The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1880-04-22
ONLY A FARMER

Il don't like the country, and l never
would have come here but for the
chance of becoming Mrs. Allen Waters
that's the TRUTH" and Miss Addie
Atherton flounced into an easy chair,
and prepared for q fit of the sulks
Her mother looked up, amused at the
frankness of her youngest daughter; as
for Ler eldest, Dora, she sank back in
her seat with panied blush on her dark
cheek, str r..... .....
y 81 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!" grumbled Miss Ada, frown.
ing under her fiaxen 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
ances so that we could have made good
matches. Now everybody knows we
are poor"
"And everybody knows we are hon
estH cried Dora, who still trembled at
mention of her dead father. 1--WE set
tied everything as honorable as 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. Atherton, with sigh. Il am
thankful to have a roof over my head
iD my old age.'
"Uncle Alfred was absorbed in fori-
culture, and made pet of the place for
years. It's lovely here, think" said
Dora, leaning to look outin the bright
summer garden.
= 81 don't care for flowers" returned
Ada, moodily. 81 can't make myself
happy with hoes and waterng-pots. !
did .thinkit would be bet r Ian this,
with the Waters place o. osi But
Allen Waters is away, al IL, gates
shut against us. In fact, there is no.
body herew
You calculated a great deal on the
society OF q 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 congeriality and
similar tastes" burst forth Ada. "I've
taste for comfort and luxury, and !
could love any man who would give
them to me. Besides" somewhat
moderating her violence, as her mother
looked annoyed Mt her extreme state
lnent, you know we have always
heard what fine fellow Allen Waters
wasln
Dora said no more. Her bright, dark
face burned with indignation. She was
ashamed of Ada, sricved, 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 IIollyhocks. She was
miserable herself, and she certainly
made everybody else so. While Dora
was busy as bee, Ada moped herself
almost sick.
The little old phaeton which Dora
had driven in as u child was left the
family, and, at her mothers suggestion,
Dora hired a mild, fat dobbin Of n
neighboring farmer one day and invited
Ada to a drive.
"There's lovely scenery along the val
ley road. It will make little change
for you, Ada Besides, I've bit OF
news 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,
"Drivo past the Waters estate, Dora
What q fat, lazy horsel There is no
fun in driving if you can't drive in
style. There, now, see the Waters
place. It's all | expected It to be.
There'd be some comfort In living II
one could be mistress there. It's no
better marriage than ought to have