Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-05-03
Tales aud Sketehss.
A MODERN LOVE STORY.


| road. stood farmhouse. with quaint ga
BILE roof and lozenge windows; its style
and aspect indicated that it had not re-
Gently been built, and rumor stated that
it had been erected during the Revolution.
Its tme-worn appearance corresponded
well with that of its present owners. an
aged couple who had spent their lives
within its venerable walls.
1.-The opening of this. story, they were
seated side by side on the vine-covered
porch in front of their dwelling, and they
presented touching picture. The old
lady was knitting, but her attention was
divided between her work and the CON-
panion at her side she looked at him oc-
casionally, and her glance was always an
| swered by gentle smile.
They were a tender, affectionate old
pair, and their love was sanctitied by holy
recollections and sweet associations. They
had clung to one another through the
storms and sunshine of nearly half a GEN.
tury, and their old age was blessed with
that peace and contentment that come
from a good conscience and well-spent
life.
The scene that lay before them, as they
sat at the entrance of their dwelling, was
exceedingly lovely. In the distance
stretched row OF hills known as the
heights; they were clothed in rich luxuri-
ant foliage, and added beauty to the land
scape.
The old people sat silent enjoying the
summer sunshine, and inhaling the per-
fumes from the garden. Neither spoke
for some time, when finally the old man
said;
81 wonder why she tarres so longp"
As he spoke, his eyes wandered uneasi-
ly in the direction of the road, AS though
searching for some loved object.
"She has no doubt loitered by the way
perhaps to gather flowers for US, an.
swered his companion. There she comes
now," she suddenly added, as the form
of young girl fingered like fair wood
nymph from behind the thick foliage that
shaded the highway.
She was radiant creature, with mo-
tions as light and graceful as :awn. Her
bright young face lit up with smiles as
she bounded merrily forward to greet the
aged couple. In one hand sho carried
tin pail. and in the other bunch of fow-
ers. When she reached the porch she
put the pail on the ground. and dividing
the nosegay into halves, laid them on the
laps of the old people.
"Why Nell, where have you been, and
where did you get those fowersP They
did not grow wild in the fields, and sure
ly they were not cultivated in our neigh
boris garden. They are foreign land.
Who gave them to you child ?'
And without waiting for reply the old
| woman began. with eager curiosity to ex-
anime the flowers.
al ;.,I
your errand; where were you, dear ?"
asked the old man, IN a Gliding voice. al
though he smiled, and smoothed back
from her temples the curls that danced
in the breeze.
Grandpa" she replied, with blush,
son my way home from the dairy passed
Morlands mansion on the heights. IL was
out of my way, but | went there because
| heard that the garden IS laid out more
tastily than ever and wanted to see it.
| stopped at the gate to talk with the gar
dener; he informed me that Widow Nor
| land and a number of guests had arrived
| from Philadelphia, and intended 10 spend
| the summer on the heights; he said that
| Robert Morland had returned from his
travels, and was there also. Just at this
| moment a gentleman came riding up on
horseback, and halted at the gate. His
appearance was so sudden that had not
time to escape.
He bowed politely, and asked me if
was admiring the flowers; | said that
was. and he told the gardener to arrange
a choice nosegay, which he did. thanked
the gentleman as well as could. and was
about to continue my homeward walk,
when to my surprise, he asked me if my
name was not Nellie Woodville. | of
| course assented, and he said that the last
time he saw me was a little girl, seated
on your knee, grandpa. Then he asked
me if | remembered him, and | said yes,
for / knew that it was young Mr.. Nor
land. He sent his compliments to you
both. and promised to call and pay his
respects to you"
The young girl had spoken in a hasty,
| excited voice, and she paused now to take
breath. Finally she exclaimed, "Ch. he
looks so noble aud handsome, and not al
all proud. although he is so rich !"
Then. as if conscious of having mani
tested too deep an interest in her wealthy
ueighbor, deep blush dyed her cheek.
my DEAR" responded her grandfather,
gravely, "pride arising from riches is
false; true pride springs from another
source. Mr.. Morland was no doubt kind
to give you the flowers. and to remember
his poor neighbors. Should he come here
| to visit us, we will receive him with due
courtesy"
And the old man raised his head proud
| ly. as if conscious OF his own dignity.
His helpmate regarded him for mo-
| ment with a fond smile.
This young Robert Morland was
winning chid.n said she. at length. "His
bright roguish face often comes back to
my recollection. DO you remember
James, how when "a bonny lad. he used to
come and ell you all his plans and hopes.
and persuade you to make toys for him
And do you recolect how fond we grew
of him ?"
"Yes, yesl" answered her husband.
shaking his head doubtfully. but then
ne was guileless boy. Now he is man
and the owner of property. Perhaps he
has grown as haughly and oyerbearing AS
his father was. | almost wish he would
| not come here.n
Then, turning to his grandchild. he con-
1 q.