The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1879-04-26
MIRA CONES LOVERS.

Mira, much as you assert the imposssbility
of such thing"
"No, indeed, Neliel Not while 80 hand
some rival as Harry Murray - is in the
field"
"But Mr.. Grafton is rich--elderly, but a
true type oil one of natures gentlemen"
" Yes but one would like to know the
original color of his hairj sandy, though, |
judge, from his skin," replied Mira, laugh
ing.
Nellie Clay had met Mr.. Grafton the eve
ming before, and been introduced by Mira.
After his rather lengthy call her aunt told
her he was in search of wife, was a wild
over and wealthy.
ellis eyes followed you, Mira, wherever
you went. But tell me about Harry you
know have never met my cousin that is to
be-"
ooh, he is indiseribable-ss handsome as
picture. But yonder he comes-judge for
yourself"
Before Nellie could reply the object Of
their conversation stood before them, and an
introduction followed. They did not enter
the house but remained on the vne-covered
portico, where the roses were noddiHg in the
evening breeze, scenting the air with their
sweet perfume. The full moon, riding in
the clear blue sky, sent her soft light down,
and mellowed the scene with beauty.
Farmer Cone sat with them half hour,
then went to the sitting room in search Of
his wife. Years and hard work had not
Iessened his love for her, nor made him lin
ger away from her side when the days work
was done. They were singularly happy
family, and more fortunate than the aver
age farmer in their home comforts. The two
sons, older than Mira, were married and
followed their professions,o one as physician,
and the other minister of the gospel
Mira was eighteen, and younger broth
named Joseph, net quite sixteen, made up
the family.
"Did exaggerate ?" asked Mira Of Nell
lie, after they had retired tn their room.
"No, he is charming; although too intel
ligent to follow plow. would not per-
nit it, if were you"
Gle will hire the rough work done, and
farm on scientific principles. He has attend
ed an agricultural college for two years, and
thinks he can make farming a success"
al should think you would like change.
Much as like a summer visit to the count
ry, it must be very dull in winter. How do
you spend the long evenings, without lee
lures, concerts, parties, operas and theatres?"
"Oh, we never think of such things, and
find plenty of enjoyment in reading, and
sociability with the neighbors."
"But Mr. Grafton has a fine city mansion
and plenty of money. How can you hest
tate between city and country life, when the
former offers wealth and case and TIE latter
poverty and hard work? / wish Grafton
would transfer his love to me; can't you in
innate that am in the market?"
"Yes, if you are in earnest. But you
must not trlAe with him, he is too good fol
that"
"No; will become Mrs Grafton--if he
proposes"
, After six weeks had passed Mira scarcely
knew whether she was glad or sorry Nellie
had come. She found that her guest was
treacherous, and plotted to destroy her hap
piness. She found her guilty of many little
meannessesj and she frequently talked con
temptously of farm work. Mira was accus
toned to doing the milking and feeding thu
young calves and pigs. One day Nellie ex
claimed:
al don't see how you can wade about in
muddy barn yard among dumb beasts
when a word from you might set you OF
r city pavements, or give you fine carriag,
at command"
/ would rather walk with Harry thar
ride with Grafton" answered Mira.
1t was a wet disagreeaLle evening in July
and Mr. Grafton, having come to the farm
house in the afternoon, was detained becaus
e of heavy showers. After tea, he and Nelli,
r were sitting on the portieo, when Mira cam,
from the barn-yard with two pals of milk.
A "Irs too bad, Mira, that you should b,
obliged to go to the cow-yard such we
evening"" said Nellie. "Why don't Jo
e milk ?"
s "Joe is busy, and am not complaining,
replied Mira.
. "She has only to name the day, and sh,
G need never enter barn-yard again." saic
5 Grafton.
"You had better transfer your proposition
S to Nellie, since your sympathy is lost upol
e me-" answered Mira, disappearing arounc
' the house.
Nelly looked up archy into Mr., Grafton
e face, but he pretended not to see the fine op
portunity for love-making. His eyes haC
r followed Mira.
Mira felt keenly her cousins sarcasm
t and when, few minutes later, Harry cam
up the walk, she looked at her red hand
:, and wondered if he had noticed the con
a trast between them and Nellie's soft whit
4 ones.
- Where are the others9' he asked Nellie
+ stepping upon the portico.
you mean Mira, yonder she goes
S tending to her stock she iscarrying buck
r etful of buttermilk to the pigs"
), Mira heard gay, mocking laugh, il
}. which Harry joined, and she felt the bloo
It rush to her neck and temples. A few mo
IS ments later she smoothed her hair, put o
is becoming evening dress, and went out I
e meet her guests.
$, Nellie and Harry were occupying on
seat, and Mr. Grafton politely asked her
e sit by him. Nellie darted a quick glance q
1t Harry with her flashing black eyes, and
e noticed a soft tlush on Mira's cheek.
y A slight pause followed, then all gre'
d lively, and Mira was unusually bright an
le full Of repartee. She noticed that Mr.. Ora
lie tons broadcloth was of the finest texture ,h
white vest exceedingly becoming, his hand
or sof and white as a baby's. lie rested h