Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-09-03
ONLY A FARMER.
Chicago Ledger.

Chicago Ledger.
81 don't like the country, and I
never would hsve come here but for
the chance of becoming Mrs. Allen
Waters that's the truth" d-
And Miss Ada Anterior founced
into an easy chair, and prepared for a
fit of the sulks.
Her mother looked up, amused at
the frankness Of her youngest daught-
err; as for her eldest, Dora, she sank
back IN her seat with a panied blush
on her dark cheek.
81 am sure Ida you need not cons
plain. You bavesa far easier time liv-
ing at the HolIyhocks than either
mother or l." she said,
"Why everything need be so hate
full, don't see," grunaoled Miss Ada,
frowning under her faxen curls. ''If
father hadn't died now he might have
run along for years, until Dora and
I were suitably married, and kept up
appearances SO that we could have
made good matches. Now every body
knows we are poor"
''And everybody knows we are
honestp cried Dora, wbo still trembl-
ed at mention of her dead father. eve
settled every thing as hon0raolv as
possible, and came here to live, glad
of Uncle Alfred's offer-at least I
was"
'And I am sure was, my dear,
said Mrs Anterior, with sigh. Il
am thankful to have roof over m7
head in my old age"
"Uncle Alfred was absorbed in
Horticulture, and made o pet OF the
place for years It's lovely here, ]
think, said Dora, leaning TO look out
into the bright summer garden.
Il don't care for flowers" returned
Ada, moodlly. IT can't make my
self happy with hoes and watering
pots. I don't think it would be bet
ter than this, with the Waters place
opposite. But Allen Waters is away
and tie gates shut against US. In
fact, there is nobody here"
"You calculated a great deal on the
society of man you don't know In
the least, said Dora, returning to her
sewing.
I'm not in the least like you, Dora,
with your notions of congenialIty and
similar tastes, burst forth Ada Give
taste for comfort and luxury, and I
could love any mau who would
give them to me. Besides, " somewhat
moderating her violence, as her
mother looked annoyed at her ex~
treme statement, you have always
heard what a fine fellow Allen
Waters WASH
Dora said no more. Her bright,
dark face burned with indignation.
She was ashamed of Ada, grieved, yet
secretly tried to make some excuses
for her sister.
Perhaps the Hollyhocks was dull
beyond endurance to Ada They had
never been alike. It was wrong, pers
haps, to blame Fer too much. Yet
she still shuddered at Ada's unwom-
anly words.
Day by day Ada continued her
complaints of the HolIyhocks. She
was miserable herself, and she Ger
tainly made everybody else so. While
Dora was busy as bee, Ada noped
herself almost sick.
The little old phaeton which Dora
had driven III as child was left the
family, and, at her mothers sugges-
ton, Dora hired mild, fat Dobbin
of q neIghboring farmer one day and
invited Ada to drive
There's lovely scenery along the
valley road. It viii make 8 little
change for you, Ada. Besides, I've q
bit Of news to lIven you up"
Ada turned languidly.
''Allen Waters is coming home,
said Dora, with family nischevious
smile.
After moments thought Ada
rose, arrayed herself IN her prettiest
driving costume, and entered the car"
riage.
Curve past the Waters estate,
Dora. What fat lazy horse There
is no fan in driving if you can't drive
in style. There, now, see the Waters
place It's all | expected it to be.
They'd be some comfort In living if
one could be mistress there It's no
better marriage than I ought to have
papa had not failed"
And, with disconnected lips and an
arrogant toss Gf the head, Ada was
driven past hay wagon in which
was a mar in his shirt-sleeves.
He glanced at the young ladies with
frank curiosity.
Ibid you bow, Dora2 Impudent
fellow! How he stared Country
folksi' sneered Ada.
ST bowed because he bowed to us,