St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1891-08-15

IN attack did they make that BY night.
fall great and flattering improvement
manifested itself throughout the estate
lishmcnt
After an carly breakfast, Merri {.
wether drove of 70 the station to meet
his expected visitors.
! found that my friends recollections
OF his cousin were in NO wise over
drawn. She was . captivating little
woman. vivacious and clever, and prct.
ty even yet
A great and overwhelming pang Of
contrition bcset me on my introduction
to the daughter, when l recalled the
impression had conceived of . gush-
ing, sentimental young creature, who
was to fall to my especial care
Annabel Powers was petite and
graceful with laughing eyes and roguish
dimples. and possessed a disposition at
once amiable and lovable-charmingly
blending the gentle dignity of woman
hood with the exquisite freshness OF
youth.
Both mother and daughter had trav-
cled much, had read with discrimina-
ton and judgment, and, spending most
winters in a northern metropolis, had
profited largely in the advantages of
opera. lecture and art; so that we. who
were less favored in these matters,
found their conversation as instructive
as it was entertaining.
On the day after their arrival, while
my friend and his elder kinsw0man
talked over the pleasant past, the
daughter and took = long canter down
the shady country lanes
She proved n better horsewOman
than expected Her father, though
not . kentuckian, was q devout wOr-
shipper Of the horse. and she had learned
to ride Mt an early age that she might
accompany him in his ''constitutiOnals"
through the park at home.
The week drew rapidly to an end
all too rapidly for me. who awoke one
morning with the painful thought
besieging my brain that this was the
last day our fair visitors would be with
us. They were to leave on the follow
ing morning.
Il have already prolonged my visit
day or two longer than expected to
do" replied Mrs Powers to Merri-
wether's protest that the visit should
not end so soon. Il fear that when
count of Bachelor hall it SD richly de.
serves, and Aunt Chloc's unstinted
Kentucky hospitality, Mr.. Powers will
not rest satisfied until he has expert
cnccd a practical illustration on the
grass widower plan"
Merriwether had arranged TO spend
the day on the cliffs of the Kentucky
river. as the ladies expressed wish to
see some of the romantic scenery for
which the locality was noted.
In the fresh morning a horse and
brought to the front porch by the gem
cral utility boy. who was to follow in
the springwagon with Aunt Chloe and
the lunch.
was considerably astonished, even
vexed, when, on preparing to start my
friend Merriwether assisted his lovely
young cousin 10 her saddle and then
coolly and deliberately vaulted into the
other, advising my companion to keep
. watchful eye on me and see that / did
not deposit vehicle and occupants into
some of the ravines along the way.
The mother was not less agreeable
than usual. but for once l failed to be
entertained by her conversational
talent, and felt certain sense of relief
when the cliffs were reached.
Whether from this slight incident or
the fact of the near departure of the
guests, some important element in the
days pleasure seemed wanting.
The fair Annabel herself appeared
rather quiet and constrained, /
thought, and even Merriwether had
seemingly undergone change.
Could it be that his fair companion
had been disappointed in her cavalier
of the morning? Prcsump:ivc though
the thought was, it afforded me q keen
sense of delight, and refused to relin-
quish it.
There was certainly nothing in the
weather nor in the surroundings to cp-
press ono, for the sky was divinely blue,
and the cliffs = lovely and vast m osaic
of tender green foliage and brilliant
cliff flowers.
The covetousuess of the ladies for cliff
fora was gratified until Mrs. Powers
at last besought us 10 cease our irresist-
ible offerings, lest be- fate should be as
and tragic as that of the hap
less Helen of ancient history.
Suppose we reverse the order of
things somewhat" said Merriwether,
rs we prepared to return Il will
Ill 4 n, Q h,,Sp
younger people can return together.
l am. q little too corpulent for extend
ed horseback exercise" he added, apol. !
Annabel Powers gave him little |
grateful glance that went to my heart |
with the swiftness of an electric cur |
rent. and sent the glad blood tingling
my veins. My conjectures
Of the morning were verifying them |
selves.
AS we rode homeward felt that my
was a little at random,
for my brain was busted with many |
thoughts, chiefest among them being |
that in q few brief hours this lovely |
girl, now at my side, would be far from |
me.
Il dislike to think that my pleasant |
visit is SO near an end" my fair COM
paniOn said rs we rode along.
The thought of the near Tomorrow
and the rapidly lesscning opportunity |
IF speaking alone with heremboldened
me to utter the words that arose pre-
:ipitOusly to my lips.
Riding close to her side l took her
yloved hand within my own.
"Annabel. become my wife and let
M ir~ou vc,, with mo alwavS" I cried