The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1880-04-01
ONLY A FARMER.

q don't like the country, and 1 never
would have come here but for the
chance of becoming Mrs. Allen Waters
that's the TRUTH and Miss Addie
Atherton bounced into IN easy chair,
and prepared for q fit Of the sulks.
Her mother looked up, amused at the
frankness Of her youngest daughter; rs
for Ler eldest, Dora, she sank back in
her seat with panied blush on her dark
check.
II am sure, Ada, you need not COM
plain. You have far easier time liv-
ing at the Hollyhocks than either
mother or l." she said.
why everything need be so hateful,
Idon't see!" grumbied Miss Ada, frown-
ing under her faxen curls. IF father
hadn't died now, he might have run
along for years, until Dora and l were
suitably married. and kept up appear
anccs so that we could have made good
matches. Now everybody knows we
are poor" ....'.-.
And everybody knows we are hon
est!' cried Dora, who still trembled at
mention of her dead father. "We set
tied everything as honorable rs possible,
and came here to live, glad of Uncle
Alfred's offer-at least was"
"And I'm sure I was, my dear" said
Mrs. Athcrton, with s:gh. " I am
thankful 10 have a root over ny head
in my old age
Uncle Alfred was absorbed in hori-
culture, and made a pet Of the place for
years. It's lovely here, think" said
Dora. leaningto look out into the bright
summer garden.
~ don't care FOR flowers" returned
Ada, moodily. II can't make myself
happy with hoes and watering pots. l
did think it would be better than this,
with the Waters place Opposite. But
Alien Waters is away, and tnc gates
shut against us. In fact, there is no.
body lierc"
"You calculated q great deal on the
society of man you don't know in the
least, Ada" said Dora. returning to her
sewing.
''I'm not in the least like you, Dora,
with your notions of congeniality and
similar tastes" burst forth Ada. 1--we
q taste for comfort and luxury, and l
could love any man who would give
them to me. Besides" somewhat
moderating her violence, as her mother
looked annoyed at her extreme state
lnent. "you know we have always
heard what fine fellow Allen Waters
was!'
Dora said no more. Her bright, dark
face burned with indignation. She was
ashamed of Ada, grieved, yet secretly
tried to make some excuse for her sister.
Perhaps the Hollyhocks was dull be-
yond endurance to Ada. They had
never been alike. 1t was wrong, per-
haps, to blame her too much. Yet she
still shuddered at Ada's unwomanly
words.
Day by day Ada continued her COM
plants of the Hollyhocks. She was
miserable herself, and she certainly
made everybody else so. While Dora
was busy as a bee, Ada moped herself
almost sick.
The little old phaeton which Dora
had driven in as q child was left the
family, and, at her mothers suggestion,
Dora hired mild, tet dobbin of =
aeighboring farmer one day and invited
Ada to drive.
There's lovely scenery along the val
lt.y road. 1t will make little change
FOR you, Ada. Besides, I've bit OF
rcws to brighten you up"
Ada turned languidly.
"Allen Waters is coming home, "
said Dora, with family mischievous
smile.
After moments thought Ada rose,
arrayed herself in her prettiest driving
costume, and entered the carriage.
Drive past the Waters estate, Dora
What a fat, lazy horse! There is nc