Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1879-02-13
unfailing. and for her.

: ruth, VINO went about with achtns
heart but peaceful face, for she bic
her secret we'll, and no one of heI
friends saw any change. Not ever
Margarst's loving solicitude detected
? trace of the storm that had not en-,
tirely ceased to rage, though eacl
day but strengthened her determins
| tion never to leave her father.
| One lovely evening Tom had car
RED Kitty to some merrymaking at a
neighbors near by. Don and jamie
were manufacturing kite OF magnifi
cent proportions in the kitchen, and
only Ruth and her father occupied
the sitting room. Ruth was reading
some letters that evening received,
and as she put ths.dast one back into
| its envelope, she.lpoked up to find her
father intently regarding her.
'Ruthie,' sad be, sWilber Ford came
TO see me to-day
Ruth made no answer. and he CON.
tinued DO you know what he want.
ed? ! think I shall let him have his
will he added, a. Rath buried her
face in her hands.
She looked up quickly. Il will
never leave you, father, said she,
simply.
Mr.. Weston looked at her q mo-
ment, then drawing her closely to
his side, he replied: syou have been
9 good daughter, Ruth; mono could
be more devoted. But / will not let
you sacrifice Yourself utterly Then
be added with an effort, Would you
be very much grieved if / should End
some one to take your place? One
who would be indeed mother to
the children p
% father 7 gasped poor Ruth.
1t had come at last. How could
she see another in that dear mothers
place?
Mr.. Weston understood her un-
spoken thought, and replied: Il have
not forgotten your mother. my DEAR
and cannot cease to love her. mem.
Org. But Margaret can give me the
compauiorship-I need. She has be-
come dear to me as well as to you,
and,
Margaret exclaimed Ruth, rails.
ing her head. Then slipping her
hand into her fathers, she said: Il
could not have endured it had you
chosen any one else; but now ] am
very glad
will you tell Kitty, Ruth 2 l will
speak to Tom myself
Ruth promised and az knock
was heard at the door, Mr.. Weston
reached his hat aud said, smilingIy:
i believe | will go and see Marga-
ret; WILDER does not want to talk to
me Tonight
What conversation passed be-
tween Ruth and her lover Is no con-
oern of ouls. The boys ran in often
for suggestions, or to report prog
rass in their KITE making; but the
talk flowed quietly on in spite or In
terruption; so all must have bee o
harmonious. -
The next day Kitty was kept to
Der sofa by severe headache, the
result of her mild dissipation the
evening before. But toward nigh.
she felt better, and insisted on ar.
ranging the tea.table. When nearly
through, jamie came rushing 10
shouting See my fish, sister! Isn'e
it beauty 2
When it was praised to bis hearts
content, he carried i.away, and Kit
ty went on with her task.
Presently Ruth ard the little boy
came in. ~
'Oh, I'm so hungryl' Then catch
ing sight of the waiting table, he
said: sGoodyl supper's most ready,
and there comes father
We'll, run and tell Tom that Kitty
sends compliments, and particularly
requests him to be expeditions. said
his eister, as she went back to tie
sofa.
Away ran the boy, calling, Tom.
myl Oh, Tom.mier sHalloo = an,
swered Toms voice and running MP
almost bresthless. jamie cried Kit
ty sends compliments, and peticlarly
requests you to be exdishes. Say.
Tommy. snpper's ready, and I
caught q fishl'
Meanwhile Ruth had drawn a.
chair to her sisters side and said
Kitty. | have something to tell you.'
Kitty glanced up. sHow mys.eri-
GUS you look, Ruthie What is it p
Ruth scarcely knew how to begin,
she was uncertain how Kitty would
receive her tidings; so she answered
slowly: Kitty, darling. would you
mind it very much II father should
marry Margaret?'
Kitty opened her eyes very wide.
what made you dream of such
thingT Without waiting for re-
ply she went on: Yes, I think /
shonld mind it very much. do not
like to think of even Margaret James
taking our dear mothers place.
And Kitty put her head down upon
the pillow and burst into tears.
Don't Kittyl' said her sister. sFs-l
Their has not ceased to love mother.
I am sure. Aud Margaret is so sweet
and lovable it will be . pleasure to
have her here always. l am verv
glad. Besides she went on. If you
do not like it so well, you shall come
with me, dear
Kitty sat up very straight. Are
you going away, Rutbie. l thought
you said you were pleased
Ruth blushed rosily; she had not
intended to betray her own secret
yet; but there was now no help forit.
Not far, dear only-O Kitty
don't you understand p
A sudden light broke in upon Kit.
ty. You mean you are going to
marry WILDER Ford ?
Ruth nodded.
You sly puss r she said. NO won
der You are glad
That evening, when Kitty and her
father were left alone for few mine
utes, she came to bis side and said
braveIy Ruth told me to-day. faith.
er, and-I am glad for your sske.'
Mr.. Watson drew the slight form
closer with . tender embrace, and
abe went on. II did faal hadiv ;oat