Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-06-18

MS expected visitors.
found that my friends recollections
OF his cousin were in no wise over
drawn. She was a captivating little
woman. vivacious and clever, and pref
ty even yet
A great and overwhelming pang of
contrition beset me on my introduction
to the daughter, when l recalled the
impression had conceived of a 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 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-
eled much, had read with discrimina-
ton and judgment, and, spending most
winters in 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 kinswoman
talked over the pleasant past, the
daughter and took long canter down
the shady country lanes.
She proved better horsewoman
than 1 expected. Her father. though
not Kentuckian, was a devout wor-
shipper of the horse, and she had learned
to ride at an early age that she might
accompany him in his ''constitutionals"
through the park at home.
The week drew rapidly to au 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 l expected to
do replied Mrs. Powers to Merri-
yvethers protest that the visit should
not end so soon. 81 fear that when l
return home, and give the glowing &C
count of Bachelor hall it so richly de-
serves, and Aunt Chloe's unstinted
kentucky hospitality, Mr.. Powers will
not rest satisfied until he has expert
enced practical illustration on the
grass widOwer plan"
Merriwether had arranged to spend
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
buggy and two saddled horses were
brought to the front porch by the gen
eral 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 to her saddle and then
coolly and deliberately vaulted into the
other, advising my companion to keep
a 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 1 fail ed 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, 1
thought, and even Merriwether had
seemingly undergone a change.
Could it be that his fair companion
had been disappointed in her avalier
of the morning? Presumptive though
the thought was, it afforded me keen
sense of delight, and 1 refused to relin-
quish it.
There was certainly nothing in the
weather nor in the surroundings to cp-
press one, for the sky was divinely blue,
and the cliffs lovely and vast m osaic
of tender green foliage and brilliant
cliff flowers.
The covetousness of the ladies for cliff
flora was gratified until Mrs. Powers
at last besought us to cease our irres:ct-
ible offerings, lest her fate should be as
untimely and tragic as that of the hap
less Helen of ancient history.
Suppose we reverse the order of
things somewhat" said Merriwether,
as we prepared to return Il will
drive Helen back in the buggy, and you
younger people can return together.
l am little too corpulent for extend
ed horseback exercise he 0dcd, apol-
ogetically.
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
throughout my veins. My conjectures
of the morning were verifying them
selves.
AS we rode homeward 1 felt that my
conversation was little at random,
for my brain was busted with many
thoughts, chiefest among them being
that in a few brief hours this lovely
girl, now at my side, would be far from
me.
II dislike to think that my pleasant
visit is so near an end" my fair COM
paniOn said as we rode along.
The thought of the near tomorrow
and the rapidly lessening opportunity
of speaking alone with her EN- boldened
me to utter the words that arose pre-
cipitously to my lips.
Riding close to her side I took her
gloved hand within my own.
''Annabel, become my wife and let
me keep you with me always" L cried.
She looked up quickly with a startled
look on her face and drew back from
me.
please say no more" she said. hast
lily. 81 had no thought of this, and it
Is only Dainf,ll to me TO hear Won saw