The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1879-08-29
Hattie's Vacation.
BY EVELYN.

month. was an orphan, and lived with
my aunt, my mothers sister, to whom L
owed debt of gratitude. We lived
alone, in modest, unpretending way,
in a neat little cottage, situated on the
outskirts of the village, ten minutes
walk from my school.
I had no sister nor brother, therefore
was devotedly attached to my now 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
governess, while I remained with my
aunt near the lonely old home that was
now deserted. It was nearly three years
since we parted, Gertie and l. l 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
ters from Gertie! thought often, as the
weeks went by, that she must have en-
tirely forgotten me. It was probable
that she was married, and had found a
new and nobler love than mine.
I was absorbed in these reflections,
when the postman thrust in the open
window of the school-house a letter
which he held in his hand. In a moment
the envelope flew open.
"Oh, it is from Gertie! Dear Gertie,
how could think you heartless?"
The letter read as follows
'sDEAR HATTIE:-It seems very long
time since last I wrote, but / have
abundant good news to tell you. have
now beautiful home with the best and
noblest of husbands. The one wish to
be gratified is your presence here. 1
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, will 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 I
owe you. Do not hesitate; come as
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, sGERTIE DENT
Never did letter bring so much plea
sure to dreary spirit as Gertie's brought
to me. I shut the schoolhouse for the
summer vacation with a 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
wrong?"
Nothing, atlntie. have received o
letter from Gertie, who is married, and
sends me pressing invitation to spend
my holidays with her."
t'But, child, surely you would not
think of such thing? You have never
been away from home the distance is
long for young 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 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
not so easy. My wardrobe was not very
extensive, and to adapt it for the advent
at hand required tact and ingenuity.
However, with my aunt's admirable
Judgment, combined with my own taste,
in less than week was perfectly satis-
fed with my outfit.
The day of my departure came at last,
intolerably warm, but bright and sunny,
as July days usually are. I bade my
aunt an affectionate adieu, w1ping away
tear as I looked back, only to see her
gazing at me through the window. I
half regretted the step I was about to
take, as the distance heightened and I
could see her dear old face no more, and
thought how lonely she would be in
my absence. But I unconsciously
drifted from home thoughts as 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 I
recognize him?
At last my destination was reached,
and my heart gave a throb as stepped
from the train to the platform, anxiously
scanning every face, hoping to find a
friend. Suddenly my attention was at
tracted by gentleman seated in car
riage behind magnificent span of grays.
perceived at glance that was the
subject of his earnest gaze.
'tGertie's husband % I thought. "How
noble looking, and how worthy of Ger
tie!"
Z hope have the honor of address
ing Miss Hattie Lawrence" he said, ap-
preaching.
ss I am she," ventured timidly, vainly
endeavoring to suppress Characteristic
diffidence.
Evidently perceiving my embarrass-
ment, he cordially extended his hand
am happy to meet you, Miss Law
renee; you must be very tired after SO
long ride. IF you are ready I will
help you to the carriage. Gertie is
awaiting your arrival anxiodsly Her
husband was called from home this morn
ing, on business; consequently the pleas
ant duty of meeting you fell on his
brother, Phil"
Unjust have showed evidence of mis-
trusting his introductory statement, for
he added, his blue eyes beaming with
humor,-
hope you can trust yourself to me- !"
Isaid 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 gradual ascent in the