The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-09-14

nun qld cry then, she could not
nave helped it for worlds-the covert
alluslon to her plainness cut her to the
neafe For a moment, Ella stood look
ing at her in mingled wonder and
ie&alon,, then her, better nature came
70 the surface, and throwing her arms
around her neck, she kissed Ruth's
tearstained face and begged her for
ITS all right, Ella, only you must
remember that | have feeling, and that
I'm not to blame for being so ugly"
ana then the salt drops flowed again in
streams. g0 ... .t ...
iwon't stay minute where he is,
dear; you shall have him all to your
sell for | know you want him. said
KUN, as she kissed her sister good
night. ..-' III 80.
Days passed and Ruth kept her word
relylously, and Ella, with enthusiastic
SelRhness, called her ''best and dear
est 1rl in the world" At times it
seemed to John Stacey that Arthur
waSrestless and i'll at ease, but of
coue he could not ask him if such
was le case, and the young man, for
reasOs of the same order, could not
divuEe the cause.
J1ETy day they went somewhere, he
a,Iblla, and he was obliged to play
tlecayalier whether he liked it or not,
am Ella fancied that his attentions of
men courtesy were infallible signs of
love 1t last Arthur invaded the
preNcts of the kitchen, determined to
see nth aud talk little, but she re-
pulse his efforts at conversation SO
persiently that he imagined she did
not wnt him near her.
81 aall have q proposal soon, dear,
said Ha, as she stood before the glass
fOndlig her luxuriant hair and smiling
at the election of her red lips and
glistemg teeth. arthur is very
tenderand looks at me dozen times
an hou as if the words were on his
lips, bu he dare not utter them. You'll
come ad stay a long time with me
when i've in my great house in the
city, wo't you? 1t will be so nice to
talk allhis over Them
Eyes, dear, I'll GOMEZ answered
Ruth, wy family, and trying to sup
press tn sobs that would arise from
her achig heart. ... ...
With tie first flush of returning day,
Ruth walked slowly into the garden
her drooling eyes scarcely noticing the
dew-gemned flowers that seemed tc
ask with ,dorous voice for her greet
ing. Hel thoughts were far away in
the dark future, struggling for hope,
but finding none.
Suddenly she was startled by feeling
a hand placed softly on her shoulder,
and, tuning quickly, she beheld Arthur
Harris.
RUN, [ must speak with you.
wish toknow why you have avoided M
so studously?"
81 didn't know had she faltered
twisting one corner of her apron merry
ously.
Il lnow it." he went on, in a low
dulcetvoice. "And shall tell You tn
reason, since you are so reticent. Yo
think too little of yourself. you woul
AcrIfice anNJnln3 LOT flIt.
Nevr-tas~e you, 'esIlss demanded
somewhat sternly.
Il mean, Ruth, that love you an
YOU only, that your beauty of soul i
more to me than all else on earth.
have studied you when you neve
dreamt of it. Speak, my darling
Will you come to my heart forever"
Her color came and went witt
every breath-her bosom throbbe
cOnyulsiyely, great tears stood in ne
eyes-she could not speak. Claspin!
her hands, he drew her towards hin
and reverently kissed her brow. Will
murmer OF joy she sank upon hi
breast. ...
"My precious Ruth
"Oh, Arthur, | am so happy.
never dreamed that you could low
mer' t... ..t.
An hour later the family wer
gathered at the breakfast-table waitin
for Arthur. What could detain him
He was usually punctual. Present.
the old Quaker walked in and greete
his friends with his queer smile an
cracked voice. All regarded him Won
deringly. Why was he here again?
"Where did you come from, MI
Peyton?" queried Ella, in a tone G
disgust tinged with vexation. e, 7.
From thy friend Authu's room
Thee did not know | had been her
with him~ he answered. ....
1.-The poor man is crazy" said Mrs
Stacey, with glance of sympathy. u.
mo, mother, not yeti" j. D.a.
The wig and whiskers fell to tn
floor, a motion of his hand PARTIAL
cleared his moustache of powder
his bert form became erect-Arthu
Harris stood before them.
Ella grew deathly pale and san
back in her chair quivering in ever
limb. ...... ....
"Well, that does beat everything
efer heerd off, said John, with hi
nyouth wide open.
Mrs. Stacey and Ruth gazed upo
the young man in silent amazement.
You will pardon this little decer
ton, am sure" said Arthur, glancin
around the group. at was all for
purpose of great moment to me.
wished to find trusting, patient hear
one that could bless home, and | hay
succeeded. From the moment tn;
Ruth offered a chair to the poor oil
Quaker, | loved her, and my love h;
increased ever since. i trust my cour,
will produce no hard feelings.
Ella sat rigid, dull light gleamin
in her eyes. Her parents saidnothin!
they felt that she merited this ster