The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-04-23
CHAPTER II.
SHADY CREEK STATION.

CHAPTER II.
SHADY CREEK STATION.
It was spring time in Australia. All |
vegetation was beginning to burst forth !
in green apparel of many hues. Dust |
storms. parChed lands. dried up rivers,
and gullies rent by large assures, were |
things of the future.
\ cool south breeze blew across the
distant ranges: the first wild flowers
were visible i'll the bush, and the hum
of waking life began to rise from Shady
Greek Station, standing alone in the
picturesque Australian wilderness.
First there was the lowing of cattle
eager to escape from the stOckyard, then
the bark of dogs, blended with mems
voices and the Sharp crack of the long
stOCk-Whip.
As time went on the glass doors on
to the verandah were thrown open. y
tall, well-lOOking, middle-aged man OF
military appearance, in light oVercoat
and broad planters hat emerged and
strOllcd round to the Outbuildings.-
Soon after another parsonage appeared
"a young girl of about nineteen. Her
step was elastic. her figure tall. and
graceful as q willow wand. HE morn
ing dress she wore was composed OF
some light, simple material, fitting
easily to her shape, while round
straw hat. resting upon rich mass OF
lOoped and braided golden hair, shad-
owed a face as sweet in expression as II
was lovely in feature. n color as deli
cate as the wild rose tinged her cheek,
| her large .deep-yiOlet eyes shOne through
the long fringe Of lashes, while the
/ small red lips were just sufficiently
/ parted to admit of their owner hum
/ ming an aria from RigOlettO. At her
/ side marched, with stately pride,
/ splendid colley. She carried a basket
! and pair of scissors, and fitted about
/ the several flower beds gathering the
blossoms where they showed.
1t took some while before the basket
was sufficiently stocked, then the girl
returned to the Yerandah, and entered
| a room nicely furnished, where break
fast was laid, and presided over by an
elderly lady of somewhat pTim and pre-
! else aspect.
Been robbing the fiower-beds, Flo"
she inquired.
well, auntie, if robbers were judged
by the value robbed, laughed the girl
/ gaily, my theft this morning would not
be very great. The flowers are very
late this year
'.Or you are very impatient. Better
have left them where they were; they Il
die in q day III that vase"
Not so soon as that. auntie, | hope.
If so, there will be more out tomorrow
to renew them. and it's so nice to have
flowers in the room. Uncle always likes
them
so does Herbert Archer; at least
heard him say so when he was last here.
BY the way, Flo, isn't he coming to-
day?"
so uncle said, that he meant to ride
over to look at the new cattle. But,
with pretty toss of the graceful head,
don't imagine, auntie, l have robbed
the garden for his pleasure"
II wish l could imagine so, Flo; he
loves you sincerely"
Then, auntie. he is wise enough,
seeing 1 do not love him, to keep silent
on the point
But why can't you love himP What
objection can you have to the young
fellow"
Il have no objection. lie is very
pleasant and agreeable
And would make an excellent hus
band"
Il have not the least doubt of it
auntie; only, you see, l don't want t
try the experiment.
I'More silly child you. He is hand
some and very well-tO-dO, and yOI
should think of settling. Most girl
would, butt can't make you out, Flo
If you loved anybody else, it would b.
a different thing
"Ah, if-thOse provoking ifs, = laugh
, ed the girl. but as she stopped lowe
over the flowers her cheek had a deepe
hue. But there's no one here | cOul
love- is there. without it was Steev
BOyne, the stOckman; or old Jeck, tn
native Australian; Or
: "IIOw can you be so absurd, Flo
Let me tell you the subject is not on
= to jest upon. If you are so hard to suit
, you'll just die All old maid
: Better that, auntle, than to maUT
some one don't love- Then gravelN
"Auntie. don't be offended; I'm nC
jesting, really, but l don't want TO ma
7 ry-I don't think l ever shall. Ther,
L dear. give me a kiss, and don't let He
bert Archer make us i'll friends. Pc
! haps, when the right man comes. /
: say yes, but don't ask me to unit
l then
a STOPPING, she pressed her soft, war
/ lips to the old lady's cheek, then ia
i from the room to fill the vase wit
water.
g Il can't make that girl out mu
) INJURED Mrs. Crane; L feel almost ce
tain there were tears i'll her eyes. We
G it's a pity. Young Archer would
e such an excellent match, and he ador
/ the ground she treads.'
e WHO treads, Kate? Whatever a
s you muttcring about. eh?' And Col
q mel Grainger-he in the light coat al
planters hat-enteTed from the vera
; dah.
,, That Flo treads. brother. | ha
been speaking to her about young Arc
er; but no, not word will she have
l. say to him.
Leave the girl alone, Kate /
marked the colonel. as he drew /
e chair to the table. If she don't lOy
s. why on earth should she marry hiI
+ Besides, where's the bury? She is n
= , twenty yet, and l, for one. am in
1t } hurry to lose her. | should have no c
lection To her marrying Archer. but
IN sure matters will run smoother II
rs do not mpddIe. A cup of coffee, Kate
Meanwhile Flo had run to her o.
Id room. Mrs. Crane had been CORE
k, there were tears in her eyes; but 5
dashed them away rs she retiect'
r; "Auntie is right. Why should l J
II ] marry Herbert Archer: Because