Class pS 3 ^^9 Book -AJLLL GopyrightN?. m^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSnv JAMES B. ELMORE. Love Among the Mistletoe AND Poems JAMES B. ELMORE AUTHOR OF A Lover in Cuba, and Poems; " "Twenty-five Years in Jack- ville" (a romance in the days of the "Golden Circle "), and " Selected Poems; " and "Autumn Roses" ALAMO, IND. PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 1908 • L? ■if \ u 1^0 K-'. LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received MAR 10 1^09 A Copyrijrnt Entry ^ CLASS CL. XXc. No, Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1899, by JAME? B. HLMORE, In the Office o-i the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. Oopyr ght, 1908. Prkkack. This book is dedicated to all lovers of good, And to those who admire pure reading. Be sure to peruse it as you should, Observing the lessons of good breeding. AYe give no apolog}' for making things plain, In a modest, graphical way. For nature has done her work just the same, And given our lessons to-day. ^lother Xature has been to us a great school. Of Avhich ourselves are a part. There can be no offense, if we stick to the rule. And give the pen-pictures of heart. Xow this we have done for the pleasure of all. And to the inanimate gave life. We deem it the best new things to install And give to Dame Nature new life. James B. Elmore, INOKX PAGE. Preface iii Love Among the Mistletoe 1 Bessie, the Belle of Alamp 48 Scenes in School 49 A Bird's Eye View of a Court Election Scene 50 Simile of Gold and Silver, by Maid and Man 52 The Wrecked Train 54 Alamo 56 The Germ or Nucleus of Alamo 58 The Cricket 61 Heroes of Santiago de Cuba 62 Indiana 64 Shoe Cobbler 65 The Soul 66 The Shades 67 Jugging Bumblebees ... 69 Workings of Bees 71 Raising the Flag 72 Childish Glee 75 A Back-woods School 77 Alone in the Woods 78 Yonntsville 79 A Description of History 81 The Old Sawmill 82 Alcohol 83 Over the Hills to the School House. . 84 Crawfordsviile, alias Athene 86 The Red Bird 87 Soldiers' Monument » . 89 Office-seeking 91 Childhood in the Orchard » .92 The Hero oi Manila 93 The Savior 95 The Editors 97 Election Day 98 Little Dog Fred 99 (V) INDEX. PAGE. A Snowflake 101 A Hornet's Nest 102 The Cunning, Covetous Jew 103 The Kagoedv Gal 106 The Wells tragedy 108 Maxwell Ill The Kissing Bug 114 The Happy Farmer 115 John Chinaman, My Joe 117 The Painter Poet, J. W. Riley 119 Pocahontas 120 Hans Spadgens' Hen 122 The Robin 124 Our Flag 12G A View of Nature 127 Kind Deeds 128 The Monon Wreck 129 A Revival Meeting 133 My Mary of Missouri 134 Money Moves 137 Mary's Lamb 138 Language 139 The Warship Maine 140 Thanksgiving 142 A Country Sawmill Wagon 143 A Characterized School 144 A Country E'der 145 Death of D. W. Voorhees I'^G The Frog 147 Pearl Bryan's Fato 149 Botanical Science 152 The Critic Pro Tem 153 Wabash College .154 Jim Elmore's Best 156 Dudes and Sassafras 157 The Country Boy 159 Interurban Railv^'ay 104 The Modern Woodman • 105 When I Was Young 167 To a Bird • 169 Our Father • • 170 INDEX. PAGE When the Pawpaws are Ripe 171 Stick to Your Calling 172 My Sweetheart of Long Ago . 174 Jennie's Ride 179 " The Bard of Alamo " 181 The Ladies' Athenian Club 182 Do Ol' Plantation 184 Lawion's Brigade 18G The Poet 188 A Sonnet 190 Our Baby 190 Life 192 Poets are Born, Not Made ]94 The Buggy 195 "Ben Hur" in Drama ....••• 196 A Sonnet 199 Acrostic 200 What the Hoosier Sees ii; Chicago 200 Acrostic 20;> Acrostic 204 Sugar-making Song 204 Sugar Making . . > 206 Acrostic 210 Abige and Turkey Tom 210 Music , 213 How Success is AVon 217 Envoy 223 LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. Names of Characters: John Arno Rival Mrs. Arno Kingston George Hope Servant Fay Larchen Accomplice Cecil Ivy Suitor Violet Payne Queenstown Agnes Percy Accomplice, Oaken Mrs. Payne. Kailroad Station, Fairmount A LONG a winding river, where grew forests of '**' chestnut, magnolia and elm, many years ago» a very rich man settled and bought a large tract of land, lying on each side of this beautiful stream. He lived here in solitude for a number of years on his vast estate, lying on either side of the great Eock Eiver, stretching for miles up and down the stream, clothed in the most picturesque scenery. But one fine day a son was born to him, and was christened John Arno. He was a very beautiful child, and heir to all the estate. The plantation grew and grew, and became more attractive as a pub- lic resort, as the adjoining lands were cleared and made into farms. Around this place a great many incidents cling. The old man and woman were of Quaker descent, and were very odd. They had a kind of an aversion to society, but they built for them- 2 (1) INDIANA. selves a palace on the highest hank of the river, or in other words it was a vast citadel. One had but to look out and behold the river below, with its nar- rows and whispering galleries as the winds gently passed by. In this pleasant situation John grew to manhood, playing along the river, hunting pretty shells, and climbing the hills, which teemed with wild flowers, corded grape-vines and mistletoe. He would take his hook and line, and would fish for bass, silversides and gold fish. He would sit on a Yery large rock in the river, known as the Old Eagle Rock, where the last wild Indian was shot and killed by a neighbor while he was fishing. The Indian incurred the enmity of this man by telling stories of vast lead mines on the plantation, whose location he kept a secret, and by telling how he had killed white people and infant children by taking them by the feet and knocking their brains out against the walls of their houses, and as you know by tradition even back to the ancients. The blood of this Indian is on this rock to-day as it gushed forth and he plunged into the river. John would take long rambles in the woods, and he became acquainted with the different kinds of wild flowers which grew on every knoll and hill. The creeks and rills rippled over mossy beds and pebbly bottoms which sparkled like diamonds. On the north bank of Rock River was a large cave. LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. Ivnown as Hidden Mystery, where oft John and the people woiikl go with lanterns and torches as ex- plorers. This cave had many rooms and domes, with sweet waters. The water which trickled down the walls left them encrusted, which shone all around like stars or rubies when exposed to the light of the lan- terns. The M^ater which trickled down overhead left spires as clear as crystal, and in the bottom were porous rock and eyeless fish. Xow, John was old enough to go to school, but he had been born and raised in one of Nature's grandest of art schools in the world. His father determined to send him to school at Boston, where he could add to his natural learning a scientific knowledge and come in contact with the wealth and pomp of the old world among the gay ladies and Jeweled princesses. The day came, and John, with his father, embarked on a steamer for Boston. Down the great Mississippi they go to the Gulf of ^lexico, where they embark on a large vessel for Xew York, and thence to Boston. In about a week they are in Boston, and John is sent to college, where he is to stay five years, or until he is twenty years old. His father goes home and engages in stocks and bonds and pork-packing, and it seemed as though he had the touch of the fabled Midas, as everything he touched turned into the yellow metal. But, as you have learned, this is one of the prettiest places in the world, with its semi-tropical scenery, INDIANA. and it being a favorite watering-place, people from all over the world came on tours of pleasure and en- vied the old man his possessions, and young lasses sought the hand of his son. There was a great bridge across Rock Eiver at this place, where people THE CASTLE. would cross and linger for hours and hours looking at the scenery, and the great mansion which overlooked the crowning hill. In these days it was something uncommon to see such a large building in this section of country, and such elevators of stored grain. In the cellar of this grand mansion was everything that LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. man could wish — all kinds of fruits and viands. There Avere malt liquors which had grown old with age, and which had become thick and white hke cream, and lost their tart, biting sting, such as epi- cures would like to sample. The barrels were cov- ered with moss like that on the rock of ages. Xow, this toiling father was growing old, and his very dream was the idol of his son, on whom he wished to bestow all his wealth — not only the treas- ures of this earth, but the treasures of his heart also. And the mother — a meek, gentle woman, polished and mannerly, a very type of beauty and of her race. It seems as though wealth is an incentive to bring the beautiful of earth together, which begets beauty until it is in a perfect state, enabling one to grow in ease and pleasure, and therefore grow to manhood and obtain those luxuries and necessities which are builders of symmetry. The mother has impressed upon her son the kind, gentle spirit of her life, and is looking forward to the crowning of her glory. John has now gone to college for two years, and has made many acquaintances, and has looked upon many fair faces. He has been leader in his class, having inherited the will-power of his father, and he has refused the hand of many fair ladies. But in the midst of his success his father dies, leaving all in his hands; but his mother is to assume control of the estate until he is twent3^-one years of age. He is INDIANA. called home to the funeral of his father, and stays a week for recreation, 'and during this week at home he returns to his old playgrounds amidst the hills and vines along the creek, and in one of his rambles he spies a neat, beautiful form standing on the bank of the stream and looking at him. He looks again, and he is bewildered with the brightness of her face. He had never looked npon such a one before. A feeling of love came over him as she tossed at him a red rose that he could not resist. His large blue eyes peered into hers, which were a beautiful brown, and there was such a charm in them that he waded across the stream to greet her, and, climbing up the little hillock, he bowed and introduced himself as Mr. John Arno, of Kingston. She also bowed with courtesy and said: "Miss Violet Payne, of Queenstown," and her voice closed with a musical Scottish accent which he never forgot — that voice he could hear at all times. It was to him like that of the sweet sirens of the lonely isles. The happy meeting was like that which befalls some awful catastrophe. For a moment all was silent while each looked upon the other. Then he said: "Let's take a ramble and cnll some pretty flowers." They started off on a tour of the hills and valleys, seeking the pretty flowers and shells, and walked along Echoing Glen, whose upright walls rebounded the human voice, and where the wild pheasants beat LOVE AMONG THE INIISTLETOE. upon their breasts with their wings, which seemed like the distant sound of some primeval drum. Then as they retraced their steps the quail whistled a signal of approaching eve, and the whip-poor-will darted here and there. On arriving at her carriage they agreed to correspond w^th each other wdien he arrived at school and she at her home. Then the driver was ready, and a crack of the wdiip sent the carriage roll- ing away over the pike, wdiile he stood in low spirits, watching the one object of his mind vanish out of sight. He returned to his home at Kingston late in the evening. His mother discovered that he did not act with as much high spirits as usual, but she supposed that it was owing to the death of his father and his having to return to school on the morrow. He as- sisted his mother with her work as best he could, and appeared to be as cheerful as one could under the circumstances. His m. other noticed, too, that there was an expression of absent-mindedness in his de- meanor, and she meditated herself as to the cause of it. She thought that if her son appeared so at school that he would do no good, but she hoped and trusted for the better. John went to bed wdth a light heart, and he could hear that vessel beat and throb at his breast with greater ardor than usual. He lay on his bed with his mind's eye placed upon the object w^hich he had INDIANA. seen across the flowing river and standing like a statue on the little hillock. But as his anxiety was worn away he passed into deep repose, thinking little of the future. That bed was to him like the bed of shamrock and roses to the daughter of Daniel O'Connell on the banks of the Sharon in the Emerald Isle. But on his awaking he felt like he was trans- ported from a land of sweet dreams, and went about greeting his mother and getting his many things to- gether for his return to school. His mother tried to be in his presence as much as possible, for she knew how long two years of absence would be, and as she was getting old she might not survive that time But all seemed well for the time. She knew she would have to spend her time with the servants and make the most of life, for her husband, Mr. Arno, was a cheerful man, jolly and sociable. The time for his departure had come, and George, the old servant of the family, who had been so good and trusty for so many years, had the best team of roadsters hitched to take him to the station. He walked out to the carriage, while his baggage was carried by the servant. His mother followed to bid him good-bye, and to give him a check for $500, his yearly allowance set apart by his father. As he took the check he shook hands with his mother, and tears stood in his bright blue eyes so large that Ihey dimmed his sight, and his mother could scarcely bear LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. up under the sadness of heart. George had already seated himself in the carriage, and John, springing in, seated himself hy his side. As George pulled the reins they are off immediately. It is twenty miles to the station, but John gets George to go by way of Queenstown, which is about five miles out of the way, so that he may see the home of Violet, and, if possible, get a glimpse of her. George wonders why John wanted to go that way, but hesitated to interrogate him. About a mile north of Queenstown is a quaint little cottage, surrounded by chestnuts and evergreens, and whose lawns were decorated with smilax, honeysuckles and chrysanthe- mums. It recalls to one the scene of Maud Muller's beautiful country home, as portrayed by the artful mind of Whittier. As they approach this lovely place they behold a beautiful little cottage, like that of a shepherd in Scotland. George notices that John is restless, and is constantly looking in the distant yard. Violet is near where the lambkins are at play, amus- ing herself with these gentle animals. They are driving very fast, and John salutes her with his hand- kerchief; but she does not fully recognize him, but thinks it resembles the heir at Kingston. George for the first time has his suspicion aroused, for he too saw the beautiful physique of the lady, which to him was an ideal of symmetry. They speed along, and John gives George a faint idea of his friendship's 10 INDIANA. episode, trusting him to keep the secret. Now, this was like a bomb to George, as he had never seen John in the company of ladies. They arrive at the station; it is after noon and the train is on time, and their words of parting are few. He hands to George a sweet-scented Havana cigar, and requests him to give his mother his best love and esteem, and asks him to keep his secret. The train has now arrived; they shake hands, and John is off for the Mississippi and George to the grief-stricken home, where he finds Mrs. Arno awaiting his arrival, and the incidents of her son's departure. When everything is attended to they seat themselves and George relates how cheer- fully they made the trip, and how John got on the train and it glided off with the wings of a bird. But he never once hinted of the beautiful peasant home which they had passed. ^Irs. Arno was a kind, gentle woman, and had no dislike for the poor or those who were less fortunate than herself. But she well knew the position wealth placed one in in society, and so she desired her son to marry a lady of wealth. She went about her work in the same industrious manner that she had always done, and George had to assume the responsibility and care of the estate under her supervision. In a few da3^s John arrived at school, and went about his work with ardor, for he was ambitious and filled with zeal. He met all his old friends and LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 11 treated them as best he coukl in the condition he was placed by the death of his father and the parting of his new acquaintance. He assumed rather the habits of a Thoreau, but he was always at the head of his class. The time passed away very fast, and one even- ing, while meditating, he resolved to write to Violet, and, seating himself at his table, which was strewn with the sophomore's books, he attempted to write her a letter, but their acquaintance was so brief that he hardly knew what to write. So he wrote a neat letter of friendship, rehearsing their first meeting and their ramble over hills and valleys, which he so much en- joyed, and would some time in the future be pleased to see her again, and of the favorable impression he had formed of her. He also related to her his long trip, and how he went from place to place until he arrived at Boston. He requested her to write soon, and closed with these beautiful lines: How sweet it is to me, I find. To live in hearts we leave behind. Your friend, John Akno, Boston, Mass. In due time Violet received this letter and read it with care, noting everything, even the style and ex- pression. She kept it all a secret, for she had a fel- low by the name of Cecil Ivy, who had been courting 12 INDIANA. her for a long time, and who was well-to-do and very good looldng, and who had many friends, and of whom Violet thought very well. She made up her mind to write Mr, Arno a letter, thanking him very much for the high esteem in which he held her, and acknowledging the receipt of his very welcome letter. She told him of her trip home from Eock Kiver, and how she admired the grandeur of the scenery, and she closed by soliciting an answer and signing: Your friend. Miss Violet Payne, Queenstown, lenn. She has a lady friend by the name of Fay Larchen in whom she places confidences, and often trusted her with her secrets. In a few days she meets Fay, and they go for a ramble in the orchard near the old well, where the ancient shadoosh overhangs the curb, with a moss-covered vessel attached to the end of a pole, the like of which would suggest a good place to tell one's secrets. Here Violet narrates to Fay her trip to the river, her meeting of John Arno ar;d their pleasant walk, and her promise to write to him when he arrived in Boston. She shows John's letter, and Fay is so fascinated with it that she wants to write to John, as Violet already has a gentleman friend. Violet does not consent, although she thinks well of Cecil, and trusts all will be well. Fay, bejng de- feated in her wish, confides her secret to Cecil, which LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 13 is bound to create a jealousy. Cecil now goes to see Violet, who seems to be as cheerful as ever and treats him with as much courtesy. But he pushes his suit more than ever, and accuses her of another gentle- man friend. She acknowledges the receipt of a letter, but that 'twas only a friendship one. Cecil makes greater appeals of love, and asks her hand, but she withholds her answer. He still comes to see her, and her mother tells her that she is getting old, and that she will need an arm upon which to lean, when she is gone; also, Fay tries to induce her to accept, but she can't decide. Violet now sees a rival in Fay, if she but gives her the opportunity. So she is a little shy until she is more settled in her mind. But during this Lime she receives another letter from John acknowledging the receipt of hers. He is now some encouraged, and has recovered from home affairs, and his pen glows with a gentle ripple of harmony. He tells her how he is getting along, and hopes he may be home soon. He closed again with a few lines on their first meeting: The day that I stood beside the brook. And thou stood on the hill, I gave but one mild, gentle look. Whilst thou stood still. x^Lnswer soon. Your friend, John Ar2s^o, Boston, Mass. 14 INDIANA. Yiolet does not show this letter, and Cecil comes on and presses his suit, and A-'iolet does not know ex- actly what to do. She knows that Cecil loves her, but she is not certain about John, as he has been very delicate, and she does not know that she is the only lady friend he ever had. Cecil asks her to take a drive out to Eock River, and she consents. The day is set, and they drive.out. They go up and down the river, and view Paradise Alley, where the scenes are as beautiful as the word implies, with its little stream flowing ovei shining pebbles, and a narrow path extending along each side, with such pretty mosses and hanging vines ihat one nearly loses consciousness. While here, Cecil thinks he may overcome her obstinacy, and he talks of the future, and his love for her, and hopes she may 'con- sent to his proposal; but she drops the conversation by alluding to their pleasant surroundings. They pass on and come to Pleasant View, where they as- cend a little mound opposite a beautiful cascade, whose waters fall about twenty feet and turn in a boil below, forming a white foam, and a gentle zephyr carries a mist into the air, on which is mirrored all the prismatic colors of the rainbow. In this picturesque place Cecil says in his heart: "This world would I give, were it mine, for the hand of Violet." George, the old servant, is looking over the estate, and sees these two young people, and LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 15 watches them. He thinks he recognizes the form he saw at the peasant cottage, and he knows by their actions that they are lovers. They pass on ond arrive at a clifl', where the old eagles are feeding their young, and the whole cliff seems to be perforated or honey- combed. Then they arrive at the little hillock where she first met John Arno, and she pauses and looks down upon the spot where he stood, gazing in space, speechless, thinking: ^'Was it true, or is it only a fancy, such as lovers are apt to have?" Cecil notices this, and he is spellbound to know what it means. Violet sees in her mind's eye that tall, graceful form standing there, and says to herself, "I would he could be there now." George, by this strange incident, is certain that it is Violet, and that there is a strain upon her mind — something that is clothed in mystery or hidden in the deep recesses of the soul. Cecil and Violet pass on, but Violet is not cheerful, and they go to the carriage and return home. Cecil does the talking, while she is meditating, only now and then assenting to what he says. They part at the gate with the same friendship as before. Cecil has ac- cused her of her love for some other one, but she keeps her secrets. He goes home and gets Fay Lar- chen to visit Violet, and they repair to the old swing in the orchard to talk over old times, and Fay tries to solicit Violet to tell her more about John; but Violet is wise in her own counsel, and she is reticent. 16 INDIANA. Then Fa}^ shows the good qualities of Cecil, and Violet admits its being so. Fay also talks to Violet's mother, and tries in that way to find out something. But as yet she knows little of Violet's meeting John. George, the servant, writes to John what he saw, and tells all he knows about the circumstances, and de- scribes the man which he saw with her the best that he can, and about her standing on the little hillock, gazing on the shoal of pebbles, mussel and periwinkle shells. It has been some time since Violet received a letter, and she now, since she has taken the pleasure trip and has been relieved from the pressure of friends, seats herself to write to John. She relates her trip to Eock Piiver and the pleasant time she had, and recalls the place of their first meeting so long ago. She tells how many young people she saw boating and moving slcrwly down the stream with the current, and the gay laughter that echoed in her ears. But she never once says a word of her gentleman friend who accompanied her. She makes herself appear as happy as possible, and hopes he is so in the Hub City in a whirlpool of society, and closes with a very friendly greeting. Little does she know of the strain on his mind to get an education and become famous, and of his seclu- sion from society. He has received George's letter some davs before, and he knows, when he receives LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 17 Violet's letter, that George is true and faithful, and that he really saw Violet at tlie dells. Jolm is wor- ried about the gentleman that George saw with her, hut he makes up his mind never to say a word to her about it, and trusts to silence as the best road to long friendship, as it will be more manly and let his affections pass to her heart as the seraphs take their flight from earth to heaven. And he well knows, in the language of Shakespeare, that ^'light winning makes the prize light." So he studies on, with a little fear in his heart lest he fail in his love. He writes to his dear mother and George, telling his situation, and how he is advancing in his studies, and speaks of his being well, and thanks George for his many favors so that his mother will not understand what he has reference to. He now writes to Violet, acknowledging the receipt of her ever-welcome letter, and the happiness which it gave him to hear from her and that life was a pleasure to her. But he thought that he needed some assistance to counteract Fay in her work for Cecil. So he writes to his cousin, Agnes Percy, at Oaken, a nice letter, and sends his picture, requesting her to go and make the acquaintance of A'iolet and to give her the picture, and tell her of his deep love which he has for her, and to see if Violet returned his affection. Now, x\gnes was a good messenger, for she was well received by Violet, and her very face bore the impres- 18 INDIANA. sion of confidence, and, as you know, when one is in love and troubled, they are low-spirited and apt to tell secrets. They went to the orchard, so as to be alone, and to talk together. Agnes drew from her bosom the photograph of John and handed it to Violet, who, on recognizing it, pressed it to her lips and kissed it. Then she leaned over and embraced Agnes. This act sealed their friendship. Agnes knew well that Violet loved, and as she w\is John's cousin, she no longei hid it from her. She told Agnes that she loved Cecil, but had not consented to his proposal, and that she thought well of John also, but that she did not know whether he would return her love. So Agnes told her how much John was infatuated with her, and to wait awhile before she made up her mind, and that John was delicate on such matters, and how he had solicited her to assist him, and that she thought him in earnest. So A^iolet said she would defer answerin;; Cecil for some time. Then Agnes'returned home and wrote to John what she had done and what she had found out. Then John thought.that he was all right if he could come home soon. His school will soon close, and he will be one of the best in his class, and he can begin life for himself with honor. Cecil kept on going with Violet as before, and kept the same old struggle in her heart alive. She did not feel like casting him off, for fear of the worst, and so it fdled her very soul with gloom, and her mother sug- LOVE a:mong the mistletoe. 19 gested that Cecil was all right and would make a good husband, but Violet said nothing, which only made her the more miserable. Her heart* burst to tell her secret, but she dare not. If she could but see Agnes and relicA^e herself of her lo'ad, she would give all she ])ossessed. She would get in the carriage and go, but she would have to pass Cecil's home, and that would give her away; so she must smother the burning flame within her breast. School is now about to close, and John's mother is sick, and he is anxious to return. John's mother re- called to George the sadness of her son when he left home, and wondered why it was. George remarked that it might be a love affair, ^but said no more. As the school neared a close, days were as months. His mother was growing weaker, and John must go home to see her. George notifies him of his mother's con- dition, and informs him that she is only convalescent, and to fear not, for he will care for her. John remains at school until its close, and gradu- ates. He then packs his things for home — the dear- est spot to him on earth! No one knows what home is until away in a distant land, and let remorse come over them, or get disheartened — and John has experi- enced all of this. His goods are expressed to the wharf, and John embarks on a great Atlantic steamer for New Orleans, where he takes a Mississippi steam- boat for home. He arrives at Fairmount station, and 20 INDIANA. George is there, according to a j)rearrangement which they had consummated. John asks George to go hy way of Oaken, so that he may see Agnes and learn all about Violet that he can. They arrive at Oaken and they go in, and his cousin and aunt are glad to see them. John asks Agnes about Violet, and Agnes tells him she is the Jinest lady she ever met, so nice and accomplished, but that he may have hard w^orl^: to win her, and that Cecil is still keeping her company. Agnes tells him she is a perfect type of womanhood. John then requests Agnes to- visit Violet frequently, and to give her his best respects, and inform her of how much admiration he has for her, and that he will be very reticent, and that he 'thinks he can succeed better in that way, as it will deceive Cecil and Fay if he is not seen about Queenstown. It will be hard for him to stay awa}^, but he has great will-power and can control himself in that matter. He also requests her to visit him soon at Kingston, and that his mother will be glad to see her. He then starts for home, where he finds his mother improving in health, and she is very glad to see him, and to give the management of the estate over to him and relieve her mind from its care. The mother is glad to know that her son is a graduate, and thinks she sees a bright future before him, for, as Solomon has said, "A wise son maketh a glad father," it follows that the mother would be glad also. LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 21 John looks over the estate to see what is needed, but his mind is not content, and he often finds him- self wandering as if in dreamland. He has never been in such a condition before, and he thinks it is on account of his affection for Violet, and he is contem- plating as to how he will propose to her, and he wants to do it in the best manner that he possibly can. He sends for Agnes to come and visit him at the castle, and then he thinks he may see some way out of the difficulty. George is dispatched for Agnes, and told to call on Violet as he "returns, and have Agnes to converse with lier and tell her of his unrest of mind, and that he must see her soon. When George reaches Agnes's house she is as happy as a lark and pleased to make the visit. Her mother assists her to get ready and gives her permission to stay for a fortnight. When they are ready they are off for the visit. They soon arrive at Violet's home, and find the same grand personage busy with the things about her home. Violet welcomes them in, and George makes the ac- (juaintance of Mrs. Payne and converses with her while Agnes talks with Violet, and speaks to her about tTohn and his condition of mind, and says that she may send for her while she is at the Arno castle, and she consents to come. Violet sends her best respects to John, and her picture. Mrs. Payne thinks strange of this proceeding, and begins to question Violet about their calling; but she has a level head, and avoids the 22 INDIANA. matter by telling bcr mother that it was only a friendly visit. But Mrs. Payne is not perfectly satis- fied in her own mind. George and Agnes go on to the Arno home, and find John and Mrs. Arno very glad to see them. What a bright, cheerful girl Agnes is! It makes one happy to be in her presence, and Mrs. Arno is much better by Agnes's coming to see her. As soon as Agnes and Mrs. Arno converse awhile, John seeks an opportunity to speak to her about Violet. They go to the parlor, and while looking at the pictures on the center table John asks about Yiolet. Agnes tells John that Violet sent her best respects to him, and, opening her valise, took out a picture and gave it to him, and a mingled feeling of surprise and wonder came over him. His mind is carried back by the beautiful photograph to the little hillock where first he saw her standing like a beautiful flower which the dew of morn had caressed, and, standing among these beautiful environments, the brilliant rays of the sun only added splendor to the scene that he beheld; and, recovering himself, he said: "Agnes, this is the most beautiful picture that I ever saw. It is so like Violet — so modest, so charm- ing. She is the only lady that I ever met whose personal appearance has had such a control over me. She has changed imy whole life. You know how I used to ramble in the woods and dells by myself, and LOVE AMONCi THE MISTLETOE. 23 perfectly happy; but now 1 am not. 1 must see Violet soon, or I fear that Cecil will overcome her and make my life miserable. I. have trusted to you, Agnes, my most profound secrets, and relied on you to secvire the information which would win me the prize and make me happy. I hope you have done all you could, for there is no other person I would like to trust so well.^' Agnes thanks him for the confidence which he places in her. She assures him that what she tells him is true, and tliat he can win her if he only pro- ceeds in earnest before she would consent to wed Cecil, and that she has been delaying to answer Cecil to hear from him. So he arranges to go and see her and find out some of her parentage, and become better convinced of her beauty and surroundings. So he gets ready and goes on Thursday. He thinks it is a lucky da}^, and that he may avoid meeting Cecil, as he would be likely to be there on Sunday, for he has not ceased to woo her. When John arrives he sees her at a distance water- ing the beautiful lawn which surrounds the neat little country home. She knows him, and quits her work and comes to meet him. They greet each other very cheerful!}^, and talk of the pleasant day, and of the most cheerful things one could think of. She tells him she is so glad that he came, as she had wanted to see him for so long and talk of their first happy meet- 24 INDIANA. ing, which seemed to her like a miracle. He canaot help but show his appreciation of her, and she knows full well how to act, which adds to her personal charms. He is invited into the house and introduced to Mrs. ra3me, who receives him with kindness. This is the first time she has ever seen him, hut now she knows what has made Violet act so strange with Cecil. She can't help but admire the manl}^ courage and conversation of John. His very demeanor is par excellence, which makes him attractive to an^^one. Mrs. Payne converses with him awhile, and then retires from the room and leaves Violet alone with him. They spend the time pleasantly, talking of the many beautiful things which they saw the day of their ramble along the river. John relates many things which occurred at Boston during his stay there, and the life of one in the cit}^, and of the gay people in their gaudy dress. But presently the conversation changes to friendship affairs. John relates to her that he has heard that she has another suitor, and shj acknowledges that she has, and that he is nice, kind and agreeable, but that she has greater admiration for him than Cecil, and that she did not desire to mistreat him, and that she only used courtesy in go- ing with him. John acts in his selfsame manner, and says no harm of Cecil, as some rivals are wont to do- Jolm is perfect in the art of readiug human nature, and knows that the least said the easier mended, and LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 25 that stillness makes a wise head. It is in this way that he has had such an influence over the object of his love, for she could not resist his manly composure, for it was a tell-tale expression which lingered long in her heart. It shows that it is true that persons, on meeting, either like or dislike. There are certain features that charm the windows of the soul which cannot be resisted. He does not ask her to quit going with Cecil, but leaves that to her pleasure. He says that he may give her an invitation tc visit him at the castle while Agnes is there, and siie says she would be pleased to do so, and says that she admires the scenes along the river, and especially the great bridge, where she had stood for hours and hours watching the fish jump up out of the wat'.-r. He requests her not to tell anyone of his visits and that stillness is the best, and that it will allay gossip. He speaks well of her widowed mother, and thanks her for the kindness which he had received at her home. Then he gets ready to return home, and Violet goes with him to the gate, where they bid each other good-bye in the way which is the custom of lovers. John leaves no en- gagement, as he expects to s€"e her at his home some time soon. He returns home better pleased than ever, as he thinks that he is all riG:ht. He tells x\o'nes all about how ^lie received him, "and that she is the means of his success, and that she still must assist him, and that 26 INDIANA. he has made arrangements for Violet to visit them while she is with them. "Good!" says Agnes. "When do you expect her?" "I do not know/^ said John. "I intend to send you after her." "I would be pleased to go," said Agnes. Now, Agnes is the means by which John seeks to get Violet to come to their home. John's niother is not so well as usual, and detains her son about the house, which afTords him an opportunity to plan with Agnes for Violet's coming to see them. Cecil goes to see her on Sunday, and is treated very kindly, and he spends a pleasant evening, and talks very afl'ectionately; but Violet tells him she has not yet made up her mind. She does not tell him of John's visit, and does not intend to now; but she fears Fay may find it out. She has confidence in Cecil, and thinks if John proposes she can make things all right with him, as he is a perfect gentleman. Her mother thinks strange of her keeping company with two such nice gentlemen, and says she had better let one go; but she uses her own pleasure in the matter. Cecil returns home happy and calls on Fay, and asks her to visit Violet at her first opportunity and get any information that she can, thinking that some word may be dropped that he may interpret for his good. Fay goes immediately to visit Violet, and finds her as cheerful as usual. They talk at the house for LOVE AMONG THE ISIISTLETOE. 27 awhile, and then they repair to the grove near hy, where everything is lovely, and there talk things which they desire to be kept a secret. They talk of their friends and old times, which they desire to re- call as they grow older and they see the w^orld or themselves are changing. They realize that time is fleeting, and that they are transformed from girls to womanhood, and that their minds are changing from trivial things to reach out and grapple with the world. At this point of the conversation Fay speaks of their lovers, and she asks Violet if she thinks of Cecil as a future companion, and Violet says she has not yet de- termined, as that is a serious matter and must have some reflection. Fay, in a neat way, speaks of CeciFs character as being good and above reproach. Violet lets the conversation on this line drop, and speaks of the coming fashions, and what she would like to have for an outing dress. It is now evening, and Fay must return home, defeated in her purpose. She bids Violet good-bye, and asks her to visit her. Violet says she will, and asks her to come again. Violet is now left alone, and she meditates as to how hard it is to withstand the pressure of friends and the cunning devices which are sometimes used which reach to one's very soul. She loves Fay, but thinks she is trying to pry into her secrets for a par- pose. Violet goes about her work, and speaks to her mother about Fay making such inquiries about her 28 INDIANA. affections for Cecil. She tells her mother how she answered her, and her mother told her she had done all right. In a short time there is a carriage at the gate, and a man and a lady alighting. She cannot think who it is. She watches closely to ascertain who it is, but presently the doorbell rings and Violet opens the door. Then she recognizes Agnes and George. She shakes hnnds with George and kisses Agnes. She asks them to be seated. Her mother comes in and recognizes George as one who used to accompany Mr. Arno when he used to buy stock, and Agnes she knows, as she only lives a few miles away. After they pass the time of day they talk of social matters and the pleasant ride they had just taken, when Agnes relates to A'iolet that John had sent for her to come over with them to the Arno castle. She says that she will do so with pleasure, and speaks to her mother about it. Her mother grants her request and assists her to get ready. Everything is as pleasant as possi- ble, and Agnes does what she can to assist Violet to get ready to go. Violet's mother thinks all may not be well, and meditates what to do. So she picks up courage and asks if she may accompany them. Their hearts beat with joy as they tell her certainly, she will be welcome. So they set about to assist her to get in readiness to go, and she makes arrangements to stay for a day or two, as she does not know how long they LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 29 may be gone. When all is ready they repair to the carriage, and Yiolet and her mother occupy the rear seat, and Agnes and George in front. One could not help but admire Agnes, for she is as cheerful as a lark on a June morning, and her mind flits from one thing to another as they glide along over the pike. There are many beautiful landscapes as they pass along, and Violet is able to explain them all to her mother, for she has seen them many times before. It is a long ride, but the horses are fleet and they go along very lively. They speed along, up hill and down, and over the level plain, and the pleasant conversation of the young people recalls to Mrs. Payne very vividly her childhood days, when she too was fond of such excur- sions. They soon come in sight of the great resi- dence of the Arnos, situated on a distant hill amidst picturesque scenery. There is a great chasm between them and the residence, where runs the clear waters of Eock River, spanned by the great bridge where Violet had been many times before, and of which she had told her mother; but she had never been at the residence on the hill, where now she was going. They soon must cross the bridge and reach their destina- tion. The horses' feet are now popping on the bridge, and they look out and see some one looking at them. Violet is certain that she knows who it is, but she says nothing. They reach the ascent atd wind slowly up the hill to the iron gate, where John is 80 INDIANA. ready to receive them. John now sees that he is cap- tivated, and repeats these beautiful lines: Here on the hill doth stand The stateliest mansion in all the land, A fairy home with lawns of green, Where reigns a peasant romance queen — Not alone of flowers and dells, But of the heart of one as well. They are invited in and introduced to Mrs. Arno, who is still convalescent, but she asks them to lay off their things and make themselves comfortable. Mrs. Arno is surprised with the beauty of Violet, and at the attention which her son pays to her. The house is beautifully arranged and furnished in grand style. Tt is nicer than Violet has ever seen. Mrs. Arno sets herself about entertaining Mrs. Payne, and they be- come warm friends. She leaves the young people to take care of themselves. They seat themselves around the center table and look at the pictures, and Violet comes to one taken when a boy, and looks it over and over. John remarks: "That is your friend." ''So I see," said Violet. Agnes is as gay as ever, and now and then gets in a bit of fun. John thinks it is near time for him to propose, but his heart ebbs quite low. and he thinks that he can hear it beat against his breast. Agnes can see that there is a struggle going on in John's breast, and w^ould leave them alone if she could excuse herself. It is nearing meal time. LOVE AMONG THE MISTLETOE. 31 and she has to assist, so she gets an opportunity for retiring from the room. John talks away more affectionately than ever, and Violet receives it with pleasure. They are by them- selves until dinner time. John and Violet are in- vited out to dine, and Agnes, to play one of her jokes, has arranged to seat John and A^iolet together, while Mrs. Arno and Mrs. Payne are seated at the head of the table, and Agnes sits opposite to John and Violet. The viands are served, aiid all are cheerful. Agnes now and then takes a look at the young couple, as if to say, "How pretty you are! You resemble two young doves on the 14th of February.^' All this is flitting through her mind, and John and Violet can read it all, but it only adds beauty to the occasion. All this cunning mischief seems to be good morals, for it is a part of human nature, and Agnes has more than her share of such fun. When dinner is over they repair to the parlor, and Agnes excuses herself to assist in clearing the table and to w^ash the dishes. Now, the two old people seem to have strange feelings coming over them, but neither speaks to the other about it. They think Providence has thrown these two people together, but do not dream as to how it will terminate. While they are left alone the spark of love shines out brighter and brighter. John desires to be manly, and thinks some favorite scene of hers of which he 32 INDIANA. has learned would be the best place to ask her hand, and where they can be all alone. You have possibly learned that the pulse beats at low tide just at such times when true love is bursting the anticipating heart. So John asks her to take a walk, and she ac- cepts, and they go down to the great bridge and walk THE BRIDGE ENGAGEMENT. out to the middle of it, where they pause and look at the waters running beneath, a living stream, where it teems with great schools of fish, and now and then one jumps up out of the water and then drops back into the river. Here the shrubbery which lines the LOVE AMOxNG THE T»iISTLET<3E. banks of the stream is a living eciio of birds \vari)iing their sweetest songs. It seems to John tiiat they know his feelings and are singing songs oi