The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-12-27


and elegant young maiden of some
nineteen summers, her father and
mother had journeyed to the adjacent
town to purchase necessary commodi-
ties for the house. She was an only
daughter and consequently the treasure
of their existence. 1t CHANGED however,
this night being an exceptionally
stormy one, her parents considered 1t
discreet to abide in the town. The
cuckoo-clock called eight, fire was
chearily burning and the rich, plush
covered furniture cleaned brightly,
when a knock at the door melted the
Vision in Blue to hastily unbar it. In
LEU of the expected good parents she
beheld man apparently fatigued with
long travel who saluted her and entreat-
ed admittance apologising, "the fierce
ness of the storm and remoteness from
any other residence compelled him to
seek immediate shelter" After a
trifing occurrence the Vision in Blue
admitted him. Upon the table was set
the repast due her parents which she
invitingly requested him to partake.
This the guest did with many thanks
and evident relish. After having con-
versed awhile he concluded the repast,
and removing from corner harp
commenced to produce appropriate
music which charmed the senses of the
Vision in Blue to such an extent she
drew nearer and esconsed herself on
the ottoman beside him.
The appearance of the stranger was
prepossessing, his manner and tone re-
assuring and his unusual talent for
the harpsichord manifested itself I'M
doubtly for her delectation. Having
played to his spirits content, he COM
menced to regale her with varied, vivid
and interesting descriptions of his life,
his visits to foreign lands, his adven-
lures with the savage heather, his
hunting escapades, his transactions in
numerous cities and divers anecdotes
he preached, which placed the Vision
in Blue in an attitude of intense in
terest. Her color heightened visiblv.
her eyes sparkled and frequently her
exquisitely modelled figure trembled as
the relation of an exciting episode
affected her soul. Then the midnight
hour chimed and aroused her to the
reflection she was alone with stranger
and far from any abode; of this fact
she notified her guest that her parents
would probably not return and it was
unorthodox for her to permit a ST. ranger
to nights lodging. This idea he
civilly concurred with, whilst the Wis
ion in Blue with tears in her eloquent
eyes betrayed how distressed she was
at the inevitable requirement. Gear
not" he rejoined, ooh, fair one, though
the night winds howl and the snow
falleth 1 will not subject thee to an
noyance or suspicion" And after
sundry thanks, the considerate traveller
withdrew.
The ensuing morn when the tempest
had abated the anxious parents arrived
and Intercepted her closely, and her
innocent trustful look went far to
avert their incredulousness. The DAYS
vanished nevertheless the image of the
foreigner was faithfully retained in her
memory. Four seasons fled, long
tedious year to the fanciful maiden
when on the cristy Christmas eve,
whilst hurricane was swaying the
tree tops and snow descending in blind
ing sheets, a knock was heard at the
door, hurriedly she unfastened the bolt
and peered outward. Before her stood
erect and firm we'll clad stranger
who enquired for admittance. adj
vanclng as plea, the violence of the
storm and distance from other accom-
mediation. There was somewhat in the
features or tone that reminded her of
byegone hours, the lamplight revealed
the travellers features and she recog-
nlzed the occupant of her heart. He
had returned and joyfully she intro
duced him to her wondering parents
as, her long lost foreigner. Not very
singular to narrate, he was no more
compelled to combat with the relent-
less elements but in a month hence
became the devoted consort of the
VISION IN Blue. HARRY Cox.
WANTED:-Several trustworthy gentlemen or
\! ladies to travel in Washington, for establish