautiful home with the best and
5loblest of husbands The one wish to
be gratified is your presence here. /
speak of you almost increasingly to my
husband, who knows how much we love
each other. Now that your holidays are
come, won't you spend them with George
and me? The beautiful surroundings, ]
know, viii please you, and perhaps You
will be persuaded to live with me and
share my home it would be but
q small return of the debt /
owe you. Do not hesitate; come rs
soon as you are free. Write to us, and
appoint the time of your arrival.
George will meet you at the station, as
we live short distance in the country.
Do not fail, dear Hattie. Love to auntie
and yourself. Still your affectionate
cousin, .'GERTIE DENT"
Never did letter bring so much plea
sure to dreary spirit as Gertie brought
to me. ] shut the schoolhouse for the
summer vacation with feeling of relief
and pleasure, determined to accept her
invitation as early as possible. hur-
ried home, as / was unusually late, to
meet my aunt looking for my return.
What in the world has happened,
child ? You are excited !; is anything
wong"
ssNothing, auntie have received
letter from Gertie, who is married, and
sends me pressing invitation to spend
my holidays with her"
HBut, child, surely you would not
think of such thing? You have never
been away from home the distance is
long for yonng girl.
Auntie, have determined to go, SO
don't try to persuade me differently.
just read Gertie's letter, and know you
will approve.
Well, I suppose I shall have to give
you your own way" wiping her glasses
prior to adjusting them on her nose.
Kissing her gratefully, / ran up stairs
to pen few lines to my cousin, fixing
the time of my visit. The next task was
not so easy. MY wardrobe was not very
extensive, and to adapt it for the advent
ut hand required tact and ingenuity.
However, with my aunt's admirable
Judgment, combined with my own taste,
in less than o week was perfectly salts
fed with my outfit.
The day of my departure came at last,
intolerably warm, but bright and sunny,
rs July days usually are. bade my
aunt an affectionate adieu, w1ping away
n tear as looked back, only to see her
gazing at me through the window. /
half regretted the step / was about to
fake. as the distance heightened and I
could see her dear old face no more, and
1 thought how lonely she would be in
my absence. But ] unconsciously
tlrifted from home thoughts as I passed
my way through the crowd of passen-
gers all ready to board the train.
During the entire journey my thoughts
were busy with my intended visit. had
pictured to myself Gertie's husband
waiting to receive me; but how should
recognize him I?
At last my destination was reached,
md my heart gave q throb as ] stepped
from the train to the platform, anxiously
scanning every face, hoping to find a
friend. Suddenly my attention was at
fracted by gentleman seated in car
fiage behind magnificent span of grays.
pCHScHfSu ab u SltA1Cc bldb 4 Mhc bllo
subject of his earnest gaze.
tfGertie's husband, thought. "How
noble looking, and how worthy of Ger
tiel"
IT hope have the honor of address
ing Miss Hattie Lawrence" he said, ap-
preaching.
seI am she" yentured timidly, vainly
endeavoring to suppress characteristic
diffdence.
Evidently perceiviDg my embarrass-
naent. he cordially extended his hand.
II am happy to meet you, Miss Law
renee; you must be very tired after so
long q ride. IF you are ready I will
help you to the carriage. Gertie is
awaiting your arrival anxiously. Her
husband was called from home this morn
ing. on business; consequently the pleas
ant duty of meeting you fell on his
brother, Phil. J"
must have showed evidence of mis-
trusting his Introductory statement, for |
be added, his blue eyes beaming with |
humor,-
g hope you can trust yourself to me-"
I said yes, and he helped me to the |
carriage. In short time we had left |
the depot and the village far behind. |
The gentle animals leisurely trotted along |
as we gained o gradual ascent in the |
road. which gave us an unobstructed |
view of one of the most beautiful land |
seapes I had ever seen. To the north |
stood a range OF massive cliffs, out of |
whose highest peak came the ceaseless |
roar of mighty cataract, its silver |
spray being Just then embellished by
all the beauteous hues of the rainbow |
caused by the last lingering rays |
Of the setting sun. Beneath, lay !
the smiling valley, luxuriantly garbed
with the richest treasures of the season.
Beyond, stood a grove, and wrapped IN |
Its bosom could be seen several white |
cottages, an occasional CLEAN of sun
shine transforming the windows into
FURNISHED gold.
rentured to break the silence, being |
hardly capable of controlling the i'm
pulse.
This is one of the most charming |
spots have ever seen"
Mr.. Dent smiled.
sI perceive, Miss Lawrence, that you |
are al admirer of nature"
II am, indeed, Ireplied.