The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1874-04-17

posting her pail between the branches of a
limb, she assembled ill she could see plain
ly into the nest.
There were four little downy birds, and
after satisfying her curiosity she started 20
descend, when her foot slipped, and all
that saved her from falling was the back
Of her Jacket catching upon limb.
She tried in vain 10 loosen herself. she
was As fast as il she had grown there,
while her feet rested lightly upon the
identical limb where she had sat In gath
ering her cherries, rendering her position
rather uncomfortable, yet perfectly safe.
She tried in every way To free herself. but
without success, and she ceased her EFFORTS
and began to consider.
The farmhouse was too faraway for her
voice 10 reach. and she was considering
what she had better do, when she heard
some one whlstling a short distance of.
That's John" she thought, coming
across from his blowing. I'll call TO him.
john"
The whistle ceased suddenly. but there
was no answer.
John. come here |"
There was slight rustling Of the grass
underneath. and Leah glanced downward
through the leaves. She nearly dropped
or would ii she could-for there was-net
John, but a remarkably handsome young
man. with valise in his hand, and just the
shadow of a smile on his sunbrowned face.
He took i'm the situation at glance, and
the next instant had dropped his travelling
BAG and was up beside her in the tree. In
trice he had severed the offending
limb, and she was standing before him,
not knowing whether To bc thankful or in
dignant,
Il trust you are nothurt p he said, with
sincerity in his voice.
MOT at all, and thank you for your as
sistance.'
He helped her 10 descend. following her
with the pail of fruit.
II would like to know TO whom am in
debted for such timely aida" she said as
he reached the ground.
Il am Roy Lester. | was on my way TO
Chester Farm, and took short cut across
the fields from the depot.
He was looking mt her as he spoke, and
he imagined he saw a slight color come
into the fair face before him at mention of
his name, but the next instant she raised
her eyes TO his face, with a calm, placid
look.
And | am Leah Chester. Auntie re
ceived a note to-day, informing us of your
intended visit. | trust Uncle Harry is
wellg"
Quite WELL" he answered, and then
the conversation drifted into common
place topics, till at last they reached the
house.
Aunt Margaret welcomed him warmly.
and Leah showed him into the cool. quiet
parlor. and left him to himself Halt an
hour afterward she returned, carrying some
books on her arm.
Il thought perhaps you would like
something TO read she remarked, depos-
ing them on the table.
Roy glanced at the volumes. There
were three of them-Baxter's Call to the
Unconverted, the :. Pilgrims Progress
and " Harris on the Pig" He flashed an
amused glance upward to her face. She
was looking at him questioningly, as if
asking his opinion on the books, with not
the slightest trace of merriment In her
face.
.Do you read much ~ he asked. by way
of saying something.
"Yes. good deal. have read twenty
six pages Of Watts on the Mind since
May. But have household duties to at
tend to please excuse me-"
"Oh, We gods and little fishes" Roy
muttered ruefully. as he looked after her.
Was ever the like heard beforeg ~
Leah was very quiet at the breakfast Ia
bic. next morning, and after one or two
unsuccessful attempts to engage her i'm
conversation, Roy strolled out through
the grounds TO enjoy cigar. He was
walking quietly up and down under
shady avenue of trees when a well-known
voice broke on his ear:
Good gracious. | didn't know you
smoked. Mr.. Lester: John don't," and
Leah Chester, in pink sun-bonnet and
ruffled calico dress. looked at him i'm aston
ishment as she spoke.
Pardon me-" Roy said, removing his
cigar, and bowling To conceal the smile
that uouid come. II never smoke in
the presence Of ladies'. Who may John
be?"
ale is our hired man. Leah replied.
He does the chores, and helps us on
washing-days," and. adjusting her bon
net. She tripped off toward the house.
leaving Roy gazing after her, with COM
plexity Of emotions.
An hour later he sauntered into the sit
ting-room. Leah was there sitting by the
window engaged in sewing and looking
the personification of comfort in cool.
green chambery dress and linen collar, her
dark. glossy hair brushed back from her
face. and confined with a scarlet ribbon.
An organ stood at one side of the room.
Roy was passionately fond of music, and
he glanced at the instrument and then at
Leah.
do you play, Miss Chester?" he
asked.
Sometimes" hesitatingly.
"Let this be one of them, and favor me,
will your"
She laid aside her work. and, taking a
sea. at the organ. ran her fingers hastily
over the keys, then played ''T'other Side
Of jordan Roy fervently wished he was
the other side of Jordan. before she got
through, and mentally congratulated Miss
Chester on her genius, for he was certain
no ordinary person could get In as great
a yariefy of nntae "a sha 1;I Than al.