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

stroking his whiskers; then he answered;
II do not doubt thee, Ruth, but why is
it thee STAYS so much inside.na 5'l
81 like housework, and mother needs
help" .... ..-........ .,., sr. l..
"How long is that tedious old man
to stay here?n asked Ella of her father
a few minutes later, as she stood on the
threshing-hoor of the barn. an
"As long as he has q mind to, |
s'pose. l can't see why you're so set
against him. He's good and sensible,
and thinks you're the prettiest girl in all
the world. ~ tH' q "0H'"ts l'"
Pshaw! his compliments are too
old. Arthur Harris will be here in nine
days now, and don't want this old fell
low here then"
Well, he won't be- answered John,
Indignantly. "By the way, has Ruth
said anything about Arthur S eoming?'
ct" She? What does she care? Her
mind is all taken up with the kitchen
and sewing and books. She'll die al
old maid, III wager anything"
'' But you wont, ehpn chuckled hel
father, pleased with her childish aban'
don. ,..-.I -..t e.. sf.t.-..
mo, / won'tn' she exclaimed, with
confident smile, and a toss of her chest
nut ringlets. "I'll be Mrs. Arthur Har-
ris yet, and live in the city, you see if
don't! Oh, won'tit be delightful, papa
to have you come to see me, and TAKE
you out in my elegant carriage, with
horses all covered with silver mono.
grams?"
Tut, you crazy girl! Put you mind
on the solid things of life,'' said the ia
Their. amused, yet panied. ...
Ella turned just then and saw Mr..
Peyton within a few feet of her. She
frowned and moved her slippers rest.
fully. Had he been listening?
II believe he's meddling old MANI
she muttered, angrily, as she ran to-
ward the house.
Five days later Mr.. Peyton took his
departure, with many expressions Of
gratitude for the kindness shown him,
and the hope that he should live to see
his friends again. ........
Time went on swiftly now, for Ella
was engaged in remodeling dresses and
buying sundry articles to make herself
more beautiful in the eyes of Arthur
Harris. She had always felt desire
to live fashionably in the metropolis,
and she taught herself to believe that
the opportunity for the accomplishment
of her wishes was near at hand. ...
At length the day so long anticipated
arrived, and Ella arrayed herself in q
most elaborate costume to receive the
son of her fathers friend. Ruth had
gone out that afternoon to make a call,
and preferred to walk rather than to
ride, from a Discrimination to be the
first to see Mr.. Harris. But circum-
stances shape our course, whether we
like it or not, and it so happened that
Ruth drew near the station just as the
train came in. There was only one
road, and so she must trust to speed tC
get by the station before the passengers
came out; but Just as she neared the
door a musical voice said: RUTH
She paused in surprise and looked
around, but no one was to be seen.
The next instant, however,, fine
looking young man came out, and clasp
ing both her hands, said, warmly:
:. Miss Stacey-Ruth-I am deiightr'
to find you herer'
cit is Mr.. Harris, suppose" sale
Ruth, blushing crimson, and so con,
fused that she knew not what to do.
Yes. Your folks are all well,
trust" he replied, formally, and in a
voice entirely changed.
Ruth regained her self-possession al
once, and answered him with easy pc.
likeness.
How did he know her so quickly:
Why did he greet her so warmly?
These questions repeated themselves
in the maiden's mind until she sighed
with WEAKNESS and wonder; but she
dare not ask him to explain.
The drive home was dull, neither
speaking Il half dozen words.
"Give us your hand, my boy" said
John Stacey, ere Arthur had time tc
alight. "rm glad to see you. II
seems like going back twenty-five year;
to look at you, for father sticks out al
every point"
so Ruth came home with him,
thought Ella, as she peered out of the
parlor window. "rm glad of it though
for he'll notice the contrast all the
more. | am handsome, and it isn't
vanity if | do know it." ....
A few minutes later Arthur was in
troduced to the pet, and she greeted
him with charming shyness, ant
yelled her eyes and blushed in the mos
captivating manner. If artfulness, il
was natural; she had never had any
drawing-room practice.
The young man gazed upon her il
admiration; she felt his glance, and tn,
color deepened in her cheeks until sh,
was ten times more beautiful than ever
Perhaps at that moment poor Rutl
did regret her plainness, if ever before
but she drove the thought from hei
mind, and excusihg herself went tt
help her mother get supper. And Will
she worked she could hear Ella joyou
laugh mingling with the deep bias
tones of their guest, and she wondere,
if he had fallen in love with her beauti
full sister already. .o..
"Why, Ruth, what on earth all
you?" said Mrs. Stacey, in astonish
ment. Here you've put two napkin
in Arthur's plate"
Ruth REDEEMED to her temp. es, bu
made no answer. A pair of brown eye
were haunting her, and she was SURF
she had seen them before this day, bu
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