Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1896-03-11

Nv father was in Washington. This
cousin wss young fellow about year
older than |. Ais father had died few
years before, and my father had given
him a home and was giving him his edu-
cation. He was thick set heavy fellow.
rather dull, and had given father and
mother not little anxiety and trouble,
because of the preference he had display
ed, both at college and at home during
the months of vacation, for low and dissi-
pated company. He was Of rather sur
ly disposition, and had very little to say
or do with any of US We rarely saw
him save at meals. l had known for
some time that he bore little or no liking
for me. This did not show itself in out
ward acts, but in numerous ISLANDERS
which, from time to time, he put IN cir
culation about me. But | lei him go his
gait and went miHe.
This little village Of ours was the dull
est place imaginable in the winter time,
though l only had it to bear then during
couple of weeks vacation, bul in sum.
mer all was changed. Numbers Of peo-
pie from the cities, came up there to
spend the hot months, either in the vii
lage or in the cool farm houses around,
and dance and party and picnic followed
each other in fast succession.
"Well, four years ago a family by the
name of Marston came They had Sc
cused board at large farm house some
six miles from the village. Che family
was made up Of The mother, an aunt,
three girls, and a boy about twelve years
Of age. They brought with them 4 dog
cart and a couple Of riding horses, and
were frequently seen in the village, which
soon rang with praise Of the girls beauty.
One of them, the youngest, Jessie, was
said by every one who saw her to be The
very pretiiest girl who had yet tsummered
among our hills. | was down in Wash
iuglon with my father at the time Of their
arrival and had remained there for
couple of weeks afterwards. But the first
words which were addressed to me on
reaching home were about this family !;
for old Uncle Eben had said, as be drove
with me from the station, Look a hyar,
Marse Edgar, you's jist home in time
Dere's de purtiest set ob young ladies
done beaded up at Misiah Watsons dat
eber you laid yer eyes on. Dey dribes
into town arter dere mail ebery day, so
yer kin git look at em fo' yerself ter
morrer.' This was interesting news !;
none more so for a young fellow of twen-
ty.lwo with head chock full of romance
and pretty girls. But the next day it
rained, and no Miss Marstons came to
town.
"The next morning, however, | Ireceived
from Mrs. Watson, an invitation TO n
dance which she was to give the girls on
that night. Of course I should 90. But,
as bad luck would have it, | hurt my an
kle severely that afternoon Ny horse,
never gentle, and now much spoiled by
the slight usage he had .ad during my
absence, reared up and fell catching my
leg under him and giving the ankle bad
sprain. | mounted him and rode home
cursing my luck, for the sprain il my
ankle told me that it would be some time
before | should be able to use it freely,
and that going to the dance was out Of
the question.
My supper was brought me that even
ing to my room where | lay on large
divan close by the window. The village
doctor had bandaged my ankle, and left
me with the comforting assurance that it
would be we'll again in a month. Arthur,
my cousin, had dropped in to see me, as
he was leaving tor the dance Hurt your
ankle, eh ? Well, old man, I'm sorry for
you. Pretty tough luck, amt it?' But
could see that he was far from sorry al
my misfortune. And | lay there think.
Ing about the dance, and envying those
who we're there. II was a beautiful night
the moon was nearly full, and the air sof
and balmy. | grew more restless. Fl
nally could stand it no longer Lean
ing from the window, | called Eben.-
'Eben,' said |, go to the stable and sad
die Raymond, naming an older anC
gentler horse,-'and bring him around t
the side gate Lor' sake, Marse Edgar
youse not goin' ter ride wild dat foot Oh
yourn, is yer 2 Yes, and look here Eben
don't say anything about this to m!
mother,-though | guess Arthur will tel
her all about it in the morning Ter b.
sho, an dat he will ? said Eben wh,
bore little liking for my cousin. Indeed
do not think there was one creature
human or brute. that really loved N,