The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-12-30
OFF AND ON.


and with the windows of it's sitting-room all
ablaze with the CHEEKY light of hickory
fire.
Mr.. Joel Albright sat on one side of the
fire, meditatively twirling his thumbs-a
bald headed, rosy faced old gentleman, with
good nature and content on every feature.
His sister, comely and pleasant, though an
"old maid" occupied the rocking chair OPP
posite, busted with her knitting, yet every
now and then casting glance first from the
window and then at the nicely spread sup
table visible in m adjoining room.
I'm afraid that we allow Nellie to stay
out too late, now that the evenings are get
ting chilly" she presently remarked.
1T won't hurt her" her brother returned,
placidly. Il heard her say that the woods
and lanes were prettiest at sunset, and we
may as well let her enjoy herself in her own
way whileshe's with us.
"She ought to live in the country. That's
what she was made for. How delighted
she is with everything-even the little ducks
and chickens-and how bright and rosy
she's grown in the short time that she's been
here!"
II wish we could keep her with US, " said
Mr.. Albright, wistfully.
Il wish we could Miss Lolita replied. II
fancy she's not very happy at her Aunt Ben
ticks. She's worldly minded woman,
with daughters of her own whom she's anx-
ious to marry of, and I've an idea that she
sent Nellie to us; less from remembering
sake of getting her out of the way of her
own girls. Lucy Bentick is Nellie's age,
and not to compare with her in good looks. :"
A brief silence ensued, when MIR. Albright
said, slowly:
I've been thinking, Lottie, if it wouldn't
be right in us to make some provision for
Nellie. We could leave her a, part of the
property"
Why, Joelr'
eyes, yes! I know that we always in
tended it fo:' Dick; but it's considerable
large propert. and he can afford to spare
part to Nellie. They are the same kin to us
-great-niece and great-nephew- Nellie
has nothing of her own to speak Of. And
if she shouldn't marry, like you, Lottie, or
should marry badly-as Dick mother did
what will she have to depend upon?'
Miss Lottie knitted a moment in silence.
Then she said:
''You ore about right, brother, and we will
think Of it. But hush-here comes Nellie"
She moved her chair, and made plenty of
room in front of the fire; then looking
around with pleasant smile on her face,
started up with an exclamation of astonish-
ment:
''Why, Richard!'
eyes, it is I, Aunt Lottie," laughingly
said the tall, good looking young man who
entered. ''Don'tlook as though you beheld
an apparition' am no ghost-let me con-
vince you"
He took her in his arms, and gave her q
kiss and bearish hug, then shook his uncle
heartily by both hands.
Where did you drop from so suddenly
Dick? thought you were in Brooks &
Browns Office, iggering away for dear life.
80 l vas yesterday But they had
me to look after it, kindly granting me leave
for three days of partridge shooting. Ihad
no summer holiday, YOU know, and was ac-
tually pining for look at dear old Maple
wood, and tramp through the stubble,
with Nellie at my heels.
''Nellie? Oh, the setter, you mean. Well,
she's already for you. Poor boy! was
considerable afraid you wouldn't be salts
fed. Shut up in q banking Office! Boys
brought up among horses, and dogs and
guns, don't naturally take to city life. But
the shooting's frst-rate this season, Dick,
and I've been wishing for you every day
that I've been out. My eye amt as good,
nor my hand as sure. as they used to be,
but brought down a dozen partridges to-
day"
put in Miss Lottie; and, besides, Richard,
there Is another treat for you-a young
lady"
"A young lady? Why auntie. that will
spoil all. was thinking how cozy should
be with only you two
Here he was interrupted by slight tap at
the window, and a small white hand, hold
ing sprig of holly, was visible, reaching up
to the window-pane.
"That's Nellie" Aunt Lottie said "com-
ing in from her walk: and now we will have
''But auntie, I'm not presentable in this
dusty coat. I'll run up stairs and furnish up
little"
He disappeared at one door, as Nellie en-
tered at another-a slight, graceful girl, with
a sweet face, bright-brown eyes, and white
hands holding mass of autumn leaves.
Il feared you would scold me for staying
out SO late, Aunt Lottie," she said; "but
was tempted to follow the stream as far as
the mill -pond-and oh, Uncle 10, it was Just
lovely!'
t'Well, hope it has given you an appetite,
my dear, for supper is about ready said
practical Aunt Lottie; "and there's gentle
man coming in to tea, Nellie, so if you want
to smooth your hair-what tangle it is in,
child!-you must be quick about it, for here
comes Ann with the rolls and cartridges.
The brother and sister looked at each
other, as her light step sounded on the
stairs, and her sweet voice was heard hum
ming snatch of an old song.
''Theyre q handsome complexities their
hearts!" said Uncle Joel.
"Suppose they were to fancy each other?"