Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-29

VISITS TO THE COUNTRY.
How City Boys Enjoy the Holidays
with Their Fair Cousins.

But three days more remain of Christ
mas week and then we Will have
stepped upon the threshold OF the
year 1896. which every girl knows is leap
year. What pleasures and enjoyments
are crowded within the seven days inter-
vening between the annivcrsary-day and
the beginning OF the new year, 1t Is
week OF merriment in both the city and
country, "A week during which city cousins
and country cousins are brought together
1t is in the country. however. that all
thoughts OF care are banishod at this
season. and for q brief period life is one
round Of pleasure. Happy Is he who at
this season can free himself Of the city's
turmoil and seek the hills and dales Of
the country rugged. though they may be.
beneath the chilling blasts OF winter.
And. If the ground happens to be covered
with snow then II Will be all the mer-
rier. lie will be met at the depot by a
buXom country lass-hls cousin. Of
c0urse-and two or three OF the boys. the
latter long and awkward. but who receive
him with a right hearty welcome. 1t is
big old family sleigh that his been
brought TO meet him. and there is
room for an, though Il will he a bit
crowded. Need it be said that the visit
ing relative has a seat beside his fair
cousin?
The long. awkward lads may not pre-
sent quite the appearance that their
city cousin does when he Is escortng
them through the streets of town, as
hc has on several occasions; but they are
at home now. and thoy make the old
mare tear over the rough road with the
rickety sleigh in a manner that makes
the youth. who I'm his "store cloths"
forms such a contrast 10 them. hold his
breath and fear every moment that the
whole "shebang" will be dumped IN the
snow At last the old-fashoned, gablcd
house is reached. the dogs are loaping
around the sleigh Wild with delight. his
aunt is out on the porch 10 welcome him,
and half a dozen darkies stand grinning
around only too anxious TO take to his
room what baggage he has brought.
is SOON COMPARABLE.
when his traps have been taken TO the
big "spare-room. and he has gotten the
dust Of travel from Ills face ana hands.
with water Just drawn from the well.
and which causes him to jump when he
comes IN contact with II, so cold 1t is,
and he has entered the sittng-room,
then what sense Of comfort creeps
over him,
\ roaring and cracking wood-hre sheds
/ q CHEEKY light over the room. IL IL too
/ early for the lamps 10 be lit, though
/ twilight IL fast setting in. Close 70
/ the big red-brick hearth he draws his
/ chair which is none Of vou- frag'ia.
/ delicate things Of the city drawing room.
/ but good. old. honest split bottom. ~
/ And when hd has titled himself back at
Just the proper anEle 10 suit him. and the
grateful warmth Of the fire begins 10 DIFF
fuse over him. then he is enjoying COM
/ fort
| There Is no pretcnce about this room.
/ He Is not afraid To touch anything for
/ fear IL viii break Even the good old
dog may enjoy its comforts. and has
in front Of the fire, and with that long
drawn SIGH which SIS peculiar 10 CANNES
has prepared himself for a good nap
And when supp Is over. and the table
/ iu the sittng-room has been drawn
/ from its corner. and every one is seated
/ around II. engaged I'm playing Don Pc
| dro Sancho." that game at cards which
| is so popular IN nearly all country dis
Z tricfe then whatever restraint th-
youth may have felt when he first ar
/ rived IS overcome. and he IS perfectly
/ al home Your country cousin IS card
player from "'way back II Is an
innocent amusement Of the home circle
! i'm the country and one which has
served to pass pleasantly many lone
winters evening. You win have 70 keep
your wits about YOU il you wish 10 beat
! him AZ he game. But now you are play
ing partners. and IL is almost certain
/ that Tie "fair cousin" is your partner
/ this as matter ~ course. The roy
/ nave gotten together. determined 10 beat
"sistar' and Cousin Jack" And 80
the game goes merrily on. and. If you
watch 1t close. and your partner less
YOU viii very probably come out with
tho score I'm your favor. for your cousin
is a match for the boys any time, AID II
will only be by some hungling error ON
,-ortr mart that she will allow herself ~