The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-03-08


birds She has a very warm heart, as you
would find out If yea should be with her
long enough" ..r.. .... ,
"Ruth will not derrv h"r stow. that il
very plain, and 1t shows that she Is good
herself" though the Quaker, stroking hil
whiskers; then he answered., ''I do moi
doubt thee, Ruth; but why is it thee stayl
so much insid, p
II like housework, and mother needi
help"
"How long is that tedious old man to
stay here9" asked Ella of her father few
minutes later, as she stood on the threshing.
floor of the barn. ..... ...-
"As long as he has mind 20, sposs.
l cant see why you're so ret against him;
he's good and sensible, and thinks you're
the prettiest girl in all the world"
"Pshaw his compliments are too old.
Arthur Harris will be here in nine days
now, and don't want this old fellow hero
then" ltN
"Well, he WON'T be-" answered her father,
Indignantly. "By-the-by has Ruth said
anything about Arthurs coming ?"
"SheP What does she care Her mind
is all taken up with the kitchen and sew
ing and books. She'll die an old maid, I'll
wager anything"
but you won't eh?" chuckled her
father, pleased with her childish abandon.
"No, won't !" she exclaimed, with
confident smile, and toss of her chestn Ut
ringlets. ''I'll be Mrs Arthur Harris yet,
aud live in London, you see If I don'ti
Oh, wouldn't it be delightful, papa, to
have you come to see me, and take you
out in my elegant carriage, with horses all
covered with silver monograrns p
"fut, you crazy girl! Put your mind
on the solid things of llfe," said the father,
amused, yet panied.
Ella turned Just then and saw Mr.. Pey-
ton within few feet of her. She frowned
and moved her slippers restlessly. He had
been listening to her.
~ believe he is a meddling old man |"
she muttered, angrily, as she ran toward
the house.
Five days later, Mr.. Peyton took his de-
parture, and with many expressions of
gratitude for the kindness shown him, and
the, hope that he should live to see his
friends again. 81. t,..j
Time went on swiftly now, for Ella was
engaged in rennodeliing dresses and buying
sundry new articles to make herself more
beautiful in the eyes of Arthur Harris.
She had always felt desire to live FASH
lonably In tue metropolis, and she taught
l'erss'' to believe that the opportunity for
tie accomplishment of her wishes was near
ut hand.
At length the day so long anticipated ar
ived, and Ella arrayed herself in most
elaborate costume to receive the son of her
ilther's friend. Ruth had gone out that
afternoon to make Il call, and preferred 10
walk rather than ride, from disinclination
10 be first to see Alr. Harris. But circunl-
stances shape our course, whether we like
or not, and it SO happened that Ruth
1rew near the little station just as the train
anne in. There was only one road, and
10 she must trust to speed to get .hy the
dation before the passenger came out; but
ust as she neared the door, o Musieal |
'oice said:- . 4
"nuth!" -.. F.. ~ ~
She paused In surprise, and looked
round, but no one was to be seen. The
lext instant, however, fne-looking young
nan came out, and, claspiug both her
ands, said, warmly
Miss Stacey Rulh-I am delighted to
nd you here /"
ut is Mr.. Harris, suppose, said Ruth,
lushing crimson, and 30 confused that she
new not whnt to do.
"Yes. Your folks are all well, I trust"
8 replied formally and in voice entirply
hangel
'Euth gained her self-possession at
nee, and answered him with easy polite
ess.
The next moment fly came forward
nd Arthur Harris helped Ruth into the
ehicle, and took seat by her side. How
ii he know her 80 quickly2 Why did lie
rect her 80 warlnlyr Th, se questions re-
eated themselves in the maiden's mind
ntil he signed with wearinrss and
onder; but she dared not ask him to ex-
ain.
The drive home was dull, neither speak
g half dozen words.
"Give us your hand, my boy" ,"said John,
;lcey, ere Arthur had time to aliyht.
I'm glad to see you; it seems like going
lck twenty-five years to look at you, for
tier sticks cut at ey cry pointl" ".,,. .....,-I
so Ruth came home with him, thought
la, as she peeped out at the parlor win
w. 'Pm glad ofit though, for he'll
,tice the contrast all the more. I am
Lndsoms. and ii isn't vanity if do know