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Z."'T AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY. NEWSPAPER. r4ff
r0l. -r. New Uloomflcltl, Tuenclny, ttg-iiHt 22, 1S71. TVo. 34.
Ja Published Weekly,
At New Bloomficld, Tcnn'a.
BY
FIIANK MORTIMER.
SUBSCRIPTION TERMS.
1 5 I 1'Z 11 Y 13 -V 11 :
75 Cents for 6 Months; 40 Cents
for 3 Months,
IN ADVANCE.
Amy's Engagement.
IT HAD been decided in family council
that tlio Daytons should spend the
summer months at the seaside. Which
of the fashionable watering-places was to
have the honor of receiving them as guests,
had not been fully determined upon.
Mrs. Dayton was in favor of Newport,
while Miss Belle, with many a toss of the
head, declared that Cape May was a hun
dred times better. The matter was settled
at length by a rumor, which Mrs. Dayton
brought homo one morning, that Mr. Ralph
Somervillo, having finished his studies at
an English university, had arrived in town,
and was expected to spend a fow weeks at
Newport, where his mother and sister had
already preceded him.
" Are you quite sure, mamma, that tho
rumor about Mr. Somerville is true?" que
ried Belle.
" Certainly, my dear, I heard the Btory at
three different places ; you may ho sure
that Newport now will be the place of tho
season."
"Well, on the wholo, I thiuk wo had
better go there. But what shall wo do
with Amy, mamma ? A pretty subject sho
would be fur fashionable society. I don't
suppose any amount of coaxing or driving
could make her change her dress more than
once a day, and you know that ladies some
times change their toilets four or rive times
a day at Newport."
" I really am quite puzzled about Amy.
She is bo odd in her notions Bhe would mor
tifiy us a hundred times a day, if wo took
her with us, and if we insisted on leaving
her at home, there would be a great outcry
of injustice raised against us. The matter
is really very perplexing."
Sweet Amy Dayton, with her simple, un
affected manner, her common senso idea of
things, and her intense disgust of tho ab
surdities which fashion sometimes imposes
upon her victims, was indeed a sad trial to
her mamma and sister. She would not , be
persuaded to pile upon her head a mass of
cushions and fake hair until it became as
large as two heads ought to be ; but instead,
insisted upon wearing a'chignon of moder
ate dimensions, over which her hair full in
natural curls. If Belle chose to wear a
hump upon her back which amounted to a
deformity, she wasn't going to burden her
self in such a ridiculous way, not she. For
this and similar odd notions, she was often
severely censured by her mamma, and un
mercifully ridiculed by Belle. But there
was one inmate of the house who thorough
ly appreciated her, and that was her father.
In fact, with the selflsh occupation of his
wife and daughter with their fashionable
pursuits, his lot would have been a hard
one, if Amy, her father's child truly, had
not been always at hand to give him words
of sympathy, and those numberless little at
tentions which a father likes to receive
from a daughter's hand.
Mrs. Dayton and Belle were still puzzling
over Amy's disposal, when the lntterentor
ed the room, with a handkerchief tied over
her head, and a duster in her hand.
U What euu you be about !" , exclaimed
Mrs. Dayton.' ."Judging from' your ap
pearance, I should think you were tho
housemaid of the establishment."
" Only dusting the parlors, mamma.
You know that you gave Mary permission
to go home and see her sick mother to-day,
and I am helping her what I can, so that
she may go early."
" I do wish, child, that you were not so
silly. I keep servants enough without
having my daughters obliged to soil their
hands with housework."
44 1 know I'm not obliged to do it, mam
ma, but I felt just like it this morning. A
little soap and water will removo the soil
from my hands, and I have really enjoyed
the exercise."
44 Exercise I as if one wanted to tako any
more of that than one is obliged to this
warm weather. If it continues a few days
longer, I shall not wait till the first of July
before starting for Newport."
41 So you have decided to go there ?"
said Amy, with a sigh.
44 Yes." replied Belle : 44 one would think,
from your forlorn expression of face, that
you wore looking lorwaru to martyroom."
4'To lead the life that somn do there,
would he a species of martyrdom to me.
Newport is a beautiful place with its splen
did drives and magnificent beach, and I
should enjoy it if I could do so in a rational
manner ; "but when fashion bids her slaves
spend half their waking hours in dressing
ana Undressing, It swmei wu nw uuiug iiu-
surd."
At this characteristic speech of Amy's,
Mrs. Dayton and Belle exchanged despair
ing glances, which plainly said, 41 It is just
as wo thought ; we never can iiiukh any
thlnir of her. and what shall we do ?"
44 Mamma," resumed Amy, 41 if you are
not vory particular about my going with
you, I would much rather spend tho timo
lit Undo Raymond's in Shelby. Not hav
ing mado my entreo into society, I shall
not. bo missed, and I know I shall enjoy a
visit at Uncle Raymond's very much."
"Well, my dear," gracionsly replied
Mrs. Dayton, 44 if yon had so much rather
go to your uncle's than with us, I don't
know as I have any objection."
44 O, thank you !" exclaimed Amy, at tho
same timo bestowing such an ardent em
brace upon her mamma, that it took tho
latter some moments to re-adjust her head
dress and collar.
44 As for Bollol know she is glad that I
am going to set my face towards Shelby,
fori might become a dangerous rival of
hers at Newport."
Having made this sally, Amy left tho
room humming a favorite air.
41 Tho idea of her ever being my rival 1 I
declaro it is too absurd. But I feel reliev
ed at this new freak of hers, don't you,
mamma?"
41 Yes, it has taken a great weight off my
mind. I wish all her freaks would suit our
convenience as well as this one."
41 1 declaro she grows more ridiculous
every day of her life. The idea of her
wanting to go to that stupid old farmhouse 1
Dear me, I shouldn't survive there a
week," said Bello, dcprecatingly.
Next morning at breakfast Mrs. Dayton
inlormed.hcr husband that there were a
few more things Bello must havo to make
her presentable at Newport. Having gen
erously supplied tho desired funds, he turn
ed to Amy with the query :
41 And how much for you, my dear ?"
44 A sufficient sum for my travelling ex
penses, father, is all I require ; for my
wardrobe is quite fine enough for tho quiet
town of Shelby."
In two weeks, everything being ready
Mrs. Dayton and Bello departed, carrying
with them six hngo trunks tilled with tho
splendors in which they were to shino nt
Newport. Amy lingered a day or two to
put everything to rights and provido for
her father's comfort during the short timo
he would have to remain in town. One
bright sunny morning found her seated in
tho cars, and whirling rapidly toward Hhol
by. A letter informing her friends of her
intended visit had been duly received, and
sundry preparations had been making in
the old farm house over since.
41 I'm glad Amy's coming," said Aunt
Ruth; "but I've hoard that brother James's
daughters have been brought up by their
mother in the fine-lady style, and our old
fashioned ways will be such a chaugo for
the child. I'm afraid sho'il bo Homesick
before she's beon here a week."
41 Well, we won't borrow trouble about
that. I somehow feel she'll brighten up
tho old place wonderfully," said Uncle Ray
mond.
There was another inmate of the family
who looked forward to Amy's coming with
anything but pleasant feelings. Herman
Allen who was present helping Undo Ray
mond with his haying, had sought this
quiet nook to give himself rest after ex
haustinc mental effort, and tone up his sys
tem with vigorous out door exercise. As
ho was walking out one day he chanced to
como u mm farmer Raymond in ills hayucld,
and the fancy seizing him, ho then and
there made a bargain to help the old gon
tleman get in his hay.
Now tho prospect of this delicious quiet
being invaded by a city miss was anything
but agreeable, and he had half a mind to
find a substitute for Mr. Raymond, and
take himself off before the young lady's
arrival. But thinking this would be rather
cowardly on his part, he decided to remain,
but resolved to have as little to do with tho
expected guest as the rules of commora po
liteness would allow. . Six miles iu (he
stasecoach brouuht Amy to the door of the
farmhouse, where Aunt Ruth stood wait
ing for her with open arms.
"I declare," said the good lady after the
first greetings were over ; 44 I've been try
ing to imatrine how you would look, ever
sinoo I heard you was coming, but I never
got wider of the mark. I really shouldn't
have known you."
I should have known you, auntie, if I
had met you anywhere. You' look 'just
as you did that summer I staid here when
I was a little girl, and grew so strong and
well runnimr iu tho fields."
44 1 hope you will havo just as good a
timo now, dear, but come right up to your
room. It is only three o clock now, and
you'll have timo to lie down and get rested
from your journey Del ore tea time.
"Oh nonsense, auntie 1 I nover lie down
in the daytime when I am well. All the
refreshing 1 need is a good bath in this do
licious spring water, and I shall be as good
Aunt Ruth loft Amy to her toilet duties,
and went dowu stairs saying mentally :
41 She isn't a bit stuck up, and don't put
on any tine airs yet, whatever sho may do
by-and-by."
Amy, having laid asido her dusty travel
inir-dress, soon appeared in a cool muslin,
iu which her aunt said she looked fresh as
a roso. Spying her Undo Raymond com
ing up from the haylldd, after his day's
work, sho ran to meet him, and to her
great surprise they were Joined by Her
man Allen, to whom she was lonnally in
troduced. Ho erected her with a polite
bow, and then passed on iu adyance of
them to the houso.
4'I expected to find Cousin Fred helping
you tins summer, instead or this stranger
how does it happen, uncle?"
44 The fact is, Fred never took kindly to a
farmer's iiie, never liked tho monotony, as
he called it, and when his tnclu Lewis of
fered last spring to take him into his ma
chine shop and learn him his trade, J
thought I might as well let him go, and
follow tho natural bent of his mind. He
was always conjuring up machines ever
since he could whittle, and tho garret is
full of his experiments in that lino."
"I think you havo acted wisely iu al
lowing Fred to learn the kind of business
ho fancies. It is of no Bort of uso to
make peoplo do what they were never mado
for, and can never excel in. I am acquaint
ed with a young man whoso fathor insists
upon liis going to coiiego, witu tno view oi
entorini? a profession. His fancy would
lead him to becomo a merchant, and if ho
yields to his father's wishes, the chances
are that he will fail entirely, and become
what I call a misplaced man."
44 There is more truth than poetry In
what you say, Amy ; I havo seen many in
stances ot such mismanagement myseu.
This part of tho conversation between
Amy and her uncle was held after they en
tered the houso, and Herman Allen who
was an involuntary listener, could not help
admitting to himself that this city girl was
more sensiblo than he gave her credit for,
and perhaps, after all, sho might not bo
bucIi a bore in the house as he feared.
In a few days Amy becamo accustomed
to tho routine of tho farmhouse, and she
enjoyed, with a keen relish, tho simplicity
of her life. Attired in a neat calico dress,
which sho brought expressly for tho pur
pose, she liked nothing better than to help
her nunt about tho morning work, and then
to save the men a warm walk to tho house,
sho would take every day-a pail of lunch
eon and a pitcher of cool drink to tho hay
field. Undo Raymond blessed her in his
heart for this loving service, and Herman
thought that not the least of tho pleasures
of his quiet stay at Shelby was tho daily
companionship of this sweet girl, who al
though brought up in tho midst of fashion
and folly, was sensiblo and truo-hcarted.
44 The weather looks so threatening,"
said Undo Raymond, ono Saturday morn
ing, 44 1 don't intend to cut any hay to-day.
I never care to risk any hay out over tho
Sabbath, so I gucBS we'll tako a holiday."
44 Is it likely to rain this torenoon, un
cle?"
44 1 don't believe it will but if I am any
judge, wo shall have heavy showers this af
ternoon.
44 I'm going thon to pick some berries
before tho rain comes to wash them off."
I think 1 will go, too, Miss Amy, if you
havo no objection."
"Hot in the least, Mr. Allen; l should
bo very glad of an escort, for, to tell tho
truth, I nover feel quite at ease in a berry
pasture, I'm so afraid of snakes."
41 I'll endeavor to shield you from all at
tacks of creeping things and fowls of tho
air also. I hear an eagle has been seen in
the neighborhood lately, and I fancy you
wouldn't care to havo him swoop down up
on your hat, or fly off with your baskot of
berries.
44 Indcod I wouldn't, but I should really
like to see a live eagle."
Amy was an adopt at picking berries,
and Herman tried in vain to keep his bas
ket as full as hers. They wore so plenty
that before long their baskets and pails
were all full, and they sat down under an
oak tree to rest.
44 By the way. Miss Amy," said Herman,
"did your aunt tell you of your invitation
to a picnic next Wednesday?"
44 Ho, this is the first 1 heard ot it.
Where is it to be?"
41 Over in your undo s fine grove; and
Mary Burners, our next neighbor, is the
prime mover of tho affair. She has some
young lady friends from New York visit
ing her, and I believe this picnic is in their
honor."
O. dear. I wonder if I must go 1 The
prospect of meeting so many strangers is
not a pleasant ono to contemplate.
44 1 am auite sure your company will bo
much desired, but of course there will be
no compulsion. 1 would do as 1 pleased,
however, about accepting the invitation, for
if I recollect rightly, you are the young la
dy who doesn't believe in making people do
what is not congenial to them."
4 That I don't, within certain UmiU. Of
course thore are a great many things in
lifo, that we mnst and ought to do, whether
they are distasteful to us or not. But to
lie mado to choose a business we don't
liko, or follow fashions and customs that
we detest, is what I rebel against."
44 Have you had any experience in the.
matter, pray?"
44 1 should think I had." replied Amy,
laughing merrily. 44 My mamma and sister
Bello havo boon trying ever since I ' wore
bibs to make me a lady of fashion. I be
lieve, though, they have about given me up
as incorrigible, for mamma said not a word
against my coming here this summer, in
stead of going to Newport with them. I
spent one season tliere, and such a fearful
amount of dressing as they imposed upon
me makes roe sigh with weariness even
now."
14 1 believe most young ladies would be
quite resigned to such a fate as that."
44 1 presume they would, but I don't like
it. Indeed I think I have a chronio dis
taste for any thing of the kind. I like to
dress becomingly and according to my sta
tion, but to wear a monstrous mass of head
gear and such a pilo of r utiles and puffs,
that I hardly look liko a human being I
wont submit to It if I can help it."
44 1 am glad you are so independent, Miss
Amy, and I must say, tho simple wuy you
dress your hair has been the delight of my
eyes ever sinco I have been here."
44 It suits me, and if it pleases any ono
else I am glad. But, dear me, Mr. A Don,
we mustnH rest here any longer if we want
any of Aunt Ruth's delicious berry pios for
to-morrow."
Amy was induced to go to tho plculc.and
also to sundry drives and moonlight walks,
In which Mr. Allen washer constant escort,
during tho season ho remained at the farm-
I house. But liko all things else, tho haying
season had an end, and at its closo Mr. Al
len took his departure. Amy missed him
more than she cared to acknowledge, and
mado such extra exertions to bo cheerful,
that Aunt Ruth, who had for somo timo
suspected nn affection of tho heart between
tho young people, was quito reassured, and
decided that a girl who could revel in such
a flow of spirits all tho timo, could not pos
sibly be piuing for an absent lover.
Amy received now and then a letter from
her sister Belle, which was mostly filled
with commiseration for her lonely lot at tho
farmhouse, and the delights which sho hor
self experienced at Newport. In her last
letter sho wrote :
14 Mr. Ralph Somorvillo has at length ar
rived and created a great sensation, for ho
is perfectly splendid, so handsome, and
such a perfect gentleman. Ho is estimated
to bo worth half a million at least, and only
thiuk what a splendid establishment he
could give a wife ! He bIiows mo a great
deal of attention, and you cannot think
how much envy it excites. Ho pays mam
ma more deference thhn any other of tho
ladies who have marriageable daughters,
and she is confident that sho shall soon
welcome him into her family as her son-in-law.
Sho thinks his attentions to her are
quito proper under tho circumstances, and
a proof of his serious Intentions in regard
to myself, so you must not bo surprised if I
return homo engaged to Mr. Somerville."
Amy sighed as sho closed tho lettor, at
the thought that if such au event as a
fashionablo engagement foi her sister should
take place, how much extra discipliuo sho
would have to submit to, and what a tire
soino routine of ceremonies would follow
in its train. This prospect, that, iu Belle's
view, seemed now to bo among the possi
bilities of tho future, mado Amy enjoy
with more zest tho remainder of her stay
at Shelby. Sho had decided to remain a
week longer than sho at first intended, hut
a casual remark in ono of Belle 8 letters,
44 that her father had returned home, and
had complained of not feeling very well of
late," quite altered her plans and sho im
mediately lelt tor home.
Mr. Dayton was suffering from a nervous
attack, and his lowness of spirits was not
improved in the elegant but lonely house,
where ho missed so much the presence of
- - f . i i.i it 1: j..
jus wile uiiu uuugiiiur. nu won silling ill
the library, with a dejected look upon his
usually cheerful face, when Amy burst
like a sun beam into the room.
44 O papa !" she exclaimed ; 44 I'm so glad
I found you at -home. I thought perhaps
you might be at the office." " ilut, papa,
what makes you look so sad ? has anything
happened i '
44 Nothing, dear, that need to cause me
any sadness ; I cannot deny that I feel low
spirited, but I'm quito at a loss myself to
find the cause.
44 1 kuow what it is, papa. You have
quite worn yourself out delving in that old
office, and all you need is rest. I don't be
lieve you found much at Newport, did
you, papa?"
44 O dear, no ; such hurry and bustle, and
so many going and coming, it was impossi
ble to get any rest worth the name there."
44 Well, papa, I am going to be your phy-
sioian and prescribe for you, and I think I
can insure you a complete recovery of your
health and spirits."
44 1 think, my dear, that your presence
has already made me feel bettor, so I shall
place myself under your charge without
any hesitation."
' ' Amy proved a skillful physician for the
quiet drives and sails they took together
and the cheerful days passed at homo, soon
dispelled the nervousness which was only
caused by mental fatigue; and long before
his wife and eldest daughter returned, Mr.
Dayton had regained his elastio step and
cheer! iu looks., i ,
Tho six huge trunks with their owners
nt length arrived, and for a week at least
the house was in a state of confusion inci
dent to the return of a fashionablo party
from a summer campaign.
Amy waited in vain for the announce
ment of Belle's engagement, and at length
asked how matter were progressing lie-
tween her and air. oomorvillo.
44 O, we are the best of friends," she re
plied, 4 4 and he hinted in a very significant
manner to mamma that lie should take an
early opportunity of calling, upon his re
turn to tho city."
Belle was iu a flutter of excitement every
day during calling hours, and although a
number of gentlemen called, and among
them a French Count,yet the one she most
wished to see failed to make his appear
ance. The girls were sitting with their
mother ouo morning in the library, when
a servant entered, and handing Amy a card,
said a gentleman was waiting to see her in
tho parlor.
Amy blushed very red as she glanced at
the card and quickly left the room.
44 Who in the world can it bo, mamma 7"
said Belle.
44 1 really haven't the slightest idea. I
hope it is no clownish acquaintance she has
picked up iu Shelby."
Amy was not superior to the common
weakness of her sex, and it must bo con
fessed that she gave an extra brush to her
hair, and lingered long enough to quell a
little the beating of her heart before she
descended to meet her caller.
- It was Herman Allen as she already
knew, and save that hisnoblo face and form
were the same, she would have hardly
known him. Ho was splendidly dressed,
and had such a gentlemanly bearing that
Amy wondered if even Belle's paragon
could equal hi in. Ho made a long call,
and before he left, tho blush upon Amy's
cheeks had grown brighter, aud a new
light beamed from her bluo eyes. She re
tired immediately to her room, and did not
again make her apicarance until just be
fore dinner. Bello was about to question
her with regard to her caller, when her
father entered tho dining-room with such a
look of importance upon his face that sho
waited for him to speak fust.
44 My dear," said ho, addressing Mrs.
Dayton, 44 1 have just had the pleasure of
betrothing one of my daughters to Mr.
Ralph Somorvillo, and ho is now awaiting
to make this announcement to you, in tho
parlor, l have heard you speak so highly of
him that I think this engagement meets
your entire approval."
44 Certainly, ol course it docs.
44 O papa," Biinpercd Belle, 44 1 was nuito
sure he would propose, but how odd that
ho should do so without consulting mo
first."
14 You mistake, my dear, it was Amy for
whom he proposed, and I believe they set
tled the matter between them before ap
pealing to me."
'Amy!' exclaimed Mrs. Dayton and
Bollo : 44 how did sho becomo acquainted
with him ?"
44 Sho can tell you, I presume," replied
Mr. Dayton, with a smile.
Both looked at Amy for an explanation,
and sho quietly remarked :
44 He was Uncle Raymond's hired man
this summor, and this was where I formed
his acquaintance."
"Mr. Somerville Uncle Raymond's hired
man ! I don't believe a word of such a pre
posterous story. 1 tell you, papa, there is
some ridiculous mistake about this affair,"
indignantly replied Belle.
44 Well, in that case the gentleman must
speak for himself." And before Bello
could make her escape Bhe found herself in
the presence of Mr. Somervillo whom her
lather had invitod to the room.
44 1 think," said Mr. Dayton, 44 that you
will have to give the same account of your
self to my wifo and Bello that you did to
me, for they are quito incredulous about
your being Mr. Raymond's hired man.' '
44 1 really do not wonder," replied Ralph
stepping to the side of Amy ; 44 and I can
say with truth it was tho first piece of de
ception I ever practised. Tho fact was, on
my return from Europe, I was mentally
tired out and felt that I couldn't meet my
mother and sister at Newport, and become
involved in the whirl and bustlo there,
without a previous rest and change I
bought me a substantial suit of working
clothes, and stepping into the cars, thought
I would ride till I caine to a place I fancied,
and there sojourn for a while. As I chan
ced to hear Shelby spoken of as a delight
ful place by a fellow-traveller, I decided
to go there. In one of my morning strolls
I encountered Mr. Raymond, who was just'
commencing haying, and was bemoaning
the scarcity of help. The thought at once
struck mo that haymaking would give me
bodily exercise as well as mental rest, and,
obeying a sudden impulse, I engaged to
help him through the haying season, and
gave my name as Herman Allen, the form
er being my middle name, and the latter
the maiden name of my mother. Of course
upon Amy's arrival I soon made her ac
quaintance, and I need not say hero, what
you have of course inferred from a recent
transaction, that I learned to love hor with
all my hoart. She has already pardoned
me for winning her under a false name, and
I trust you will also be as lenient."
14 Certainly," replied Mrs. Dayton, with
her most gracious manner ; 44 we entirely
forgive you, and cordially welcome you in
the new relation you stand to the family."
Belle, now that the field was lost,
made the best of her disappointment, which
after all, was not one of tho heart ; and con
gratulating herself that the French count
was still available, she gave her hand to
Mr. Somerville,. and murmured somo words
of welcome. The glitter of Amy's engage
ment ring, which was a magnificent dia
mond, mode hor resolve to accept tho Count
when he proposed, for she had heard that
he was possessed of family jewels of untold
valuo.
44 Only think 1" she exclaimed to her
mamma, the first time thoy were alono,
"that Amy should mow herself up in that
old farmhouse and catch the greatest lion
of the season. It is really past my finding
out."
44 Never mind, dear, wo shall havo him
in the family, and wo really ought to re
joice that such an unpromising oandidate
for high life should have made out so well.
I am sure I had no idea of it, and evon
now I tremhlo lest she should shock our
fashionable friends with somo of her odd
notions."
Mrs. Dayton insisted upon a fashionablo
wedding of the most ultra kind, fom Mrs.
Ralph Somervillo was destined for- the
highest round upon the social ladder, and
must be introduced to that position with
all due ceremony.
Amv was irlari when it wru all nvor. anil
attired in her rich yet simple traveling
dress, she was speeding away upon her bri
dal tour, the first stopping-place of which
was dear Uncle Raymond's. As they uear
cd the farmhouse, Ralph exclaimed, 44 that
spot shall always be the dearest one on
earth to me, and Uncle Raymond shall
never want for anything to help him along
in his haymaking."
He kept his word, and not only paid tho
mortgage ou the old farm, aud provided all
the Improved machines for its cultivation,
but always camo every summer, with Amy,
to got rest and health working among tho
fragrant bay. .....
tW" Throo heavy golden vases wore lately
found In Pompeii iu the middle of a street
only a fow feet under the gfwund. It is be
lieved they were carried by priests in a pro
cession to propitiate the gods, and that the
bearers were killed while moving through
the streets.