Year: 1878

School had closed for the summer va
cation. had graduated with high
honOrs. About the middle of July |
received letter from my cousin, Bes-
sic Landon, requesting me TO spend a
. month with her. She said her father
had presented her with an elegant pony
phaeton, and another pony, so that we
could drive all around the country
alone. She also spoke of many other
outdoor enjoy ments.


After a hasty perusal of this letter |
hurried to Mamma to know whether |
could accept this kind invitation. She
having no objection to offer, seated
myself to write few lines to Bessie. |
told her | would start on Thursday for
Summer Rest. For several days was
very busy preparing for my jour
ney. But at last, Thursday dawning
bright and clear, with light heart |
bade adieu to my mother at the depot,
promising to write as often as could.
NV mother placed me in charge of
friend who was going to the same place
that was. >,


enjoyed the ride on the cars very
much. We arrived at our journeys
end about o'clock p. IN. Bessie was
at the station to meet me in her phae-
ton. She seemed delighted to see me,
Just here let me describe Bessie Landon.
She was about sixteen years Of age, Il
am TWO years her senior medium
height, had laughing blue eyes, light
brown hair, that hung in ringlets about
her shoulders and fair complexion. Bes-
sic looked very pretty, thought, in
her white dress, leghorn fiat and blue
ribbons.


Bessie's parents were wealthy, Doc
tor Landon being one of the most skill
full physician Of the village country,
Bessie had brother, named William,
who expected to follow the same pro-
Iession as his father. William was
very pleasant young gentleman, very
kind and attentive to his sister.


But must return to where | met Bes-
sic at the station. In few moments
we reached the house. During that
time Bessie mad Informed me that Will
had a college chum visiting him, who
was just splendid, and that they were
going to give garden party the next
p Tuesday, etc.


received warm welcome from my
uncle and aunt, and cousin Will. did
not make my appearance in the parlor
that evening, as felt tatigued after
my long journey. Before retiring l
wrote few lines to my mother inform"
ing her OF my safe arrival.


The next morning Bessie awoke me
and told me to hurry and make my toi-
let, and we would have time for a gall
lop before breakfast. hastily attired
myself in new riding habit of dark
green, with a straw hat trimmed with
a dark green veil.


ran down stairs and found Bessie
and win and his friend, Edward
Thornton, waiting for me. was pre-
sented to Mr.. Thornton, who thought
was very prepOssessing in appearance.
The horses were brought around to the
door, and we mounted, and all started
off together. What delightful ride
we did have! The air was so bracing
and healthful. We reached home just
after Uncle and Aunt had been seated
at the table few moments. We did
full Justice to the elegant light rolls,
eggs, meat and coffee, yellow with rich
cream, of which Aunt Sarah gave me n
glass and told me that | should have it
every morning.


After breakfast we played croquet
awhile, Suntil it got too warm. We
then went in the house and practised
some Duets to play in the evening.


Then | left Bessie to entertain Mr..
Thornton, while unpacked the rest of
my trunk, and by that time the bell
rang for dinner; after that we took
siesta. Az five O'Clock we were dressed,
seated in the parlor conversing; when
the door bell rang and several visitors
called. One young lady | had met be-
fore at Besse's. liked her very much
She invited us all to her house to take
tea with her the next day. She said
she expected to have few friends in
the evening. She lived on the banks of
the river a few miles out Of the village.
We told her we would be delighted to