The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1869-01-21
MARGARET MERLYN.
WRITTEN FOR THE ST. CLOUD JOURNAL,
BY MRS. JANE G. SWIssHELM.
CHAPTER XIV.

THE WISDOM OF SAYING NOTHING.
That evening Windermere walked
home in dream, and waking or sleep
ing dreamed all night. In his dreams
the little girl in the quaker dress walk
ed at his side, hung on his arm, ,n looked
up into his face for protection, and he
rescued her from all manner of dangers.
Now his boat capsized in the lake, and
he swan ashore with her half drowned,
and hung over her until she opened her
eyes, those c5 es so unlike all others ;
but before anything came Of it, she was
borne away by frantic horses; he
dashed in, seized bride, threw them
on their launches, and bore her faint
ing from the carriage. All night long
he was hero aud performed surprising
feats in her behalf, while she was help
less as wax figure. ..
In the morning, in his sober waking
hours, he did nobler act than any of
his dream romaucery; for he went to
Mr.. Walters, told him Of his interest
in her, and asked Of her history and
character. Tie impulsive merchant
gave him all information with right
good will. There was nothing remarka-
BILE 10 her being the daughter of a
wealthy merchant, suddenly reduced to
poverty by the bankruptcy and death
of her father, but it was worthy of re-
mark that, instead of following the
beaten paths Of sentimental gentility
which fills city garrets with paupers in
faded or cheap fnery, and converts a
few ordinary clothing merchants into
the fatcs or fairies which govern their
dest;nies for time and eternity, she had
sought usefulness and independence
through the avenues Of good hard work,
which stand open to all.
eyes, said her generous employer,
"thero she IS, doing chamberwork and
plain sewing in our family, and I do
not believe there is preacher in this
city who knows more about religious
matters, I do not mean that she ex-
horts you tossget religion, but. .hear her
talk to the childr,n evenings, or when
any question comes up about the differ
ence between churches, she appears to
know all about it, and how it began ;
all about Luther and Calvin and those
old fellows one reads of IN Sunday
school books, and the bible from be-
ginning to end. Not one man IN fifty
knows as much of history and politics,
and she never troubles you with her
opinions or puts on any airs. She
teaches our eldest daughter music, and
minds her business as I never saw any
other girl do. She carries the keys,
aud our expenses are one-fourth less
than before she came. One always
feels that she is lady every inch, and
yet she never maks one feel uncomforta-
bic, as fine lady hired girl does; for
she is always natural and earnest, and
nothing she does ever appears to be
out of place, I do not know how we
should get along without her, but l
should like to see her we'll married, and
she is good enough for any man in the
Northwest. I'll speak a good word
for you, and that is a compliment"
"But" said his hearcr, ''may not some
one have prior claim? Your relative,
Mr.. Twinzy, for instance 7"
Mr.. Walters, at this question burst
into an explosive laugh, threw up bis
head with a quick jerk, thrust his
hands far down into his pockets, swung
half round on his heel, aad replied {:
"Oh, Ed! He files claim on every
girl he sees; butI guess it would not
amount to much in this case. She'd
use him up for dust rag, if he got in
her way. Oh, no! she has no acqua'nt-
anoe here who can get in your way.
Let me see. You come and take tea
with Us, Tomorrow evening, and come
otter: You will have to mind ,eur p's
! q - ! :. = II l.