The true northerner., 1880-02-20
ANNA Van DORM.
BY MRS. MAMIE STEELE MOORE.


oh! what a jolly time the girls and
boys had that day Cor l may say ladies
and gentlemen, for we all had arrived
at the years of discretion) down on the
banks of a beautiful stream, that proudly
swept through the pine woods of
Georgia. 1t was a day devoted to the
entertainments that are to be enjoyed
at a country picnic. We had spacious
platform, excellent music, merry dancing,
boating, fishing, refreshmen of every
kind-rich viands, delicious sweetmeats,
tempting fruits, cool, refreshing bever.
ages, and plenty of time to discuss on
various subjects; but, strange to say, no
matter what subject was introduced, nor
on what point we argued, it inevitably
ended upon sweethearts and matri-
mOny. l was rather stranger in the
locality; had only been there about
six months teaching schooD not being
very sociably disposed naturally, and
greatly burdened with my scholastic
duties, had formed but very few ac-
quaintances; but among the little mum.
ber there was one that had found a
warm place in my affections. This was
the beautiful, highly accomplished and
regal-looking Anna Van Dorm. She
wasabout2 2 years my senior-jovial, high
spirited and possessed of as noble heart
"a ever throbbed-a heart overhowing
with affection, kindness and sympathy.
Her father had been az extensive plan
ter, and accumulated considerable
wealth but his death had occurred long
before my meeting with his lovely
daughter.
She was at that time an orphan, and
residing with married brother, about
three miles from where L was boarding.
/ found In Anna all the beautiful
traits so much TO be admired in true
woman, and we soon became warm, con-
hdential friends.
My time was too much occupied to
admit OF me visiting her often, and those
visits were very brief; but she would
spe:ld days, and sometimes weeks, with
me; and [ shall never forget the pleas
ant hours L enjoyed while in company
with her, and how much appreciated
her social visits.
OF course, Anna was at the picnic; it
would have been blank without her,
ter she was the acknowledged belle of
the community for miles around.
AS usual, she and J. were ipseparable; !;
VIC walked together, sat together, and
were as affectlonate to each other as
girls only are capable of being.
We had been on the grounds but q
short while, when there appeared on
the scene-very Unexpectedly to my
self, though the surprise, must say,
was "a remarkably pleasant one-a very
distinguished young lawyer that had
the honor of claiming as friend.
Like myself, his acquaintance among
the assembly was very limited.
He soon made his way through
the crowd to where L was
standing; and, after hearty
shaking of hands, and considera-
BILE surprise expressed on the part of
each at our very unexpected meeting,
he explained to me that he had come
out from the city the day before on
business of very important nature !;
and, having heen compelled to remain
in the neighborhood over night, that
the young people at the house where
he was stopping had prevailed upon
him to attend the picnic.
As usual Anna was near me. / at
sracted his attention to her, and told
him that would introduce him to my
dearest and most intimate friend, and
assured him that he would find her very
entertaining, and, doubtless, pass avery
pleasant day in her charming society.
truly loved her, and really felt proud
10 cali her my friend; and, in short
time after, as 1 saw his tall, graceful
form bending so low, listening to the
sweet, low music of her voice, till the
brown, wavy hair fell in masses of beau
ty over his classic brow, while her up
turnod face, radiant with smiles, her
bright black eyes, beaming with intel
lect, looked so confidingly up to him.
I Thought, oh, what handsome couple