The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-04-23
TRIxlE's LETTERS.
. by JENNIE s. JUpsoN.
Letter No. IL

~
two Niobes on the steps of dear old
st. Agnes, bidding each other a sad
farewell. A week, and yet the shadow
of that parting has not left me.
Not one adventure connected with
my journey have / to relate. although
my romantic soul was constantly on the
alert for anything that savored of senti-
ment.
Major Pierson met me at the depot
with carriage and horses, and as soon
as / caught sight of his kind, fatherly
face / recalled the many times l had
seen it in my fathers house in Dorset.
His greeting was so cordial. and he
bent upon me so kind and tender an
expression, felt sure Mt once that the
tie between us would be nearer than
the mere legal one of guardian and
ward.
Nv first acquaintance with the family
was made at the supper-table, whittier
/ was conducted by Miss Pierson, the
Majors maiden sister, and little Bess,
the six-year-old pet of the household.
was presented in turn to Miss Ida
Crane, the Majors niece, a, beautiful
girl, who makes her home here; Mr..
Jack Pierson, the younger son, now at
home for his college vacation; and Mr..
Frank Pierson, the elder son, also at
home, convalescing from recent i'll
ness.
$50 this is our new little sister, is
it?" said Mr.. Frank Pierson, as / was
introduced last to him. "Miss Beatrix,
/ hope you may be happy in your new
home"
Little sister," indeed! My eyes
flashed up q glance of reputation at
this patriarch, who evidently regarded
me as just free from swaddling clothes.
An amused glance in response proved
that he understood.
Bessie, Jack, and soon struck up q
friendly alliance, and as babe the
family an early goodnight twas with
the happy thought that would find
-congenial companionship in my new
home.
"Miss Beatyix," cried a sweet little
voice next morning, as L looked out
from my window at the flower yard be-
low, "come down and see the diamonds
on the flowers"
So, tying my hair loosely back, ran
down to join the little fairy below.
After short but delightful survey
of the flowers, Bessie conceived the
brilliant idea of converting my unof
Tending head into q miniature flower
garden.
"You have beautiful hair. Miss Beat
yix," she said, giving me vigorous
punch with hollyhock as she spoke;
"but l don't like your name; it twists
my little tongue"
"Then don't say it, darling; call me
Trixie instead"
May Brewer Jack call you Twixie,
too?' was the next unexpected attack.
"Oh! yes, 1 suppose, if he adds on a
MISS" was my careless reply.
"But Brewer Frank may can you
Twixie without no miss at all, mayn't
hep" looking earnestly down in my
eyes.
L caught her in my arms with o
kiss. "Oh, never mind about Brother
Frank" l cried. IL am only his little
sister, so it can make no difference
xyhat he calls me-"
The loud peal of the breakfast bell
so startled me at this iuncture that l
rose hurriedly to my feet.
''How careiess!' cried, putting my
hand to my head; "now shall be late
for breakfast, and my first .morning,
too"
While standing in this graceful atti-
tude the rustling Of newspaper caused
me to glance up, and there, looking at
me from the arbor, j saw the handsome,
Laughing face of Frank Pierson.
AL hail to Aurora" he cried; "fair
goddess of the morning accept, Ipray,
this additional tribute to your charms"
handing me spray of woodbine as he
spoke.
ooh! is that you, Brewer Frank 2"
cried traitorous little Bess. Il had for
got you was there"
felt prepared at this point to do or
say anything absurd. For twice in the
space Of twenty-four hours lad 1 been
laughed at 10y this very superior young
man, and in that quiet, self-contained
sort of way that is particularly exasper-
ating.
"Do you like our flower garden, Miss
Beaumont" he asked, as we started
toward the house.
81 can't say that / do" answered
shortly. II am not especially fond of
flowers"
BEG pardon" he cried, "but /
thought you were, Judging from the
profusion with which you use them"
taking laughing survey of my poor,
silly head.
This was too much, and before !
knew 1 had answered with flash OF
temper, Indeed, sir. what you think is
matter of the very slightest impor-
tance to me, and turned angrily ava
from him.
He made no reply, but as FASTENED
toward the house heard him murmur
with an irrepressible laugh, "Ophelis
in the mad scene," with an accent on
the "mad" TOO, Cecil. wonder if
looked like poor, crazed Ophelia.
Not once did i glance toward him
during breakfast, and shortly afterward
I assembled the stairs to have a comfort
able cry. This had barely subsidized
when Miss Pierson came to beg me tc
20 and amuse myself in the library. Afor
she was busy and the gentlemen absent
on tho plantation.
/ accepted gladly, and was soon