St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1881-07-02
Just then Jessie entered with her

have made peculiarly their own, so
different, SO much colder are our
city friends.
All through it, though, Leslie
could not help regretting that he
had brought but two changes of
clothes. "Yet how was I to sus-
pect that such a beauty existed out
herel'
every fne place-beautiful. be
replied to the farmers question OF
how he Liked the country. As he
said beautiful" he looked, not at
the lovely view to he seen from the
open window, but at the animated
face of Jessie, as she bent over her
brothers chair and asked him ques-
tion after question. he answering in
his free, Joyous way.
Leslie could not help thinking
what happy household this SEEM
ed to be.
Dinner will soon be ready" said
Jessie, at last. "Would you like to
go to your room before dinlne?"
and she looked at Fred. Pray,
Mr.. Harris, make yourself at
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 wil.-
dows, which were partially shaded
by giant oak that stood near, and
the cool, porfumed air greeted
them as they entered.
What luxury" cried Leslie, as
he looked around the plainly fur
nished room, which yet was SO neat,
and SO entirely delightful, and
noted everything, especially the
plump, white bed, SO daintily ar
ranged.
"I'm glad you like it. old fellow"
said his young host. Il feared that
our plain country life might suffer
by comparison with your Injurious
one; but you see farmers are sell
dom able to spend money on more
than the bare necessities of life
we are contented set, though"
cit seems to me you ought to be-
returned the other, now getting
himself Up in style; for. thought he,
Miss Jessie will be gotten up very
nicely; all girls are, when there's
company. / think Edith would
like ter."
Edith vas foyorite sister, five
years younger than himself, and he
was twenty-five. They were the
only children of wealthy parents,
who lived in.Buaalo. At college he
had made the acquaintance of Fred
Evans, ami this acquaintance soon
ripened into friendship. The vaca-
ton previous the twc had spent to-
gether at Leslie's home. There
Fred had left his heart in keeping
OF his friends sister. Now both
had graduated, and had come to
enjoy the country air for few
| weeks at the home of farmer Evans.
Entering the gate, and following
the broad, graseled drive, the young
men had reached the front of the
house, when Fred had said, "Sup-
pose we go round the back way and
surprise them. You know they
don't look for us till tomorrow"
So they went around. and, walk
ing on the brick floor, sheltered by
a porch overhead, Leslie observed
how convenient were the Well and
cistern, and the entrance to the
wood-house.
A swing dangled in their way,
and, pushing it aside, they were 60
ing directly to the kitchen door,
when a noise directed their atten-
ton to the right. Looking through
the open doorway, they beheld Miss
Jessie as she appeared at the OPEN
ing of our story.
Having got back to the begin
ming, we take up our story where
We lett OH.
The young men had just COM
pleted their toilet when the dinner
bell sounded. Miss Jessie. far from
being gotten up" was simply at
tired in clean, dark calico dress.
ruffied about the breast and shoul-
de1s. The skirt was short, aud left
to view neat little foot. Her dark
curls were newly brushed, and they
.aoated gracefully over her pretty
shoulders. Her color was bright,
yet softened by the white ribbons at
her throat.
She evidently had not been idle
during the last half-hour; and Les
lie rightly concluded that Ler hands