The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-09-20
MY COUSIN.

Uriah and | had wandered through mar
row, white paths, bordered with soft
grass, through the deep shady wood, in
search of the purple phlox and waxy star
lillies-of the clear stream that rippled
through the clover field, where we dipped
our faces, to draw them out again, glow
ing with the health and roses of child>
hood.
l remember, with a thrill of ter
ror even then, the day | had fallen
asleep beneath the great red apple
tree and was awakened by cold,
Shiny movement over my hands. Horror
glued my lips together and held me mo-
tionless for | knew it must be snake.
could not gather strength to cry out, but
in moment heard the rushing of pair
or feet, and Cousin Uriah caught the
serpent up in his hands and threw it from
him with the strength that terror alone
can give. 1t was a large black snake,
and it was thousand wonders that the
brave boy escaped unhurt. Gratitude
toward him filled my life forever after
ward.
These memories of my childhood wove
themselves around my cousin Uriah, and
clothed him with the purest affection of
my heart, and resolved to do every
thing in my power to make his visit a
pleasant one.
was determined to show my acquaint
ances that | was not ashamed of my coun-
try relative, and so, in order to do this and
at the same time give cousin Uriah a
handsome welcome, | made select party,
composed of the most handsome and in.
telligent of my friends, the evening he
was to arrive. had invited several who
ranked high in literary circles, so that
there was no fear of a dull evening, and
Herbert Stetson, a young author, who was
noted and half feared for his keen sar>
casm, and one for whom l would have
sacrificed my life, was among the first to
arrive.
He took my hand in his small, neatly
gloved one and gave it gentle pressure,
looking down in my face with an express
sion hair of tenderness. half of admiras
ton, and my heart gave great thrOb OF
happiness, and my life seemed to have
burst all at once into the fairest and
/ sweetest blossom.
Soon the guests arrived, time passed
pleasantly, and the hour for my cousins
arrival drew near. Twas in t1utter OF
delight and expectation. l could scarce
ly await the arrival of the carriage I had
| sent to the depot to return with him.
thought not of the appearance he would
make in my parlOrs, for if his coat should
be threadbare; nay, worse, three seasons
out Of fashion, knew the great truthful
soul would shine out through all, for
felt an honest pride in the sterling good
qualities of my cousin, Urah The
sound of carriages wheels and heavy feet
drew me into the hall; but before hat
time to look around great, strong pail
of arms caught me and gave me hugging
that left me brcathless, and loud, coarse
voice greeted me with!
by jung! Bessie herself, lookin' rs fine
rs a fiddle. | say Bessie, you amt uSet
to havin' much company, | reckon, seem
as how you fix up jest afore you cousin
iain't seen you before since you were
knee high to a duck-must be goin' tc
beau-got the house lit up 50.
thought it was afire when | first See'C
it,"
Before | had time 20 reply he walked
or rather stumbled into the parlor ant
fell over an ottoman, sprawling on the
floor; picking himself up and leanin!
against the wall he INDUCED before thu
guests in a long, loud whistle
well, if this don't beat all creation
Say, Bessie, who is that gal over Their
dressed in til red pink gown? She
puts me in mind of mothers pink pop
pies.
This is Miss Mcdonald, said, tryln!
in vain to look composed as | saw tn,
smiles that wreathed themselves arount
the lips of all those present.
He sauntered directly up to the youn!
lady his great, red hands dangling by hi
ungainly figure rendered still more hope
lessly ridiculous by the short piled pant
that revealed enormously large feet in
cased in the toughest boots, red for wan
of backing.
He made pause before her and said:
'IIow do, Miss McDonald2"
The young lady gave him glance tina
would have literally frozen any one else
but deigned him no further reply.
Cant hear good, can your" he shouted
out so loudly that everyone started, ant
several young ladies giggled franticall
behind their fans and bouquets.
Still Miss Mcdonald sat cold and silent
and l came to her relief.
Cousin Uriah,' l said in a low voice
wouldn't you like to go upstairs and Sc
mamma little while?"
We'll, no." he bawled out; don
know as ] care about seem the oil
woman Just now, seein' as I'll have plen
ty of time through the month that / inten
} to stay, and with this he tilted back in
chair, his miserable old hat still on hisheat
and an enormous chew of tobacco in hi!
mouth.
| did not venture to look at Mr.. StetsoI
who had engaged him in a discussion OF
the relative merits of city and countr
girls and | knew, without hearing it, tn
sarcasm he was showering on Uriah
luckless head. l felt angry with him fo
encouraging Uriah in his silly talk fe
miserable and mortified generally.
At our elegant supper Uriah acted eve
worse than before, displaying so muc
clownishness and want of natural polite
ness that my face glowed with bushes
He made comments on everything an
everybody-talked about his cows, hi
horses and his pigs; told how many egg
, his hens laid; and, in fact, made himse
so noisy and conspicuous that it was in
possible for anyone else to say word.
Mr.. Stets0n, who sat next to me, said
/ loud voice:
Il did not imagine when you told N
? that you had a cousin coming that b
would he the cause of making me spen
such pleasant evening. Miss Bessie.
am delighted to form the acquaintance {
8 such an original and intelligent man."
Oh, how | hated him then! felt IL
words conveyed an insult. l knew that
only did it to my discomforture. All IL
pride l possessed came to my rescue.
Il am glad you are pleased, Mr.. Ste
r son. l think there is much in your ns
tural disposition that is congenial.
He understood the sarcasm and Sigh
a. FAM