Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-12-08

contrasting darkly with her fair bare
arms-pretty Grace, how well all
these become theei There. trip along
with health upon thy cheek, and hope
within thy henrt; who can resist SO
eloquent a pleader? Haste on, haste
on, save thy father in his trouble, as
thou hast biest him in his sin this
rustic lane is to thee the path of duty
Heaven speed thee nit?
More slowly now, and with more
anxious thoughts, more heart-weak-
ness, more misgiving, Grace approach
ed the stately mansion: and when she
timidly touched the Servants" bell,
for she felt too lowly for the Visitors,
and when she heard how terribly
loud it was, how long it rung, and
what might be the issue of her-wasn't
| il Observation-Disclosures poor
girl almost tainted at the sound.
AS she leant unconsciously for
strength against the door, it opened
on, a sudden, and Johnathau Floyd, in
mute amazement, caught her in his
arms.
"Why, Grace Acton, what's the
matter with you?" Johnathan knew
Grace well, they had been at DANES
school together, and in after years at
tended the same Sunday class at the
church. There had been some talk
among the gossips about Jonathan and
Grace, and ere now folks had been kind
enough to say they would make pret
ty couple. And folks were right, too,
as we'll as kind: for fine young fel-
low was Jonathan Floyd, as any duch-
ess's footman, tall, well built, and twen-
five; Antinous in livery. Well to do
withal, though his wages don't come
straight to him; for independence Of
of his place and the baronet likes him
for his good looks and proper manners
he is Farmer Floyd's only son, on
the hill yonder, as thriving a small
tenant as any round abouts; and he is
proud of his blue and silver uniform,
Of old Hurstley, and Of all things in
the general, except herself.
"But what on earth's the matter,
Grace?" he was obliged to repeat, for
the dear girls agitation was extreme.
Jonathan, can l see the baronet?
What, at nine o'clock in the morn
ing, Grace Acton?-call again at two,
and you may find him getting up
He hasn't been three hours abed yet,
and there's nobody about but Sarah
Stack and me. 1 wish those Lunnum
sparks would but leave the place; they
do his honor no good, am think
ing.
Not till twol, was the slow and
mournful ejaculation; what a damper
to her buoyant hopes; and Providence
had seen fit TO give her ill-success. Is
it so?-prosperity may come in other
shapes.
Why, Grace, suddenly said Floyd,
in nervous way, what makes you call
upon my master in this tidy trim?
To save my father, answered inno-
cence.
How? why? Oh don't Grace, DON'T
I'll save him-I will indeed-what is
it? Oh don't don't.
For the poor affectionate fellow con-
jured on the spot the black vision of a
father saved by daughters degreda-
ton.
Don't Jonathan? it is my duty, and
God will bless me in it. That cruel
Mr.. Jennings has resolved upon our
ruin, and wished to tell Sir John the
truth of it.
At this hearing Jonathan brighten
ed up, and glibly said, All, indeed Jen-
nings is a trouble to us all sad life
I've led of it this year past; and I've
paid him pretty handsomely too, to let
me keep the place; while as for John
Page, and the grooms and Mr.. Coach
man and the helpers, they don't touch
much O. their wages on quarter-day,
know.
Oh, but we are ruined-ruined;
father is forbidden now to labor for
our bread; and then with many tears
she told her tale.
Stop, Miss Grace, suddenly said JON
athan, for her beauty and eloquence
transformed the cottager into lady in
his eyes, and no wonder; pray stop a
minute, Miss, please to take a seat, |
shan't be gone an instant.
And the good hearted fellow, whose
eyes had long been very red, broke
away at a gallop; but was back again
almost as soon as gone, painting like
post-horse. Oh. Grace, don't be an
cry, do forgive me what / am going
to do.
Do, Jonathan? and the beauty in
voluntarily started-I hope it's moth
ing wrong, she added solemnly.
Whether right or wrong, Grace, take
it kindly; you have often bade me
read my Bible, and ] do so many
times,both for sake of it and you, ay.
and meet with many pretty sayings in
it: forgive me if l act on one-'1t is
more blessed to give than to receive
with that, he thrust into her hand a
brass-topped red-leather purse, stuffed
with money. Generous fellowl all the
little savings that had heretofore es-
capped the prying eye and flitching
grasp Of Simon Jennings. There was
some little gold in it, more silver, and
a lot of bulky copper.
Dear Jonathanl exclaimed Grace,
quite thrown off her guard of maid
enly reserve, this is too kind, too good,
too much, indeed, indeed it is; can
not take the purse; and her bright eyes
overaowed again.