Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1878-01-11

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keep the plans of his friend profound
secret.
The proposed delusion in his mar
riage whenever IL should occur) had
become pet scheme with Marshall.
He had given IL much thought, and
ilattered himself there could be no mis-
carriage. Certainly If a girl loved him
rs she ought, she would be content TO
dwell with him in an humble abode and
minister to his comfort.
In fact, his "castlo in Spain" was al
ready built--everything perfect except
ing the perfect woman who was TO be-
come the satin of the inner shrine. She
was yet to be found, and he resolved to
no longer delay. Had it not been for
the conversation with his friend, he
would have continued dreaming as be-
fore. for he was naturally dilatory. But
the only half-hiddcn sneers of his friend
had stung deeper than he had at first
been aware and reused him to imme-
diate action.
"I will commence my search to-mOr-
row." he said, resolutely; "and before
n year has passed will show Mr.. Fred
Tryan and the rest of mankind n model
wife-onc whose only love is her hus-
band; who accepted poverty him,
and when given riches and position and
influence was not unduly exalted. He
quoted Miles Standish. So can |, and
TO the purpose; for shall astonish his
critical eyes with
81 She, the Puritan girl, in the solitude of the
forest,
Making the humble house and the modest ap-
phrel of homcspun
Beautiful with her beauty, and rich with the
wealth OF her being.
"Aha, Mr.. Frcdi | think ! shall
have you upon the hip then"
A few days enabled Marshall to final
ly arrange all his matters to his salts
faction, and he disappeared from the
city, no one but his friend knowing
whittier he had gone; even his own
family little dreaming that he had set
out upon such Quixotic mission-had
indeed undertaken to find perfect
woman.
Partially disguised, and under an
assumed name, he journeyed hither and
thther, looking for the thornless rose,
the diamond without flaw, the pearl
without II speck. But disappointment
met him at every turn. Girls of all
kinds, golden, auburn and raven-haired,
arose before him like daisies in the
meadow perfect bouquet of lowell
ness. But alas! there was an indie
scribable something lacking-the rare
combination of mind and physical pro-
portion that was to insure him happi-
ness, make the humble and wealthy
home alike happy-to stand the severe
test of both poverty and riches.
Any ordinary mortal would have
been satisfied with the choice offered;
could from out such u bevy of
beauty have selected scores that would
indeed have been "a jewel in the
crown of her husband But he was
very hard to please. His ideal was al
together too high for human nature to
fill. At least he found none that salts
fled him, and, after long search, was
about TO return home, rest, and take a
new departure for foreign lands, when
accident caused him to be delayed in
the picturesque little village of Ferndell.
The breaking down of the stage
landed him, in the midst of violent
storm, in front of large farmhouse,
the surroundings of which indicated UNI
usual thrift.
"Who lives hereP' he asked of the
driver, who had informed him that il
would be some hours before they could
proceed.
"Zenas Partridge, one of the richest
men in the county," was answered.
81 shall have to trespass upon his
hospitality. Anything would be better
than remaining in this miserable old
conveyance, through the roof of which
the water passes like sieve"
:" Yes, it is better dry-weather
stage" laughed the driver. "But go
right in. Squire Partridge will be glad
to see you. He is one of the most
friendly kind of men. Besides" and
the laugh grew broader, "there's the
prettiest kind of girl in there, and |
guess the time won't hang very heavy
on your hands,
"A pretty girlr' and Marshall looked
dismayed at his wet and mud-splashed
wardrobe.
THAT hain't nothing" replied the
friendly Jehu, reading the expression
of his face. 'She hain't one of the
stuck-up kind, but just as good and
clever as she is handsome
Thinking what fool he was to have
been standing even thus long in the
rain, Marshall made his way through
the closely-mowed and cleanly-kept
door-yard, along the path fringed with
flowers, and knocked at the door. 1t
was opened with little delay, though
his quick ear caught the rustic of femi-
nine skirts, and he was satisfied he had
already been inspected, and most prob
ably by the "pretty girl herself.
"Walk in-walk right in," was the
welcome he received, and the broad
palm of Zenas Partridge closed upon
his own, and emphasized the hospitable
reception.
THANK you, sir. shall be grateful
for shelter for time-until the stage is
repaired" " replied Marshall.
"And that won't be tonight said
his host. "They are slower than mo-
lasses in a cold cellar on January
morning"
But cannot think of trespassing
upon your kindness for so long time,
sir"
There, there! Don't mention it.
My wife and Lena will be only too hap
py to have your company"
Lena-your daughterpn
"No; haven't chick or child in the
world. Lena-Eleanor is the right
name-is aniece, and Well, you'll
have chance to see for yourself. "
Eleanor Rivington, as she appeared
at the supper-table, was nearer the
beau-ideal of Marshall than any he had
ever seen. She was a sparkling beauty,
could not have been called either bru-
nette or blonde, but partook of the best
characteristics of both; was a happy,
medium type, fair, not tall in height,
and of well-rounded proportions, with
dainty feet and hands, the latter Just
tinged enough with labor to show that
she was not unfamiliar with it. Her
eyes were of peculiar soft grayish ha-
eel; her hair mass of golden braids;
her lips delicately cleft, and red as the
ripe clover-blossom; her nose and chin
exquisitely cut, and there was the
charm of perfectly graceful, lady-like
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