The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-03-10
BEAUTY VERSUS WORTH.

border of wild roses and sweet ferns, stood
a square white house, with bright green
blinds and wide piazza.
Here John Stacey had lived since his
boyhood, here he had wept over the re-.
mains of his beloved parents, here he had
led his bride to the altar, here he had re-
joiced over the birth of his children, and
watched them expand and bloom into
womanheod, with all a true hearts fond
ness. .
No restless desire to go out into the
great world to view the wonders of for
eign lands, or the glories of his own, ever
entered his mind his hope, his am bition,
extended only to the limits of his excel
lent farm. ....
Just now, however, he was excited
with anticipation-a memory of the past
had been aroused, and promised an event
OF no small importance.
In his hand he held an open letter from
friend Of his boyhood, and among the
four pages of kindly words occurred the
following passage: ...i.
You know, my dear friend, that when
l left you, so many years ago, we made
each other promise, which though Wis
ionary then, has at least chance of be-
coming reality now. We said we would
cause our children to intermarry, that
our friendship might, be perpetuated for
ever. I have never forgotten it, and
think you have not. Ihave only one son,
and he is all that's pure and noble. His
principles, lis firmness, have been tested
in the crucible of temptation, and he has
come forth the brighter for the ordeal.
would trust him anywhere, in prosperity
or adversely. You know me we'll enough
to know that this is not enthusiasm or
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 1 shall be thank
ful, for, somehow. time has made the
simple idea Of our youth the desire of
my heart. Of course, you will say moth
ing to youridaughters 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"
swell, 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
Irhadn't thought of it for long while.
Jim was always true blue. 1 wonder
what will come of it. 1t is singular.'
"What, .papa9 What are you mum bling
to yourself aboutai'
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. .@ >
81 was thinkin' how in the world
Farmer Perry's cow could got out In
the meadow with her head and foot tied
and not a stone of the wall knocked
down." he answered, screwing up one
eye, Tor John was sometimes humorous in
his crude way. ..
"Pooh You're teasing me now!' ex-
claimed Ella, pouting. II don like you
a bit"
Don't she, my little gipsyr' and his
great, strong hands lifted her from the
floor, and his bearded lips pressed kiss
upon her soft cheek.
"Oh, you hurt" she cried, with little
frown. "Let me 60. want to catch nv
rabbit-see him on the lawn.
And she ran out of the front door
laughing, and swi '.ging her summer hat
sim afraid sometimes that Elias
spoiled, we've always petted her So" re-
Elected 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 haxen 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
"Rqth was not homeIY, alter all.''
"We're 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 impatience, and asked repeatedly
who it was, and how her father knew all
about it.
"There child, wait 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, declared
SIS he handsome2' demanded Ella,
restlessly.
s'He used to be. I don't know wheth-
er he is now,' replied her father limo
Gently.
Ella screamed with laughter, and ex.
claimed:
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
So Il