Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-04-15

"You might help John," SIZE said, at last.
timidly. Lawrence changed color, and
dropped her hand instinctively.
"Well," he said, at length. This time
Jenny gathered courage, for hervoice steadi-
ed ITSELF
"John has been engaged, Cousin Law
rence-never mind to whom-for two whole
years. Perhaps you were not aware of This.
He has been striving to gain a little to
lay by, to be able to marry. If he had
capital enough to make payment on little
place, he might. that is, ne could marry the
one he loves, and take her home, you under
standl"
ayes; go on, 60 on.'
John and have often talked of it; poor
fellow! he gets down-heurted and miserable
oftentimes, although do my best to com.
fort him."
"Yes, yes,' murmured Lawrence, impati-
entity.
chance for you to do good. John is poor,
you are well to do. If you had not solicited
me, | should never have toldy you. Make John
happy out of your abundance, and shall be
thank ful, and happy, too"
She turned her face toward him, fer :he
first time. 1t was bathed in tears. Law
renee rose from his chair, gravely and
quietly.
"Trust me to do this for him, for you,'' he
said, softly. "Jenny you are an ANGEL"
with sudden impulse he drew her towards
him quickly, and kissed her pure forehead,
then turning away, left her standing in the
middle of the room, breathless, surprised,
and trembling like a leaf.
He ran up stairs, two, three steps at
time; reached his own room and locked the
door; walked rapidly up and down the floor;
then threw himself into chair, with low
hysterical laugh. Got up again, walked the
floor twice, then throwing himself across
his bed--as he had done many time, when
child, if grieveG or angry--sobbed upon
the pillow.
CHAPTER vi.
john was sitting on the porch, his arms
folded upon the window-sll, his head bent
upon Them.
"JohnI''
Lawrence's CHEEKY voice did not affect
his mood; he remained motionless.
"John, my dear fellow, something is the
matter with you; something has been the
matter these three days. Make a clean
breast Of it, John! maybe can help you"
poverty is a curser' said John, lifting
pale face, lips quivering, and brow con
tracted.
"No, no, John, don't be misanthropic! It
has its blessings, great blessings" He was
thinking of Jenny, then. "John, want
your confidence, and you are afraid to give
it 10 me; don't wonder, such a good-for-
naught fellow as | am. But, as SAID be-
fore, perhaps might help you"
John shook his head, and fine blush col
ored his cheeks; partly shame, partly BASH
fulness. Then he said, bluntly:
Lawrence, I'm engaged to be married,
have been for two years, to the dearest girl
in the world. had hoped to have home
before this; an humble cage for my little
bird, but Fate is against me. 1t has come
at last, the struggle. She has waited so
long, blessed darling. l cannot ask her to
wait for an uncertainty, maybe for years.
| would not be man, if did. No, | can
never do that"
Lawrence cast an adniriDg glance into
John's noble face; such a man was worthy
of Jenny. He plucked a honeysuckle, and
to.e it to pieces.
"BHt John-ahem-John, confound i'll
I've always been such a selfish fellow,
don't know how TO do good thing without
laundering. Why, you see-that isl
kno,O your case; little bird told it to me.
You want to make the first payment on
Swallow Farm, and you can't do it. Now,
| have got some thousand or two, which |
positively don't know what to do with. lying
idle in the bank, going to rust. | want to
lend it to you, as from man to man. I'm
when it is returned. There! the murder is
out, at last. Will you accept it, Johnl"
During this speech of Lawrence's deliv-
cred in husky, agitated voice, John had
risen and clasped both his hands, his whole
face quvering with alternate flashes of ad-
oless you." burst through his lips. from the
bottom of his honest heart, while he shook
tie hands he held with vehement energy
"Accept it! to be sure will and bless you
all the days OF my life. Lawrence, you are
a man in thousand, to help poor fellow
that you haven. known six months. Such
kindness brings tears to a mans eyes. And
| swear--," here John raised his sun.
burnt right hand, "that every penny shall be
returned honestly and justly, if God gives
me strength and lifen'
There, there, John, don't be heroic
about it. Away with you! Jenny's yonder
in the garden, go and tell her, and may you
both be happy"
"But, my dear Lawrence, let me tell you
how it came about that"
"Not one word, now. | will not hear it.
Be off,"
Il am the happiest fellow alive!" shouted
John, giving leap over the box-bedge, and
strding on to the arbor; his whole figure
emanating light and joyonsness.
CHAPTER VII.
"John gone!''
ayes, Johns gone," replied Jenny, " ith
her quiet smile, looking up at Lawrence
standing in the doorway, hat in hand; he
seemed surprised and half provoked.
"Why, the rascal. he promised TO wait
for me, thought he understood we were
going to town together in the morning't
81 don't think he did, quite, or he would
have Waited" said Jenny. "Why, Cousin
Lawrence, you are not going away so soon!"
Her tone was affectionate and kind. Law
| renee closed the door, and sat down beside
her.
"Yes, Jenny; must go tomorrow.
"Must is hard word," she said, bending
over her sewing, and plying her needle
awe shall miss you sadly"
He was silent, watching her fingers, fol-