The Russellville Democrat., 1881-06-23
JESSIE.

upon the table; her short skirts gathered close in one little hand, and the broom tightly cla'ped in the other.
 Her lovely dark eyes were dilated in terror, as she gazed steadfastly toward the darkest corner of that sunny room, as if expecting to see some terrible ap- partition there. A comical, and yet alto gether charming tableau, she thus pre- sented to the two young men, now paus- ing before the open door of the dining room.
 Why. what's the matter, sis?" cried one, at last. 'Is it ghost, or"
 "Oh, Fred, ii's mouse! Oh-h-h! there It is. Look"
 A mouse, as she spoke. darted across the room, and vanished into tiny hole.
 Come down, Jessie" said her brother, laughing. reaching out his arms to lift her to the floor, land let me introduce you to my friend, Leslie Harri-."
 Taking her slight form in his strong arms, be kissed her several times, and then placed her we'll on her feet.
 J,ssie blushed very much, and threw back her black curls from low, broad forehead, as she glanced up at her broth CTS friend.
 q hope you have recovered from your fright; you had all my sympathy" said Leslie Harris, with a serious face, but gleam of mischief in his dark blue eyes.
 A clear, ringing laugh came from Jes. sie's pretty lips, for she cutie realized the absurdity Of the whole thing.
 Quite recovered" sine answered, But, pray, spare me ridlcuie. l am so afraid of rats,-"
 "Micew maliciously interrupted her brother.
 Jessie took no notice of tue interrup- ton, but went on, addi essing his friend.
 "Pray, sit down, MT. Harris. q will go and call father and moth- CT. Brother wrote he di1n't expect to be here till to-morrow, and I was just putting the house in order; we country girls, you know, are not asham- ed of work"
 She darted from the room, as she spoke, leaving Leslie thinking how very pretty girl could look in chintz dress, and with broom in her hand.
 Leslie turned to his friend. "Why, Fred" he exclaimed, "you never told me you had grown sister. l thought she was little girl"
 Well" returned the other, laughing, "that she is little you can't deny; and she's net much more than child, for she's only sixteen"
 Just then Jessie entered with her par- ents. Hearty greetings followed, in way that country people have made pe- culiarly their own, so different, so much colder are our city friends.
 All through it, though, Leslie could not help regretung that he had brought but two changes of clothes, "Yet how was I to suspect that such beauty existed out here !'
 "Very fine place-beautifui p he res piled to the farmers question of how he liked the country. As he said beautiful, he look ed, not at the lovely view to be seen from the open window, but at the animated face of Jessie as she bent over her brothers chair and asked him ques- ton alter question, he answering in hls free, joyous way,
 Leslie could not help thinking what a happy household this seemed to be.
 Dinner will soon be ready" said Jes- sic, at last. "Would you like to go to your room before dining?" and she look ed at Fred. Pray, MT. Harris" make yourselfat home."
 With these words she hustled off to the kitchen, while the two friends went above to Fred's room.
 The white muslin curtains were drawn back from the open windows, wkich were partially shaded by giant oak that stood near, and the cool. periumed air greeted them as they entered.
 "What luxury" cried Leslie, looking around the plainly y-iurnished room, which yet was so neat, and so entirely delightful, and noting everything. espec- ially the plump, white bed, so daintily arra oged.
 "rm glad you like it, old fellow !" said his young host. 'I feared that our plain country life might suffer by comparison with your luxurious one; but you see farmers are seldom able to spend money on more than the bare necessiues oflite we are contented set, though"
 "It seems to me you ought 10 be-" re- turned the other, now busy getting him. self up in style; for, thought he, "Miss Jessie will be gotten up nicely: all giris are when there's company. l think Eiith would like her."
 Edith was tavorite sister, five years younger than himself, and he was twen- ty-tive. They were the only children of wealthy parents, who lived in Buffalo. At college he had made the acquaintance of Fred Evans, and this acquaintance soon ripened into friendship. The vaca- ton previous the two had spent together at Lesie's home. There Fred had left his heart in keeping ofhis friend s sister. Now, both had graduated, and had come to enjoy country air for q few weeks at the house of farmer Evans.
 Entering the gate, and following the broad, graveled drIve, the young men had reached the front ofthe house. when Fred had said, Suppose we go round the back way and surprise them You know they don't look for us till tomorrow"
 So they went around. and, walking on the brick floor, sheltered by q porcn overhead Leslie observed how convent ent were the well and the cistern, and the entrance 10 the wood-house.
 A swing dangled in their way, and, pushing it aside, they were going direet- ly to the kitchen door, when noise di rected his attention to the right. Look tng th ruugb tta omen lOorwaV fhQV