The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1881-01-26
Under the Apple Blossoms.
BY MISS AMELIA THROPP.

DI hlNo AhIAi4ltA lilhOiIs
Mabel Vaughn was the daughter of O
| plain, respectable farmer residing in the
State Of Pennsylvania. He was a hard
working, honest man, but q poor man
ager, always in arrears in his payments,
and at the time now write much in debt
The old, two-story farmhouse, with its
white walls, rustic porch and green
blinds, stood upon an eminence, with a
lawn in front sloping 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 broad stream flowed,
with banks bordered with willow and
alder; 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 broad ex-
panse of rolling country dotted here and
there with groves Of trees On the right,
by the roadside, little distance off,
stood two-story frame country inn,
whose gaily painted sign-board swung
lazily in the air; the white spires Of the
far-oif village were seen in the distance.
The scene was of well-cultivated, coun-
try landscape, which, in its peaceful soli-
tude, was tempting to tho wornout, fash
ionablo people of the heated, dusty cities,
and in summer many throngod the rural
aeighborhood.
Mabel was the eldest of nine children,
and, at the time | introduce her, III her
nineteenth year. She was tall fair,
handsome, with II slight, symmetrical
figure, clear complexion, large, deep blue
eyes, fringed with long black lashes,
well-shaped nose, and mouth tempting
as n rosebud; her waving masses ofgoIdcn
hair crowned her well-shaped head like n
halo. She was beautiful, refined,
superior creature, entirely out of keeping
with her rude surrounding. The country
lads were quite III awe Of the beautiful
girl, whom they called cold hearted and
proud. This was because they failed to
understand her refined, superior nature.
She was not entirely satisfied with her
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 n lovely Sabbath as
she sat upon the grass, leaning against
an old apple tree, with book in her
hand: her snowy dress floating around
her like cloud, whilst large straw hat
was keeping her calm blue eyes in
shade. The trees were laden with BIOS
SONS, whilst the hum of bees filed the
air as they were laying in their winter
supply of honey The air was full Of
fragrance, and Mabel, with a 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 up 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..
Vaughn-industriou and managing,
with his fine farm out Of debt, and "a
little" as he said, "laid up for II rainy
day." Philip, lis eldest son, was the
pride of his parents and the admiration
of the neighborhood, on account Of his
noble nature and mental superiority. He
worked hard on the farm, and all his
spare time was devoted to study. He
had loved Mabel passionately from child
hood, and she in return gave hlm her
undivided heart
Philips ambition was to go to the city
ofP-- and study for a 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 sufficient amount for this scheme,
out of what in future wouH come to him
out of the estate. Mr. Adhir 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:
ave will not oppose the boy, Mary,
for there is the making of great man
in him, and we will never let him re.
feet upon us for retardlng his progress
Don't be proud, father" replied the
fond little mother. '1f 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,
looking with intense love and admiration
upon her lovely face. As he did SO, bis
shadow ominously crossed hers upon the
81 will ask her again" he mentally
exclaimed, ''to renew her engagement,
lest some city man should come along
whilst am away and rob me Of my treas
ure,"