The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1885-05-23

from p to Dlgnt0n wen e tne shortest
four hours he had ever known in his
life.
"Where do'you want to be left, sir?"
incurred the ceaetman, as they entered
the village.
Sat Mr.. Charles Hunts, Locust Hill.
Do YOU know where that TSP" said Rus
sell, putting his head cut of the window.
Certainly, sir; take you there in a
jihym >,
SWhy, there's whore I'm going"
said the lady, opening her eyes widely.
..Nellie. Mr.. Huut's wife, is my most
particular friend: we used to go to
school together"
"And Charlie Hunt is my most par.
ticular friend, and one of the finest fell
lows in the world.
'.Hsw very oJdp"
How very foytunater' exclaimed
Russell, With a meaning glance at his
fair companion, which made the rosy
cheeks still more rosy. might l take
the liberty of inquifing--
But Just at this moment the stage
stopped in front of the house on the
portico of which stood Mr.. and Mrs.
Hunt, enjoying the evening breeze.
In a moment Russell was shaking
hands with the former, while his COM
panion rushed eagerly into the arms OF
his surprised and delighted wife.
"Why, what happy surprise, Jen-
nier' she said, after spiriting her visitor
off to her own room; "Ihad given up all
idea of seeing you this summer"
'And had no idea of being able to
come until just before started. You
see, mamma-my step-mamma, you
know-was going to Uncle Wilder's,
and she insisted on my going with her
to see the hateful, disagreeable prig OF
a cousin of mine that they are deter
mined to marry me to. So when
mamma was busy packing / just put on
my things and slipped of, leaving them
a note to tell where was going. Wasn't
that good joke on them alp"
Il should think it was" said Nellie,
with burst of merriment, far more
than the occasion warranted. "When l
saw who your companion was l thought
you were out on your wedding tour"
mo, indeed; never saw the man until
he got into the stage at P. But
really he is the finest-looking man I
ever saw, and so agreeable. Who is hep"
30, I'll introduce you when you come
down stairs. There's Sarah waiting to
see me about supper. You'll have only
time to dress. Mind and look your
prettiest."
And with roguish shake of her fin
ger at her friend, Nellie ran away to see
about supper.
If Jennie did not "look her prettiest''
she certainly looked very lovely as she
entered the supper-room, her linen suit
exchanged for fresh. soft muslin,
whose simplicity and purity were re-
lieved only by the violet-colored ribbons
in the hair and throat.
Russell had also taken great pains
with his toilet. as could be seen by his
spotless linen and carefully arranged
hair.
The pause that followed Jennie's en-
trance was broken by Mr.. Hunt, who,
in response to a meaning glance from
his wife, said:
Russell, allow me to introduce you
to your cousin Jennie; Miss Carleton,
your cousin, Russell Wilder"
The embarrassment which followed
the blank establishment into which this
announcement threw the parties. so I'M
made known to each other,
was quickly dispelled by the turn that
was given it by their host and hostess.
81 suppose you'll want to book your
self for the next stage?" said Mr.. Hunt,
slyly, to Russell, who had been taken
into his friends confidence.
"And you," said his wife, turning to
Jennie, IL don't suppose anything
could tempt you to remain, now that
you are to have that hateful disagreea-
ble--n
Nellie" interrupted Jennie, Grim.
soning, as she remembered her words.
"Well, won't then. But you must
let me laugh! just to think of you both
away from each other and run
ming in the same direction and to the
same place!"
The ringing laugh that burst from
Nellie's lips was too contagious to be
resisted even by those at whose expense
it was raised.
lnlS merrlment was followed Dy
general good feeling. and pleasanter
tea-party never gathered around the
social board.
We need hardly say that Russell did
not take the stage the next morning.
nor did Jennie seem at all disposed to
cut short her visit on account of her
cousins unexpected appearance.
When they did 60, they went as they
came, together.
Mr.. Wilder's establishment was only
equaled by his delight on looking out of
the window to see the two walking up
the path toward the house, arm in arm.
and apparently on the best of terms.
As for Russell and Jennie they seemed
to regard this unexpected meeting as an
indication of their manifest Destiny"
accepting it as such, much to the Joy of
their uncle, whose darling wish was
in the marriage of the
two. thus made happy in spite of them
ves.-Phiiadelphia Cal.
- II ~