The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-09-05
Jeanie's First Sorrow.
BY SIDNEY THORNE.

]eane Moore was the prettiest girl in
tarovelard. None knew her but to love
j1er, as the poet says, and old Farmer
Moore was prouder of his one daughter,
than of all his lands, and we'll he might
ne.
This summer Jeanie had come home
from boarding school for good, and the
old farm rang with her clear birdlike
tones as she flew from room to room,
leaving tokens of her dainty womanly
presence everywhere.
Noung DR.. Lowell had been boarder
at the farm for three years. When he
had first seen Jeanie she had been little
winning girl, quite willing to be taken on
the grave young mans knee, and listen
tIoughttuliy as he and her father talked.
But now things were quite different,
and as Howard Lowell watched the
graceful form crowned by the lovely
tiowerlike face, and each day saw the
pure unselhsh nature unfold more and
more, he grew to look upon her in an
other light, and to think that it would
be very sweet TO have that blooming face
grow more bright at his approach than
at any other
so the days went by, and although no
words had as vet broken the sweet silence,
tie two young hearts were knitting fast
together when my story opens. Seanie
had changed from a shy, blushing
school girl into beautiful self possessed
maiden, conscious in her Utmost heart of
laoing loved, and of returning that love.
one evening, as they all sat around
tie COSY tea-table, little Fred, Jeanies
brother, bounded into the room, full of
news wlich evidently seemed very i'm
po-5an, - him.
"Oh, father, the big house has been
bougL," Now the big house, as Fred
C8lleG /. WAS the house OF Groyeland.
High up on hill it lowered in its gray
se0ue state.iness above all the rest of the
village. Il had been unoccupied for
many years.
"Wel, I'm glad Of that heartily OK
claimed Farmer Moore. Its a shame
50 much tae property should have gone
f. wreck and ruin SO long, when it might
be made such Hi ornament to the vii
Iage. d. you Nuow who has bought it,
Freddy!"
"Yes, sir, it is a widow lady named
Almer, az. she has two daughters
Dr. Lowell here gave sudden start,
which caused Jeauie to glance over at
ht1. and to he. surprise she saw that he
was greatly agita;eI. His face was white
AS death, and with lis lips parted he
looked dxeily at Freddy. Is if waiting
to hear more.
Seeing his emotion attracted attention,
he hastily arose and without speaking,
left the room.
Jeau!e's interest in Freddy's news was
entirely -ost in her wondermeut over Dr.
E4owe.Is strange demeanor. 1t was quite
I2te in .le evening before he rejoined
them. ugt when hc came back he was as
lt-possessed and quiet as ever, yet there
vvas something peculiar in his manner,
sud Jeanie felt the change, although,
gniike most women, She retrained from
asking any questions.
1t was true "Waban Hall" had at last
found occupants. Mrs. A.mcr and her
two daughters were pleasant aud unaf
fected, and it was not long before the
new corners became well acquainted in
tde village.
After a time Jeanne called to welcome
chem and extend the hospitality of the
Farm, ana she returned home delighted
with her visit. Mrs. Almer was so kind,
and the girls, Ella and Ruth, so charm
tng and friendly. Jeanie talked enthusi
astically for some time about her new
friends, and DR.. Lowell listened to all
she said eagerly.
After a few weeks invitations came to
The farm for party to be held at the
~Hall.'
"shall you go, little onei' questioned
ther father.
Jeanie looked up at DR.. Lowell, and
was surprised again by the odd pallor
OF his face.
1t was decided they should go, and the
. eventful evening arrived. The "Hall'
was ablaze with light, and fragrant with
the aromatic perfume Of flowers, and as