Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-04-11

awaking haRd, and very willing TO un-
dertake the sweet task.
And thus IL was that, walking in one
morning, (on business, Of course) and
finding Floy idly coming an old
romance for want of some better em-
ployment, he opened TO her eyes liv-
ing page in sad history that he had
Just discovered. 1t was the old story
of a self-willed marriage, and conse-
quent desertion, poverty and distress.
"Would Miss Willard have the kind
ness to visit herp She might do much
by few kind words. The woman
was delicate and refined, and sympathy
would not be thrown away" Floy's
eager eyes attested her interest, and
that very day the call was made. She
came back eloquent with pity, and
desiring TO give some substantial token
Of il, one of her first acts was shy
request TO her mother to teach her
how TO make something nice
wherewith to tempt the invalid's appe-
tite.
And so, ere many weeks, there were
no more days lounged away in the
library, or spent in idly dreaming in
the bow-window armchair. The quick
fingers became skilled in needle-craft,
and many a poor cottager blest them
as they bestowed the gifts of their own
shaping, and calling down bcnedictions
upon the sweet face that brought joy
and sunshine with it.
1t happened that many times they
met mt the bedside of the sick and
dying, the earnest minister and the
fair young girl; and daily did he note
her growth in sweetness, and deep
underlying reverence; lost in wonder
sometimes at her utter unseliishness.
And she, enjoying to the full her new
companionship, and mentally placing
him in just that niche of her heart
which she was wont to fill with an
imaginary brother, was totally uncon-
scious of the gossipping tongues that
commented eagerly upon every move
ment.
Pacing home slowly through the
wood-path one bright autumn after
noon, he caught the sound of singers
voice caroling softly verse from a
quaint old ballad that he remembered
to have heard before. He quickened
his step, and soon, ahead of him, he
saw the soft simmer of gray silllen
skirt, trailing over the glowing mosses.
The wearer turned as he came up.
"Ah Miss Floy," he said, - heard
your singing and hastened on. You see
| remember your songs"
She smiled, and the color on her
cheek deepened little at its tone, but,
without answering she walked on de-
murely by his side, plucking Mt the
leaves of a wild daisy she held in her
hand. He watched her moment.
/" Let me see," said he, "what is the
charmP You name the alternate leaves,
do you not? Let me try the charm for
yeu." And he took one from tho bunch,
and pulling away the petals he gravely
announced that the lover for whom it
was named was true.
"Why don't you ask who it is?" he
said, halflaughingly, but with strange
light in his eyes. "Well them" more
grave, since you won't talk, shall
have to tell you. Floy, dear Floy, it is
myself!'
She never once lifted her eyelids, but
walked slowly along, twirling the mu-
tilated flower in her fingers, until they
came to the edge of the wood. Then
he paused, and laying his hand heavily
on the gate that barred the path, he
said:
"Floy, have question for you now
that must be answered; will you be my
wifeP''
She paused, and laying her hand up
on his arm, turned him round, till the
faint light of the moon shone full in his
face. "Are you in earnest, Maxwell
GreyP" she asked. For an answer he
stopped down and kissed her forehead
rororo,,tly. a. Now I boliove 20 ou,,, rhc
said simply. But" after pause,
and calling him by his first name,
p" Maxwell, am not half good enough
for HRfStesbSs HRt rs bSgSh $ffe T. ueclare, as lovers
always do, how infinitely above him she
was in every thing true and noble; how
he dare not claim her, believing that he
was in any way worthy of so great a
blessing, ETC., until her foolish little
tongue was quite silenccd. When they
reached her own gate he paused again;
"And now, Floy," he said, 81 have
something of yours in my possession
which have had ever since the very
first time began to love you" And
he drew forth from his pocket ring
and held it toward her.
80 my lost ringp she exclaimed.
"Where did you find itP'
Where?' said he, laughing, "in q
hot roll, Floyr' And then followed a
recital, somewhat abridged, of much
that have told you.
And so, ere long, there took place q
grand wedding in the little village
church. The new ruches and honnOt
strings were all there, and the black
silk basquine rustled defiantly as the
wearer peeped at the face half hidden
beneath the shimmering bridal veil; q
face which was certainly none other
than Floy Wizards.
And they do say, in spite of Mrs,
Thompson's dire predictions, that there
is not a better housekeeper" in the
whole village than the minister's wife.
-E1change.