The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-05-16
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saving man, and people said he had
few hundred in savings bank
He was tall and handsome, having
massive frame; torso such as hercules
might have been proud of huge, brawny
arms. more capable of welding smiths
hammer than weighing out tea and
SMEAR: his hair was dark brown, and
curled. When he smiled, the express
sion of his face was very sweet, but
when he frowned the thunderbolts OF
Jupiter might be expected.
So little did he care about trades
mans life that he left the grocer's bust
ness almost entirely to his mother, and
betoek himself day after day to little
farm. part meadow land, part arabic,
which he rented in the neighborhood
from Mr.. Hewitt Langley, the owner OF
most of the landed property there
abOuts.
Many girls belonging to the village
of Swallowfeld were in love with
Stephen Earnshaw, but ne did not pay
them much attention in return for their
civil chances.
1t was just good evening and good
morning" with Stephen when he met
people; but there was one notable ex-
ception, and that was Margaret Minton.
Whenever he came across her in the
street, he had always kind word for
her, and would fain hold her little hand in
his after shaking it, by way of greeting.
If she was in q good temper, she let
him retain his hold; if not, she snatehed
it rudely away, with "How dare your
uttered in anything but the mildest OF
tones.
1t was evident that Margaret did not
care much about the good-looking giant,
or perhaps she did not know her own
mind.
If she had given him the least en-
couragement, he would have proposed
at once, but she did not.
She smiled upon him one moment,
scolded him the next, and turned her
back upon him half an hour afterward
Stephen was en honest fellow, blunt at
times, but having keen perception for
all that, and he saw that he was being
made fool OF.
Like all men Of retiring disposition,
he was very sensitive, and he grew an
CRY when he thought that his love was
ridiculed by the only girl in the village
to whom he had shown any civility, and
for whom he had openly evidenced q
decided partially.
He saw Margaret in the street one
evening in July when he was returning
from his work on his farm. She also
saw him, but, pretending ignorance of
his presence, walked on till his voice ar
rested her progress.
Margaret was taller than most women,
very dark, wearing her hair brought Sc
verely over her temples, speaking
quietly, and sometimes cleverly, follow
ing your every movement with her
eyes, and only laughing when she had
said something to cause pain or annoy
ance.
Have you left your spectacles at
home, Margaret" asked Stephen Earn
shaw.
Il can see like cat in the dark, so /
do not stand in need of any artificial
vision" she replied.
How was it you did not see me
them"
perhaps 1 did not want to see you"
"Oh, if that's how the wind blows,
IN wish you goodnight, and be jog
ging homeward," said Stephen, little
nettled, as his rising color showed.
and 1 will walk little way with
you, Stephen she replied smiling,
If"
"If WHAT" he demanded.
IF you won't tell me that l have
lovely hair, and beautiful eyes, and
pearly teeth. / have heard it so often
that L shall begin to think it true pres
emily"
L wish I could call you mine, Mag
gle" he said.
"But you can't, Mr.. Earnshaw," she
answered. Il have no intention of re-
hnquishing my liberty in any man s
favor. Being ones own mistress is SO
charming"
Has a matrimonial life no charms
for your"
"At present, none"
"You know what people say, Maggie,
exclaimed Stephen.
What?" she queried, fixing her
great eyes on him.
That you and / will be man and
wife some day."
People had better mind their own
business, / think" said Margaret, an
grily, while thehot blood flushed he1
usually pale cheeks.
Don't be angry" he pleaded, as il
deprecating her wrath.
Il am angry. 1 don't like to hear
such things repeated. You have nc
right to annoy me in this way. l am
glad we have reached home; and I'm
sorry said would walk with YOU"
Before Stephen Earnshaw could make
any reply to this torrent, she quickly
left his side, and, crossing the road
lifted the latch entering her mothers
house.
Stephen stood looking after her for
some little time; and then, with huge
hasty strides, very different from his
usual deliberate walk, made the best OF
his way to his house, which was situa-
ted in the middle of Swallowfield, High
street.
He found the shop closed, and his
mother in the parlor with Annie Ruth
ven-little Annie, the milliner, his
friends called her.
She presented great contrast to
Margaret Minton, being short, plump
and fair; her eyes were not full and