Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1880-03-12

our friendship might be perpetuated fer
ever. l have never forgotten it, and I
think you have not. Ihave only one son,
and he is all thatl IS pure and noble. His
principles, lis firmness, have been testeo
in the cruclblo Of temptation, and he has
come forth the brighter for the ordeal. 1
would trust him anywhere, in prosperity
or adversely. You know me we'll enough
prejudice. In two weeks from the time
that this letter reaches you, he will start
for Hillside. If he should chance to love
one of your daughters I shall be thank
full, for, somehow. time has made the
simple idea of our youth the desire of
my heart. Of course, you will say moth
ing to you. daughters or my son of our
wishes, the mere existence Of which
would cause dislike to grow up be-
tween them at once Such is human
nature"
"Well, that is singular" unused John,
as he folded up the letter and put it in
his pocket. II hadn't forgotten that
Jim Harris and made that promise, but
I hadn't thought of it for long while.
Jim was always true blue. I wonder
what will come of it. It is SINGULAR
"What, papa2 What are you mumbling
to yourself about?l'
Aud Ella Stanley, the pet, the beauty
of the family danced into the room, her
satin cheeks red with the bloom of health,
her gray eyes shining, and her rich chest
nut hair falling around her shoulders in
glossy waves.
II was thinkin' how in the world
Farmer Perry's COW could a got out IN
tho meadow with her head and foot tied
and not stone of the wall knocked
down." he answered, screwing up one
eye, for John was sometimes humorous in
his crude way.
"Pooh! You're teasing me now!' ex-
claimed Ella, pouting. II don't like ye',,
| bit"
Don't she, my little gipsy!'' and his
great, strong hands lifted her from the
floor, and his bearded lips pressed kiss
upon her soft check.
ooh, you hurtl'' she cried, with little
frown. "Let me go. Iwant to catch my
| rabbit-see him on the lawn.
And she ran out of the front door
laughing, and swi ,ging her summer hat.
'I'm afraid sometimes that Elias
spoiled, we've always petted her So" re-
f1ected her father, as he walked slowly
towards the barn.
That evening after "tea-things' had
been cleaned and put away, the whole
family came out and sat down upon the
piazza to enjoy the delicious twilight.
John pulled contentedly at his pipe,
while his wife mended stockings and
Ruth sat busily sewing, while Ella ran
about like young fawn.
Ruth was homely and she knew it, but
the fact did not cause her either sadness
or anger, and am sure that envy of her
sisters beauty never colored her mind.
She had light brown hair, of shade be-
tween flaxen anc chestnut, deep hazel
eyes and rather large mouth, her nose
being the only regular feature that she
possessed. When quiet her face was de-
void of color, but the least excitement
sent glow to her cheeks that, for the
time being made her actually pretty, and
caused her mother to often declare that
"Ruth was not homelY, alter all.'
Were going to have visitor in two
weeks said John, very abruptly.
His wife looked up in surprise, and
Ruth paused in her sewing to hear what
would follow. But Ella was all curiosi.
ty and impotence, and asked repeatedly
who it was, and how her father knew all
about it. ri. ~,
s'Thcre child, wait a minute, and I'll
tell you. It's man, young man, the
son of Jim Harris, an old friend of mine
You remember Jim, don't you, wife2"
"Why, surely" said Mrs. Stacey, smil-
ing. $50 his boy is coming to see us
Well, declarel''
us he handsome2" demanded Ella,
restlessly. - g.. -..- =
HE used TO be. I don't know wheth-
er he is now,'' replied her father inno-
Gently. =.
Ella screamed with laughter, and ex-
claimed: 1879
II meant the young man. What do
care about Jim, as you call him2"
At this juncture stranger appeared
in their midst--an old man, with the
weight of many years resting heavily up
on him. Engrossed with their own af.
fairs, they had not heard his soft step
upon the smooth lawn, and now, as his
wrinklcd face, with it's brown eyes and
white whiskers, peered down upon them
they were not q little surprised. Ella
stared at his plain clothes, his oaken staff,
and his bent form, but Ruth arose the
instant she saw him, and offered him her
chair, with gentle smile. 'a'R&
keep thy seat, lass, thank thee; I'd
as leave sit on the stoop," said the. strang
er, in cracked but kindly voice. Then,
inclining his head toward John Stacey,
he continued: 81 Did not mean to come
upon you so sudden, friends, but I don't
lstep as sprightly as I once did. They
told me at the village inn that mayhap
you would board me for brief time I
did not wish TO stay there. I'd like bet
ter to be in quiet family. I'm on my
way to friends at distance, and weary,
with my long journey, 1 stopped here to
rest. Will it be too much tax upon
thee to accommodate me2'H
| "You can't board with u.s." answered
John.
The old man looked from one to the
other in perplexity.
Slut you can stay with us, and well
come, as long as you LIKE" added the &C.
tcentricz farmer, grasping his guests hand
and shaking it warmly.
Thank thee, friend thy heart ii
warm 1shall not intrude on thee long
This is thy good wife, and these are thy
daughters2 Thee must be q very happy
Imam. indeed =
You haven't had any supper, Sir, am
surea' said Mrs. Stacey, preparing to put
aside her work. z3sf
.Thank thee, I supped at the inn; do
not disturb thyself. But i shall be bold
enough 70 ask one Of thy daughters to
Iget me: a glass Of water z
John Stacey motioned Ella to 60, hut
lshe shook her head petishly and turned
lAWay. ssa.s s.
with ! glance Of mild repruof toward