Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-11-25
fConcluded from first page.l

consented, although he was due at his
aunt's to six o'clock dinner.
John Vallance's sport improved as the
day wore on, and he fingered late by the
river His mother and sister, with George
Herder, were standing in the veranda OF
their cottage, awaiting his return, ana
John saw. as he drew near the house, the
third figure of the party. The sight some
what surprised him, for visitors OF the
male sex were not frequent at the col
tage; but his surprise was increased ten
fold when he made out the figure OK his
friend Of the morning.
..Johu," said Mrs Valance, when her
son had approached, This is an Ola
friend of mine, who tells me that you and
he have already met He is the nephew
of Miss Field, and went 10 Australia many
years ago, as you have heard her tell. His
coming back has taken us all by surprise.
"Why, when l mentioned Miss Fields
name this morning you never said any
thing" said John
mo; must ask your pardon for that
little deception" said Herder with smile
II was not sure at the time that we should
meet again SO soon"
There seemed to John Valance to be not
little mystery about the stranger, but ne
was content to leave events to explain
themselves. Herder staid short time al
Ter tea at the cottage, and then took MS
leave. A day or two after he was there
again with his aunt. George found HIM
self lingering in Plymouth far longer than
he had intended. His aunt pressed him
to extend his visit, and he fell in very
readily with her wish. Soon John Val
lance and his sister became accustomed to
the sight of Herders brown beard and
kindly, sun-bronZed face at their home.
and the friendship between George and
the young people grew and ripened.
Herder had been more than month at
Plymouth, when one afternoon he made
his way to the Vallances' cottage with a
fixed purpose in his mind. He found Mrs.
Valance sitting alone in the little garden
in front of the house. George came di-
rect to the matter. kate, he said quiet
", but not without a tremor in his voice,
II don't know whether can offer you the
same sort of love as did long ago. !
suppose young fellows love is necessa-
rily somewhat different. from that Of mid
dle-aged mans but can promise the true
affection of one who has not thought of
any other young woman since he gave up
hope of you. Can you accept it? am
going to London tomorrow, to write and
arrange matters with my business men in
Australia. have staid in England about
as long as l had intended. Am ! to re-
turn to bush-life, or to remain here Tor
goodP' 1t depends upon you
Kate Valance placed her hand in Her
der's. Then I think We should like you
to stay, George" she said.
It was but q few minutes after this that
John and Katy Valance returned from an
afternoons walk.
"John," said Herder. with his hand on
the boys shoulder, 'Stepfathers are not
always represented as popular people.
either in books or in real life. But sup
posing were to become yours, would we
be the worse friends. think you?''
mo. sir, think not" answered John,
with simple heartiness; Il have never
known father, and | will gladly take
you for one"
land, Katy" continued Herder, turning
to the girl, and drawing her to his side.
II know you will say the same as John"
Next morning Herder was in London.
and in the evening of the same day found
himself at Hammond's lodgings. Fred
listened to his friends brief statement
with quiet smile. When 1t was finished
he said: "a month ago, you remember
asked you how your little story was to
end, and you gave me but doubtful an
swer. had my own thoughts at the time.
though l did not venture on prophecy.
Yon have answered me now in the most
satisfactory way. l congratulate you.
George. most heartily; and all ! ask is,
that you let me be your best man."