The Morning herald., 1878-06-12
Beauty VS.. Worth.

DoAuvJ N'"
Near the centre of smooth green field,
short distance from the road, with ita
kder of wild roses and sweet ferns, stood
square white house with bright green
nds and wide piazza. Here John Stacey
ed since his boyhood, here he had wept
er the remains Of his beloved parents,
he he had rejoiced over the birth of his
ildren and watched them expand and
bonn into womanhood with all true
arts fondness. No restless desire to go
into the great world, to view the won-
Is of foreign lands, or the glories of his
n ever entered his mind; his hope, his
bition, extended only to the limits Of his
Gellent farm.
In his hand he held an open letter from
friend of lis boyhood, and among the
< pr pages of kindly words occurred the
lowing passage
You know, my dear friend, when I left
SDu, SO many years ago, we made each
|<|b ber promise, which, though visionary
In, has at least chance of becoming
hlity now. We said we would cause our
|<6ldren to intermarry, that our friendship
by be perpetuated forever. have never
|@gotten it; and Isthink you have not. I
Te only one son, and he is all that is
lre and noble. His principles, his firm
|1jss, have been tested in the crucible of
IA hptaton, and lie has come out the
lighter for the ordeal. I would trust
N anywhere-in prosperity and adversely.
IDu know me well enough to know this is
~ enthusiasm or prejudice. In two
4eeks from the time that this letter
Z fhches you lie will start for Hillsdale. Ii
|M should chance to love one of your
|dlughters shall be thankful, for, some-
pw, time has made the simple idea of our
IQuth the desire of my heart. Of course
yeu will say nothing to your daughters or
nv son of our wishes, the mere existence
|M which would cause dislike to grow up
1tween thon. Such is human nature"
''Well, that's singular" mused John, as
re folded dup the letter and placed it in his
|Ncket. II hadn't forgotten that Jim
|hrris and me made that promise, but
N dn't thought of 1t for long time. Jim
rs always true blue. I wonder what'll
e0me out of it. 1t is singular"
Ia What, papa? What are you mumbllng
IN yourself about ?" And Ella Stacey, the
y A, the beauty of the family, danced into
tae room, her satin checks red with the
pom of health, her gray eyes shining and
" rich chestnut hair falling around her
Y 11pulders in glossy waves.
was thinkin' how in the world Farmer
kerry's COW could a-got out in the meadow
Wth her head and foot tied and not a stone
& the wall knocked down." he answered,
4 1Fewing up one eye, for John was some
0pes humorous in his crude way.
Pooh! you're teazing me now" ex-
K lined Ella pouting. 'I don't like you
L."
Don't, eh, my little gypsy!" and his
4 Feat strong hands lifted her from the
I Por, and his bearded lips pressed kiss
bon her soft cheek.
"Oh, you hurt!" she cried with little
pwn. 'Let me go; I want to catch my
bbit; see him on the lawn" And she rax
Of the front door, laughing and swing
B her summer hat.
I'm afraid that Elias spoiled, " said her
ther, as he walked slowly toward the
Urn.
That evening after the tea-things had
ZEN cleaned and put away, the whole
mily came out and sat down on the
azza to enjoy the delicious twilight.
PIN pulled contented at his pipe, while
wife mended stockings and Ruth sat
psily sewing while Ella ran about like q
Dung fawn.
Ruth was homely, and she knew 1t, but
fact did not cause her either sadness
anger, and I am sure that envy of her
Pter's beauty never entered her mind.
Pc had light brown hair, Of shade be-
Feen aaxen and chestnut, deep hazel eyes
Pd rather large mouth, her nose being
only regular feature that she possessed.
hen quiet her face was devoid of color,
pt the least excitement sent glowto her