The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1881-02-25

our drive home, one mo uent telling
me some anecdote of the city. and al
another bursting into raptures of de-
light at the beautiful scenery. The
lake, he said, was lovely, and would
be splendid place for a sail occa,
sionally. lie asked if there were
many ladies living near, and when
told him / did not know, he looked
surprised.
"Have any ladies arrived in the
neighborhood lately ?" said he, with
considerable interest in his manner.
81 really can not say" l replied.
81 do not visit much. My Sister is
continually gong to some party OF
picnic, and she really had the con.
science to ask me to picnic last
week"
"And you did not go ?" said he.
Certainly not" said l. II had
other things to look to that day; be-
sides it is always so dull at those pic
nics."'
81 think the contrary" said he,
''for l always enjoy myself when l
SIN sitting under some fine shady old
trees, where all around is fresh and
delicious. 1t is,not like the burning,
hot sidewalks of our cities. | tell
you, cousin, you can never enjoy the
country, unless you have lived in one
of our largest cities, where all is bus
tie and confusion. To me, who al
ways lived in town, it is quite a treat
to have even an excursion to the
country. "But there is the old
house." he exclaimed, as We came IN
full view of my home; ''it looks as
usual, and | declare | can see aunt
ready to welcome me, and Cousin
Lucy, too. But l say, cousin, who
are those other young ladies' ?"
l expressed my entire ignorance Of
who they were. l noticed, as We
drew up at the door, that Joseph
gave a look of surprise and pleasure
at one of the windows, but before ]
could catch a glimpse of the person
who was gazing from it she had van
ished. My mother welcomed Joseph
warmly, and kissed him as she would
myself Lucy welcomed him, but did
not kiss him, although he looked as
if he could undergo that penance
from all present.
was now introduced to the ladies,
but did not look half Of them in the
face, and therefore could not tel one
from the other afterward. Supper
was soon announced. l conducted
the only young lady l knew, Mis-,
Isabella Graham, to the table.
As We withdrew to the parlOr, she
said:
"What do you think of Miss Ger
trude Walton ?"
(Which lady do you mean?" l re-
piled, II am not interested enough tC
know one from the other"
"Well, really, Mr.. Leonard" sale
she, 81 ought not to tell you; but
will take compassion on you. Mr.
Danes is now talking to her."
| looked in the direction indicated
and imagine my surprise when l be-
held the lady l had escorted from
Utica to Auburn. l fear Isabel,
found me very dull companion from
that moment, for | scarcely knew
what | said or did, until some person
proposed a walk on the lake shore.
All felt the beauty Of the scene
sink INTO their souls; for though WheI
they first came out, they were talk
ing and laughing, now they were 81
lent, and walked along, each one deeE
in their own thoughts. At length
We arrived at lonely grove, which
was near the lake.
"What lovely spot" exclalmeC
Danes, as we entered. And truly i
seemed as if the wand of a magician
had been at work to beautify thu
scene, for the moon now rose in al
its splendor, casting a silvery ligh
over every object far or near. The
lake seemed to dance in its rays, anc
objects before indistinct were now
seen almost as clSarly as by day, only
the light was purer and more heav
enly. The hall was in view from
where we stood, and it was bathed IL
food of moonlight. Itnever looked
so beautiful. / turned to Gertrude
and saw her and Danes looking II
one direction on the lake. They
seemed to have thoughts in common
for whenever he would point ou'
some spot more beautiful than thf
rest, her eyes lit up, and she woulS
gaze on it evidently with more pleas
ure than if any one else had directed
her attention to it. 1t caused me
good many pangs to witness this, bu'
could not withdraw my eyes from
the pair. / almost cursed Danes fol
his good fortune.
The evening soon passed and We
returned to the hall. In shor