The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1873-01-09
written for the Standard
DOWN BY THE RIVER SIDE.
BY CONSTANCE CARLETON.
Chapter XVI.


He was not altogether satisfied with
the turn affairs had taken. 1T is not
exactly the style of wooing and winning
that suits me" he unused. provoking
little witch! had it not been for the reve-
lation made by the old farmer, she might
have kept me in suspense for weeks. l
little thought there was anything of the
coquette about Kate What fool was
to be so chagrined at the first answer.
Is there not an old saying that all girls
say no at first? As for the debt"-he
made a wry face and added: "Well. it is
a large sum to pay to have the question
decided at once, but l have paid larger
ones for things of less moment"
He went to the kitchen, where he
found Mr.. Leonard pacing the floor un-
easily, and aunt Betty rocking back and
forth, wiping her eyes occasionally with
her clean gingham apron. Walking up
TO the farmer, he said:
Mr.. Leonard, 1 have a favor to ask of
YOU"
"Well. Mr.. Conway, if can grant it,
I'll do it with pleasure, but l don't see
what a poor man like me could do for a
rich one like you"
You can do a great deal for me- l
wish you to give the hand of Miss Kate. I"
Aunt Betty stopped rocking and eN-
claimed: "Why did you ever! but I've
thought so for long time"
Mr.. Leonard was silent for moment
1T is rather suddent Mr.. Conway" he
said Il hardly know what to say. I've
lost good deal lately and it seems hard
to have to spare Kate, too"
"NIy dear sir, think how much better it
viii be for her She will see something
of the world, and will have every wish
gratifed."
~But does she love your" asked aunt
Betty, coming to his side
"If did not think so would not want
her for my wife"
The farmer sighed deeply as he said:
"WeIl, if you like each other, it's not
for me to say word agin it, but mind"
he continued gravely, laying his hand on
the young mans coat-sleeve, "mind that
you treat her we'll. Kate amt used to
harsh words or cross looks"
"You need give yourself no uneasiness
on that account" replied Conway, with
suavity, while aunt Betty broke into a
torrent of sobs, exclaiming:
"'Pears like this is most as hard to
bear as the other. What will the house
bewithout Katie?"
"You would have had to spare her
sometime, remarked Conway carelessly.
"Your niece is too beautiful to remain
long with you.
Il don't know it seems like I've man
aged to stay here long time" answered
the old lady.
The young man repressed smile as he
said in his blandest tones: That is evil
IDENTIFY true, but if the truth were known
am quite sure it is your own fault that
you are here now"
That's fact" said she, in Modified
tones. Even within the last five years
had chance to change my name if I'd
a felt like it" She was about to speak of
Squire Dawkins, but fearing that her
brother would again mortify her by men
ton of the spotted calf, she was silent
From what you said in the sitting
room ] infer that your financial affairs
are troubling you" remarked Conway,
turning to the farmcr.
The latter nodded.
II think l can relieve you; check for
the amount required would effect me but
little, and would do you much good"
Then followed long conversation
Mr.. Leonard refused to take the money
unless Conway would allow him to repay
it. Il will give you mortgage on the
farm" he said.
VERY well, returned Conway lightly
u shall make Kate present of the mort
gage, and she may close it whenever she
sees fit to do so"
And so tho matter was settled. Con-
tentment once moro reigned at the farm
house. but not i'll the heart of Kate Leon
ard. 1t is true that it gave her much
pleasure to see that the troubled ex-
preston had vanished from her uncle's
face, and to know that old couple could
now rest quietly in their comfortable
home without being harassed by tho
knowledge of terrible debt hanging
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