The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1881-01-06
Under the Apple Blossoms.
BY MISS AMELIA THRoPP.

BY MISS AMELIA THRoPP.
Mabel Vaughn was the daughter of a
plain, respectable farmer residing In the
State of Pennsylvania. He was hard
working, honest man, but 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
lawn in front sloping down upon the
winding public road On the left was a
garden inclosed with white-washed pal
iugs, 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 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 two-story frame country inn,
whose gaily painted sign-board swung
lazily In the air; the white spires of the
far-of village were seen In the distance.
The scene was of well-cultivated, coun-
try landscape, which, in its peaceful soli-
tude, was tempting to the wornout, FASH
ionable people of the heated, dusty cities,
and in summer many thronged the rural
neiRhborhood.
Mabel was the eldest Of nine children,
and, at the time I introduce her, in her
nineteenth year. She was tall, fair,
handsome, with slight, symmetrical
figure, clear complexion, large, deep blue
eyes, fringed with long black lashes,
well-shaped nose, and mouth tempting
as q rosebud; her waving masses of golden
hair crowned her well-shaped head like
halo. She was a beautiful, refined,
superior creature, entirely out of keeping
with her rude surrounding The country
lads were quite in 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 a
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 a 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 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 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 a tall, handsome,
dark-complexionedy young man of three
and-twenty summers. His father was a
man of different character from Mr..
Vaughn-industrious and managing,
with his fine farm out 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. 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 him her
undivided heart.
Philips ambition was to go to the city
and study for a lawyer and locate
there, making his way up to prominence
if possible. He had for some time beer
endeavoring to induce his father to ad
vance sufficient amount for this scheme
out of what in future would come to hin
out of the estate. Mr.. Adair was at frs
reluctant, not knowing how he coult
manage without him; but, wishing to dc
Justice to his noble son, and being yet il
his vigorous prime, with two activ'
younger boys, he finally consented, say
ing to his wife:
1--WE will not oppose the boy, Mary
for there is the making of great NAL
in him, and we will never let him re
fleet upon us for retarding his progress.
'Don't be proud, father" replied tn
fond little mother. 'tH Philip continue
to be as good as he il now, we will hav
sufficient cause to be grateful"
"Well, well, little woman, his fathe
will expect to see him become great, an
cont Aue good; the two make beautiful
combination"
As Mabel sat istlessly contemplatin
the scene, Philip Adair approached, ur
noticed, through the meadow, and stoo
looking with intense love and admiratio
upon her lovely face. AS he did so, hi
shadow ominously crossed hers upon th
grass.
"I will ask her again, he mental
exclaimed, ''to renew her engagement
lest some city man should come alon
whilst I am away and rob me of my treai
ure."
As these thoughts crossed his mint
without speaking, he threw himse
upon the clover at her feet.
She started, whilst food of crimso
colored her face, and looked shyly towal
her eager, handsome suitor, exclain
ing:
he was silent; he had come with
story to tell. Mabel guessed it before
had said word.
'Something has happened" she sal
gazing into his pale, sad face. "Do nj
conceal it from me-"
'Do not be frightened, Mabel; faith
and mother at last have Given their col