Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1885-09-05
ONLY A FARMER.

w . lllS wv
And Miss Ada Anterior flounced
into an easy chair, and prepared for a
fit of the sulks.
Her mother looked up, amused at
the frankness of her youngest daugh-
ter; as for her eldest, Dora, she sank
back in her seat with panied blush
on her dark cheek.
81 am sure, Ada you need not COM
plain. You have far easier time
living at the Hollyhocks than either
mother or l." she said.
"Why everything need be so hate
full, | don't see" grumbled Miss Ada,
frowning under her flaXen curls. eff
father hadn't died now, he might
have run along for years, until Dora
and l were suitably married, and
kept up appearances so that we could
have made good matches. Now
everybody knows we are poor"
"And everybody knows we are
honest!" cried Dora, who still trem-
bled at mention of her dead father.
eve settled everything as honorably
as possible, and came here to live,
glad of Uncle Alfred's ofIer-at least
was"
"And l am sure / was, my DEAR"
said Mrs. Atherton, with sigh. 81
am thankful to have a roof over my
head in my old age"
"Uncle Alfred was absorbed in
Horticulture, and madea pet of the
place for years. It's lovely here, l
think" said Dora, leaning to look
out into the bright summer garden.
81 don't care for flowers" returned
Ada, modify. 81 can't make my
self happy with hoes and watering
pots. / did think it would be
better than this, with the Waters
place opposite. But Allen Waters is
away, and the gates shut against us.
In fact, there is nobody here"
"You calculated q great deal on
the society of a man you don't know
in the least" said Dora, returning tC
her sewing.
'I'm not in the least like you
Dora, with your notions Of congenial
ity and similar tastes" burst forth
Ada. "I've taste for comfort and
luxury, and l could love any mar
who would give them to me. Be
Sides" somewhat moderating hel
violence, as her mother looked an
noyed at her extreme statement
"you know we have always hearC
what a fine fellow Allen Waters
wasi'
Dora said no more. Her bright
dark face burned with Indignation
She was ashamed of Ada, grieved
yet secretly tried to make some ex
cuses for her sister.
Perhaps the Hollyhocks was dull
beyond endurance to Ada. They
had never been alike. 1t was wrong
perhaps, to blame her too much
Yet she still shuddered at Ada's I'm
wONnanly words.
Day by day Ada continued he
complaints Of the Hollyhocks. Sh,
was miserable herself, and she Ger
tainly made everybodyelseso. Will
Dora was busy as a bee, Ada mopeC
herself almost sick.
The little old phaetOn which Dor
had driven in as a child was left tn
family, and, at her mothers sugges
tim, Dora hired mild, fat dobbil
of a neighboring farmer one day ant
invited Ada to a drive.
"There's lovery scenery along tn
valley road. 1t will make littl
change for you, Ada. Besides, I'v
bit of news to leven you up"
Ada turned languidly.
"Allen Waters is coming home,
said Dora, with family mischievOu
smile
After moments thought Ad
rose, arrayed herself in her pretties
driving costume, and catered tn
carriage.
"Drive past the Waters estate
Dora What a fat, lazy horse
There is no fun in driving if yo
can't drive in style. There, now, Sc
the Waters place. It's all / expect
ed it to be. There'd be some com
fort in living if one could be mistres
there. It's no better marriage than
ought to have made if papa had nc
failed"
And, withdiscontented fps and al
arrogant toss of the head, Ada wa
driven past hay-wagon in whiel
was a man in his shirt-sleeves.
He glanced at the young ladie