The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-02-21

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 CONVEX
sation, and it was curious how scO&.55dde
they became.
They talked about the beautiful seem
cry through which they were passing;
of the newest books and latest maya
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
as 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, sirP"
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
jiAym
"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 go to
school together"
"And Charlie Hunt is my most par
ticular friend, and one of the finest fell
lows in the world"
'How very odd?"
''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
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 a happy surprise, Jen-
nier' 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 beng able to
come until just before | started. You
see, mamma-my step-mamma, you
know-was going to Uncle Wilders,
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 Twas going. Wasn't
that a good joke on them ALP"
Il should think it was" said Nellie,
with a burst of merriment, far more
than the occasion warranted. "When |
saw who your companion was l thought
you were out on your wedding tour"
No, indeed; never saw the man until
he got into the stage at P. But
really he is the fnest-looking man [
ever saw, and so agreeable. Who is he?"
90, 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 a 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
spotlcss 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
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
| expectedlv made known to each other,
was quickly dispelled by the turn that
was given it by their host and hostess.
Il 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 disagreed.
Bile"
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 botf
running 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 bt
resisted even by those at whose expense
it was raised.
This merriment was followed by {
general good feeling, and a pleasantel
tea-party never gathered around thu
social board.
We need hardly say that Russell die
not take the stage the next morning
nor did Jennie seem at all disposed tC
cut short her visit on account of hel
cousins unexpected appearance.
When they did 60, they went as the,
came, together.