The Morning herald., 1878-06-12

actually pretty, and caused her mother to
often declare that Ruth was not homely,
after all" h@4' r., &C. "a 49,
"We're going to have visitor in
about two weeks said John, very
abuptly.
His wife looked up in surprise, and Ruth
paused in her sewing to hear what would
follow. But Ella was all curiosity and i'm
patience, and asked repeatedly who it was,
and how her father knew about it.
'sThere, child, wait minute and I'll tell
you. It's q man-a young man-and the
son of Jim Harris, an old friend of mine.
You remember Jim, don't you, wifss"
"Why, surely" said Mrs. Stacey, smiling.
$50 his boy is coming to see us. Well, !
declare |"
"Is he handsome ?" demanded Ella, rest
lessly.
''He used to be. I don't know whether
he is now," replied the father, innocsntly.
Ella screamed with laughter, and ex-
claimed,--
IT meant the young man. What do I
care about Jim, as you call him ?"
Atthis juncture stranger appeared in
their midst-an old man-with the weight
of many years resting upon him. En-
crossed with their own affairs, they had
not heard his soft step upon the smooth
lawn, and now, as his wrinkled face with
it's brown eyes and white whiskers peered
down upon them they were not o little
surprised. Ella stared at his plain clothes,
his oaken staff and his bent form, but Ruth
arose the instant she saw him and offered
him her chair with gentle smile.
"Keep thy seat, lass, thank thee; I'd as
lief sit down upon the stoop," said the
stranger, in cracked but kindly voice.
Then inclining his head toward John
Stacey, he continued, II didn't mean to
ccme upon thee SO sudden, but don't
step as sprightly as once I did. They told
me at the village inn that mayhap you
would board me for short time. I did
not wish to stay there; I like better to be
In a quiet family. I'm on my way to a
friends at distance, and, weary with my
long journey, I stopped here to rest. Will
it be too much tax upon thee to accommo-
date me2"
'sYou can't board with u.s." answered
John.
The old man looked from one to the
other in perplexity.
ss'tBut you can stay with us, in welcome,
as long as you like" added the eccentric
farmer, grasping his guests hand and
shaking it warmly.
''Thank thee, friend; thy heart is warm.
I shall not intrude upon thee long. This
is thy good wife, and these thy daughters4
Thee must be happy man, indeed"
"You haven't had any supper, sir, am
sure ?" said Mrs. Stacey, preparing 10 put
aside her work.
"Thank thee, supped at the inn; do
not disturb thyself. But I shall be bold
enough to ask one of thy daughters to get
me glass of water"
John Stacey motioned Ella to 60, but
she shook her head pettishly and turned
away. With glance of mild reproof to-
ward her sister, Ruth arose and brought
their guest glass of water fresh from the
well, The old Quaker accepted 1t with O
grateful smile, and then addressed few
remarks to her, which she answered III her
sweet, quiet way.
The night shadows were gathering rapid
ly now, and the family adjourned to the
sitting-room. Ella was yet sulky, and
would speak to nobody.
''Take the easy chair, sir; you must be
quite tired" said Mrs. Stacey, in her COR
dial, unassuming manner. celia, take our
guests cane and bring him stool to put
his feet on"
Ella complied, but with reluctance that
was painfully apparent.
IT fear thee will put thyself to too much
trouble" said the Quaker, with benign
smile. 'I'm glad to feel thy hearty kind
ness, but thee must not be inconvenienced'
NV name is Samuel Peyton. but I'd like
thee to call me Friend Samuel, if thee will.
There, thank thee, my child" as Ella
placed the stool at his feet. $50 thee,
I suppose, are papas pet; is it not So"
The maiden forced phantom of smile
to her features"
''Thy cheeks are wonderfully fair,