River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1886-03-18
COUSIN DIANA

COUSIN DIANA.
Diana We're was distant relative Of
mine; bat as her family. the Neres, and
my family. the Talbots. emigrated to-
gether and frequently intermaried
afterward, both sides Fept strict ac-
count of all degrees of relationship.
and il was a matter of pride to hang to
each other. So we uncled, aunted,
and cousIncd, whether we were rich or
poor, and we recognized our kindred
without reference To the position which
good or bad circumstances gave us
My father, Owen Talbot, was man Of
Inherited property, my brother Owen
was educated for an idle Young lady.
Cousin Diana's father inherited moth
ing; ne grew 10 man ; estate with the
help Of his relatives, and married a
dress-maker. Her industry inspired
aim. While she made dresses nj home
ne went about the country as peddier.
When Diana was fourteen years old
her mother died. leaving three children.
Her husband lost his incentive to in
lustry. sold the goodwill OF his ped
dler's concern, and shut himself mp as
one having done with the activities of
Of life. These were Cousin Diana
beginnings. She was early initiated
into household duties; her education
was obtained a odd intervals, and she
hDew nothing of books. We were
separated aS children, ana when
1 came home from school
she was about seventeen. Her BROTH
ers had taken the California fever, and
gone to the gold mines. She kept
mouse for her father. John We're, and
they lived solitary lie upon an in
come so small il was not worth count
ing. But they betrayed no poverty;
little or much, the ancient respectable
ty Of the Neres cluug to them. OF
course now saw Cousin Diana often
within the narrow limits of Thornbury.
but there was little in common be-
tween us. Her appearance was strik-
ing; her manners inscrutably placid,
reticent, and quiet. Her figure,
features. and expression indicated
powers that were never revealed.
People observed her, looked for some
thing which might come to pass with
her, and 50 prove theory Of their own
invention. At last it vas the fashion
Il remark. ''Diara We're is deep" I
heard this 50 often, and as She differed
& from me- in every respect, fell into
The habit Of being curious about her,
and specializing over her as a mystery.
What pleased and interested her? She
never read; was no gossip: never was
carried OIL her feet by any excitement:
felt no hate FOR anybody; knew no love;
hat Is, it appeared SO.
Il should 20 crazy mother. if lived
as Cousin Diana We're lives. ! often
said. And she as often replied.
we must not Judge others by orr
selves.
And sometimes my wise brother
Owen said:
elAA Wa ANttNAANA sum- y bAttt-- 4AtAA
nest with the most astonishing and
unexpected resources. Nobody has
found her out vet. =
1t viii be a kind of orioles nest.
with an aperture which only herself
can get in ant out Of, Owen, was my
tiippant joke.
Joke it did not turn out The nest
might have suggested plan to him.
We were startled few weeks after
ward By his resolve to 90 to California.
He was weary he said, of watching for
clients who would never come.
My father shook his head, and con-
suited, rs was his habit. the gold
headed cane he used. He stared II il,
and concluded that he did not like the
plan.
You must own. father said Owen,
that our income will not permit any
addition to the family. | mean to be
married some day. 1t is very well
now, while Edith and | remain here
as dutiful children; but by-and-by we
shall want more than you can give us.
DO | speak your feelings my beloved
Edith?
spare my blushcs-but where is he?
| fear l shall hang on the Talbot tree
ike tough leaf.
MIR. Talbot. my mother observed,
this is right, and according to nature.
But who is she. Owen?''
Never mind-yet. Old John We're
has paid oil the mortgage with the
gold Charley We're sent him. Diana
told me so.
DO YOU think Cousin Diana is
decp" | asked. To my establishment
be colored.
What fools there are in Thornbury.'
he exclaimed. What upon earth has
She TO be deep about? | find her
exactly q she appears TO be-a per-
fectly fair, square, simple disposition.
How could YOU discover that?' |
asked. curiously, aud was properly re-
bUked.
If the We're boys come back with
money, mother said chow strange it
viii seem
$50 she said; and I want to come
back with the same. Owen replied
The subject was only dropped for
the present. Tie was determined. and
we prepared for the inevitable. ! was
fond of Owen. aud hated TO have him
90 One day / met friend in n shop
" LiU AuAtAlllttA INT AAidA AfAAAA Nlt lAaA'-
told her that Owen Talbot was going
10 California, aud asked me was she to
believe il.
Il am afraid it is true. There comes
Cousin Diana herself. cooling the air.
She dresses like a fright.
Cousin Diana smiled family, giving
rs . slight rim Of teeth a she passed
into the shop. My friend hailed her
with Il was just telling Edith your
news
Mine? | have heard no news9'
You told me that Owen Talbot was
going 10 California. If that is not
news for Thornbury. what can be?''
Cousin Diana looked away from Us;
a tight expression came about her
mouth. but She replied, in mild voice.
He hash given up going. has he.
Edith. because ThoTnbury IS aston
ished? | thought he might ike to do
something for himself. The Talbot
candle has rather burnt down.
Did YOU persuade him? ] hear
Charley IS leading on ingots, aud
snufflng the We're wick thereby"
Not many. Pleasant to-day. isn't