The Osceola times., 1888-10-06
RALPH'S COUSIN.
Her Scheme That Won for Him a
Coquettish Village Belle.

CoquettlSn Vlllatye Belle.
The sun was just sinking behind huge
banks Of rose-cJlorcd clouds one soft
July evening, as Ralph Thornton step.
ped into ais pony phaeton to drive to
the de.,ot, a mile out OF town, to meet
bis cousin Kate.
Now Ralph and Kate were sworn
chums. Ever since they were children
they had been almost as near and dear
to each other as brother and sister.
However there was no romantic sent.
ment in their affection, only deep
loyalty; and the secrets OF the one
were soon invariably in the Possession
Of the other.
The little village OF R. wa. quite a
pretty place. Neat residences, with
large gardens attached, lined the quiet
streets of the little country town, down
one of which Ralph was seen rolling,
on his way to the train. r
And now," said Kate Elv.rson. with
a merry twinkle in her eye. after they
were out OF the depot and safely en-
sconsed in the phaeton on their way 70
the village, lis there any thing new?'
"les, the whole village is new to
you, answered Ralph, with mock Sc
verify in his tone; ''if you will please
recollect, this is the first time l have
been able TO get the fates and our vaca-
tions sufficiently in accord to allow you
to visit us. have always had to come
prancing down 20 the city whenever |
wished to get a glimpse of your bloom
ing countenance, but now that | have
you here" he added. with a relenting
tone ''you shall not go back until"
Until get ready" she interrupted.
"and assure u that my absence will
be pleasure when | get ready to 90,
Tor intend to make long visit and
want you to show me all the places
OF interest within a radius of forty
miles.
"Oh, what a terrible bondage" he
groaned; spray bring your visit TO as
speedy close as possible, for / fear
shall be completely worn out and have
the cowed aspect Of slave before you
leave"
BY this time they had reached the
edge of the village.
"What pretty placer she ex-
claimed, 1T seems almost like Eden to
see the shade-trees and cool white
houses after being shut so long amid
the baked and parched bricks of city;
and what fine-looking young people"
she said, glancing at the groups OF boys
and girls sitting on vcrandas. and hang
ing on gates in the good, old fashioned
way. ii say, Ralph, have you had any
more love affairs since you became en-
amored with the cwly-headed country
lass? How you raved over her!" she
said. laughing merrily. until you got
acquainted and found that the whole Of
her knowledge consisted of 'taters,
'keows,' and craps
Now stop making fun OF my youth
ml affections, he protested, ..for that
wss before-hhem," strengthening up
and looking very pompous, THAT was
before-l began studying for the medi-
cal profession"
And since that, she continued, i'm
itating his tone and manner. Il have
become 50 very, very learned that in
The future no woman can ever aspire TO
my affections. But now, really, Ralph,
are you in loveP" she asked. looking
straight into his face with her clear,
beautiful eyes.
"Oh, that's right" he exclaimed, in
dignantly. ''begln to worm my secrets
from me before you have seen me ten
minutes; but | know you will not rest
until you know all about it, 80 promise
TO tell you before long"
Before long is altogether too indef-
mite Will you tell mo to-night9n t
"Yes, II you wish.
So after late tea had been partaken
Of, and the young couple were sitting
on the broad piazza OF Mr.. Thornton's
handsome residence, Kate reminded her
companion OF his promise; land how,"
She added, 81 am all ready TO hear an
account OF the second great conquest
OF the heart OF Ralph Thornton, NJ d."
"See, you are making ready to laugh
at me even before begin, but burden
told loses half its weight, and ] know /
can trust YOU giving her grateful
glance. $50 here goes. About year
ago Captain Forest bought a large
house on the corner and moved here
with his family, which consists OF but
his vile and one daughter. Belle"
Grows interesting" murmured Kate,
"of course she is beautiful and accom-
plishedp"
Decidedly so, and as ! was often
thrown in the way of the Captain nat
urally saw his daughter quite often. and
eventually got in the habit OF calling
around evenings TO see the Captains
pretty daughter, more than the Captain
himself.r
"As matter OF course. Wellp"
Our acquaintance progressed finely
ior a time, but she soon evidently con-
ndered me az her bounden slave, would
accept my Invitations when it pleased
ner Imperial majesty and refuse them
without the least compunction when she
uesired to; and, most aggravating Of all,
when she wished to go with another fell
mw she would do so and seem surprised
and Indignant when protested.