The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-01-07
Under the Apple Blossoms.
BY MISS AMELIA THRoPP.

ID 2AA1N AhEAAlA AAAhCAAs
Mabel Vaughn was the daughter of a
plain, respectable farmer residing IN the
State of Pennsylvania. He was hard
working, honest man, but a poor man
ager. always in arrears in his payments,
and at the time l now write much IN debt.
The old, twO-story farm house, with Its
white walls, rustic porch and green
blinds, stood upon an eminence, with a
lawn IN front slopiug down upon the
winding public road On the left was
garden inclosed with white-washed pal
ings, and an orchard to the right The
latter sloped back to meadow lands,
through which a broad stream flowed,
with banks bordered with willow and
alder; n large buttOnwoOd tree shaded
the back yard with its wide spreading
branches, whilst in the spring and sum
mer time festOOns of woodbine and roses
clustered over the rustic porch IN front.
From the latter was seen a broad ex-
panse of rolling country dotted here and
there with groves of trees. On the right,
by the roadside, a little distance off,
stood a two-story frame country inn,
whose gaily painted sign-bOard swung
lazily in the air; the white spires Of the
far-off village were seen in the distance.
The scene was of a well-cultivated, eoA-
try landscape, which, In its peaceful
tude, was tempting to the wornOut,
ionable people of the heated, dusty eiK
and in summer many thronged the
neighborhoOd.
Mabel was the eldest of nine child
and, at the time l introduce her. ii
nineteenth year. She was tall,
handsome. with a slight, symmet "a
figure, clear complexion, large, deep
eyes, fringed with long black lsl
well-shaped nose, and a mouth Temp
as rosebud; her waving ~lS1sses OF goV&
hair crowned her weVSshaped head hl
halo She wps n beautiful, retir
s,4nerior crsscure, entirely ont of keep
Will bsr rude surrounding. The couI
lad,N were quite In awe of the bean
girl. whom they called cold hearted -
proud. This was because they faile( 70
understand her refined, superior natI
She was not entirely satisfied with VI
lot. and was often oppressed with
strange longing for something better
than she had known. She was fond of
books, and eagerly grasped any chance
reading matter which came IN her way.
1t was the calm Of lovely Sabbath as
she sat upon the grass, leaning against
an old apple tree, with a book IN her
hand: her snowy dress floating around
her like a cloud, whilst a large straw hat
was keeping her calm blue eyes IN
shade. The trees were laden with bios
SONS. whilst the hum of bees filled the
air as they we're laying in their winter
supplv of honey. The air was full of
fragrance. and Mabel. with n half list
less admiration, viewed the scene, which
was fair enough to kindle the eye OF an
artist.
Philip Adair was the son of a neigh
boring farmer He and Mabel had been
brought mp together, their families being
fast friends He was tall, handsome,
dark-complexioned young man of three
and-twenty summers. His father was
man of different character from Mr..
VauOhn-industrious and managing,
with his fine farm ont of debt, and ga
little" as he said, 'laid up for rainy
day." Philip, his eldest son, was the
pride of his parents and the admiration
of the neighborhood, on account OF his
noble nature and mental superiority. be
worked hard on the farm, and all ms
spare time was devoted to study. de
had loved Mabel passionately from child
hood. and she in return gave him her
undivided heart.
Philips ambition was to go to the city
of P and study for lawyer and locate
there, making his way up to prominence
if possible. He had for some time been
endeavoring to induce his father to adj
vance a sufficient amount for this schGscs,
out of what in future would come to him
out of the estate. MIR. Adair was at first
reluctant, not knowing how he could
manage without him; but, wishing to do
Justice to his noble son, and being yet in
his vigorous prime, with two active
younger boys, he finally consented, say
ing to his wife:
s'We will not oppose the boy, Mary,
for there is the making of a great man
in him, and we will never let him re-
fleet upon us for retarding his progress. -
Don't be proud, father, replied the
fond little mother. 'If Philip continues
to be as good as he is now, we will have
sufficient cause to be grateful.
''Well, well, little woman, his father
will expect to see him become great and
continue good; the two make beautiful
combination.
As Mabel sat listlessly contemplating
the scene, Philip Adair approached. un-
noticed, through the meadow, and stood
looking with intense love and admistion
upon her lovely face. AS he did so. his
shadow ominously crossed hers upon the
grass.
81 will ask her again, he mentally
exclaimed, ''to renew her engagement.
lest some city man should come dong
whilst am away and rob me of my teas.
ure."
AS these thoughts crossed his mind.
without speaking, he threw himself
upon the clover at her feet.
She started, whilst food of crimson
colored her face, and looked shyly toward
her eager, handsome suitor, exchinn-
ing:
''Is that you, Phil? I have been ex-
pecting you.
He was silent; he had come With a
story to tell. Mabel guessed it before he
had said word.
Something has happened" she SAD
gazing into his pale, sad face. 'sDokot
conceal it from me-.
DO not be frightened, Mabel; in