The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-05-16


bows on his knees and his head on his
hands.
whats the matter, Stephen?" said
Mrs Earnshaw.
Nothing much, mother; but l don't
like being laughed att" he replied, bit
terly.
"Who in this place dare laugh at you?
There isn't man or boy"
at isn't a man ct all, mother!" said
Stephen, cutting her short.
"Then it's that Margaret Minton.
Who is she, should like to know, to
give herself airs? A trumpery piece of
goods"
cts no use talking, mother" he cried,
interrupting her again. your standing
in the river wouldn't stop the stream,
would it?"
Il don't suppose it would"
"Then all your talking won't make
Margaret Minton more civil to me-" he
said, with the same bitter air.
perhaps I might do something for
you with her, Stephen!" exclaimed
Annie Ruthven, who had sat all the time
as silent as a mouse.
"You!" he said, in surprise.
"Yes. / may be very silly and insig-
nificant; but Margaret and / are great
friends. 1 help her make dresses, and l
will give her any message from you, but
you must tell me tonight, for am go
Ing soon.'
"Going. Where?" he asked.
"To service" replied Annie. II am
tired of being here. must go into the
world, and try to make my way"
"Well, / wish you luck, I'm sure
Annie" exclaimed Stephen Earnshaw,
heartily; adding, you do your best fol-
me with Margaret, and I'll give you q
dance in the barn at the back of oul
house before you 60"
cts bargain !" cried Annie, clappine
her hands dehghtedly.
In reality, Annie Ruthven was de-
lighted to hear that Stephen Earnshaw
was not in favor with Margaret
"Oh," she thought, "if he would only
love me as he loves her, what would
not do for him? His every wish should
be anticipated. I would live for him
alone. He is so handsome, SO good and
so fond of his home"
Her little heart futtered as she
thought of what the future might bring
forth. If Margaret remained obdurate
Stephen Earnshaw might look favorably
upon her.
A miracle, though, must be worked
she thought, before the handsome
Stephen could fall in love with her.
Was she not going to service? Would
she not be miles away instead of living
close to him, and enjoying his society
while visiting his mother.
She now regretted having made ul
her mind to go into the world, but, hav'
ing arrived at such determination and
made it generally known, she could not
very well cancel it.
The next day she looked in upon
Margaret about tea-time. ostensibly to
show her dress she had finished fol
the doctors wife, but really to talk
about Stephen.
Margaret admired the dress, and said
II wish 1 were lady, to be able to have
a dress for every day in the year."
"That would be extravagant," laughed
Annie. Would not every week in the
year content your
"Yes, or every month; but there is nc
chance even of the latter said Marga
ret with sigh.
"Why not marry Stephen Earnshaw !?
said Annie, in voice that trembled il
spite OF her.
"He has never asked me-" she replied
lie has done almost as good, though
hasn't hep"
II can scarcely tell, my dear. like
man to have the courage to say what b,
means" answered Margaret.
"Some men are timid, Margaret,
continued Annie. "They do no
like to expose themselves to ,
rejection. have heard of high-souled
generous men, whose pride would bt
terribly mortified if women had the
power to go about and say that they
had refused them"
Whats Stephen Earnshaw to yor
that you should talk about him to me ?
asked Margaret.
Nothing-only-"
She hesitated, and paused abruptly
Her face became crimson; and if Mar
garet did not read her secret then, she
was either preoccupied or duller than
the average run of women.
What-only what" said Margaret
looking intently at her.
81 don't like to see him treated badly
when he really loves you," replied An
ME Ruthven, summoning all her cour
age to her aid.
The next time he wants Il
WOO me-" exclaimed Margaret, laugh
ing heartily, tell him to come him
self, and not send a gossiping girl
who would be better employed in stay
ing at home and minding her work."
Annie felt hurt at this, and, mutter
ing something about obstinate people
dying old maids" left the room withou
a word of geod-by or apology.
She did not report her ill-success t.
Stephen. He saw it in her face ant
manner, and asked no questions.
As the time for Annie's departure
drew near, he kept his promise abou
the dance, and, hiring Kirk, the village
fiddler, had the barn swept out anC
lighted up well.
The barn faced the road leading t.
Wedgebury, the seat of Mr.. Hewitt
Langley, and presented quite a merr,
appearance when the company were as
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