St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1885-03-28
w. G. KENTZEL, EditO,


her which told him that. He noticed
particularly the daintily gloved hands
i and well-fitting boots.
Her graceful form indicated that she
was both young and pretty, but he
could not see her face on account of the
| envious veil that hid it.
But as soon as she got comfortably
settled in the corner, to which Russell
gallantly assisted her, she threw it back,
disclosing fair, sweet face, lighted up
by apair of wondrously bright black
eyes, which shot swift, bewildering
glance into those that were so intently
regarding her.
The sudden starting of the coach,
which sent some of the lady's parcels
from the seat to the floor, gave Russell
an opportunity of speaking. as he re-
turned them, of which he was not slow
to take advantage.
From this they fell easily into conver-
sation. and it was curious how sociable
they became. e.-~--s---=--s-0---
They talked about the beautiful seem
cry through which they were passing;
of the newest books and latest maga-
zines, some of which Russell had with
him.
The lady inwardly thought her com.
panion to be the most entertaining and
agreeable man she ever met with. And
rs for Russell, he often lost the thread
of his discourse in admiring the red
dimpled mouth and the pearly teeth
disclosed whenever she spoke or smiled.
Certain it is that his four hours ride
from P to Dighton were the shortest
four hours he had ever known in his
life.
.Where do you want to be left, sir?"
inquired the coachman, as they entered
the village.
'.At Mr.. Charles Hunts, Locust Hill.
Do you know where that is?" said Rus
sell, putting his head out of the window.
Certainly, sir; take you there in a
jiffyr'
.Why, there's where I'm going"
said the lady, opening her eyes widely.
Nellie, Mr.. Hunts wife, is my most
particular friend; we used to 60 to
school together"
"And Charlie Hunt is my most par
ticular friend, and one of the finest fel-
lows in the world"
'.How very odd9"
'.How very fortunate!' exclaimed
Russell, with meaning glance at his
fair companion, which made the rosy
cheeks still more rosy. .'Might l take
the liberty of inquiring-"
But just at this moment the stage
stopped in front of the house on the
Df
Hunt, enjoying the evening breeze.
In 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 a happy surprise, Jen-
nie!" she said, after spiriting her visitor
off to her own room; Il had given up all
idea of seeing you this summer"
''And had no idea of being able to
come until just before l 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 I
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 tinest-looking man I
ever saw, and SO agreeable. Who is he?"
80, 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 yonr |
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 |
for a 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 meaning glance from
MS wife, said:
Russell, allow me to introduce you
70 your cousin Jennie: Miss Carleton,
vour cousin. Russell Wilder"
The embarrassment which followed
he blank astonishment into which this
threw the parties. SO un-
,xpectedly made known to each other,
vas quickly dispelled by the turn that
vas given it by their host and hostess.
elf for the next stage?" said Mr.. Hunt,
lylv. to Russell, who had been taken
nto his friends confidence.
..And you," said his wife. turning to
Torr;a .sT don't SunDOSa ANYTHING |