The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-07-15
CHAPTER II.
SHADY CREEK STATION.

1t was spring time in Australia. All
vegetation was beglmsng to burst forth
III green apparel Of many hueS. Dust
storms, parched lands, dried up rivers,
and gullies rent by large assures, were
things of the future,
\ cool south breeze blew across the
distant ranges; the first wild flowers
were visible in the bush, and the hum
of waking life began torise from Shady
Creek Station standing alone in the
picturesque Australian wilderness.
First there was the lowing of cattle
eager to escape from the stockyard then
the bark of dogs, blended with mems
voices and the sharp crack of the long
stock-whip.
As time went on the glass doors on
to the yerandah were thrown open. \
tall, well-looking. midde-aged man Of
military appearance, IN light oyercoat
and broad planters hat emerged and
strolled round to the outbuildings.--
Soon after another parsonage appeared
"a young girl of about nineteen. Her
step was elastic, her figure tall, and
graceful as willow wand. The morn
ing dress she wore Sas composed OF
some light, simple material, fitting
easily to her shape, while a round
straw hat, resting upon rich mass or
looped and braided golden hair, shad-
owed a face as sweet in expression as 1t
was lovely in feature. \ color as deli
cate as the wild rose tinged her cheek,
her large ,deep-violet eyes shone through
the long fringe Of lashes, while the
small red lips were just sufficiently
parted 10 admit of their owner hum
ming an aria from RigolettO. At her
side marched, with stately pride, a
splendid colley. She carried a basket
and pair Of scissors, and fitted about
the several flower beds gathering the
blossoms where they showed.
1t took some while before the basket
was sufficiently stocked, then the girl
returned to the verandah, and entered
room nicely furnished, where break
fast was laid, and presided over by an
elderly lady OF somewhat prim and pre-
else aspect.
Been robbing the flower-beds, Flo"
she inquired.
well. auntie, if robbers were judged
by the value robbed, +" laughed the girl
gaiiy, my theft this morning would not
be very great. The flowers are very
late this year"
"Or you are very inpatient. Better
have left them where they were, they'll
die in a day i'll that vase"
Not 50 soon as that, auntie, | hope.
II 50, there will be more out tomorrow
10 renew them, and it's 50 nice to have
flowers in the room. Uncle always likes
them"
$50 does Herbert Archer; at least l
heard him say 50 when he was last here.
BY the way, Flo, isn't he coming to-
day?n
so uncle said, that he meant TO ride
| over to look at the new cattle. But, u
with pretty toss Of the graceful head
don't imagine, auntie, have robbed
the garden for his pleasure"
"Iwish ! could imagine SO, Flo; he
loves you sincerely"
"Then, auntie, he is wise enough,
seeing | do not love him, to keep silent
on the point"
but why can't you love himy What
objection can you have to the young
fellow"
II have no objection. He is very
pleasant and agreeable
And would make an excellent hus.
band.n
II have not the least doubt of it
auntle, only, you see, don't want tc
try the experiment"
"More silly child you. He is hand
some, and very well.to-do, and yor
should think Of settling. Most girls
would, butt can't make you out. Flo
II YOU loved anybody else, it would b,
a different thing"
"Ah, if--those provoking IFS, " laugh
ed the girl, but as she stopped lowe
over the flowers her cheek had deepe,
hue. But there's no one here | cout
love, Is there, without it was Steev,
Boyne, the stockman; or old JtNk, tn,
native Australian; Or
"llow can you be SO absurd, Flo
Let me tell you the subject is not on
to jest upon. If you are so hard to suit
you'll just die an old maid,n
Better that, auntie, than to MARI
some one don't love- Then gravely
".Auntie, don't be offended; I'm no
testing, really, but don't want to MAJ
Iy--I don't think | ever shall. There
dear, give me kiss, and don't let llei
bert Archer make US i'll friends. Pc,
haps, when the right man comes, l.
say yes, but don't ask me to unit
then"
STOPPING, she pressed her soft, war;
lips TO the old lady's cheek, then IA
from the room to I'LL the vase wit