Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1886-03-17
COUSIN DIANA.

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Diana We're was distant relative of
mine; but as her family, the Veres, and
my family, the Talbots. emigrated to-
gether and frequently intermarried
afterward, both sides bept strict &C.
count of all degrees of relationship.
and it was matter of pride to hang to
each other. So we uncled, aunted,
and couslned, 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 a profession, and l
was educated for an idle young lady.
Cousin Diana's father inherited moth
ing; he grew to mans estate with the
help of his relatives, and married a
dress-maker. Her industry inspired
him. While she made dresses at home
he went about the country as a peddler.
When Diana was fourteen years old
her mother died, leaving three children.
Her husband lost his incentive to in
dustry, sold the goodwill of his ped
dler's concern, and shut himself up as
one having done with the activities of
of life. These were Cousin Diana 8
beginnings. She was early initiated
into household duties; her education
was obtained at odd intervals, and she
knew nothing of books. We were
separated as children, and when
I came home from school
she was about seventeen. Her broth
ers had taken the California fever, and
gone to the gold mines. She kept
house for her father, John We're, and
they lived a solitary lie upon an in
come so small it was not worth count
ing. But they betrayed no poverty:
little or much. the ancient respectable.
ty of the Veres chung to them. Vi
course l 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 so prove theory of their own
invention. At last it was the fashion
to remark, ''Diana We're is deep.'
heard this so often, and as she differed
SC from me in every respect, I fell into
the habit Of being curious about her,
and specializing over her as mystery.
What pleased and interested her? She
never read; was no gossip; never was
carried off her feet by any excitement
felt no hate for anybody; knew no love;
hat is, it appeared so.
II should 90 crazy mother, if lived
as Cousin Diana We're lives.' I often
said. And she as often replied.
"Wc must not judge others by our
Selves
And sometimes my wise brother
Owen said:
"She will feather some young man S
nest with the most astonishing and
unexpected resources. Nobody has
found her out yet"
lit will be q kind of orioles nest.
with an aperture which only herself
can get in and out of, Owen was my
hippant joke.
Joke it did not turn out. The nest
might have suggested plan to him.
We were startled q 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, as was his habit, the gold
headed cane he used. He stared at it..
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. l mean to be
married some day. 1t is very we'll
now. while Edith and l remain here
as dutiful children: but by-and-by we
shall want more than you can give US.
Do l speak your feelings my beloved
Edithf'
Spare my blushes-but where is hee
fear l shall hang on the Talbot tree
like tough leaf
mir. Talbot" my mother observed,
''this is right. and according to nature.
But who is She Ow-n?''
Never miud-yet. Old John We're
has paid off the mortgage with the
gold Charley We're sent him. Diana
told me So
do you think Cousin Diana is
deep?' l asked. To my establishment
he colored.
What fools there are in Thornbury!"
he exclaimed. "What upon earth has
she to be deep about? 1 find her
exactly as she appears to be-a per-
fectly fair, square, simple disposition.
How could you discover that?" l
asked, curiously, and was properly re-
buked.
s''f the We're boys come back with
money! mother said, show strange it
will seem!'
$50 she said; and l want to come
back with the same," Owen replied.
The subject was only dropped for
the present. He was determined, and
we prepared for the inevitable. l was
fond of Owen. and hated to have him
90. One day l met friend in shop
who informed me that Diana We're had
told her that Owen Talbot was going
to California, aud asked me was she to
believe it.
II am afraid it is true. There comes
Cousin Diana herself. cooling the air.
She dresses like fright
Co"s.n Diana smiled family, giving
us slight rim of teeth as she passed
into the shop. My friend hailed. her
with II Was just telling Edith your
news"
milne? I Nave heard no news?''
"You told me that Owen Talbot was
going to California. If that is not
news for Thornbury, what can be?''
Cousin Diana looked away from us;
q tight expression came about her
roo,,Hk b,>k ,ko ~,,olsol &, r>;ll v~o:oo.