The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-11-23
THE EnRokEx DOLLAR.
By GEORGE BENTON.

By GEORGE BENTON.
The oueenly moon rode majestic
ally through the un,l used lie We e,
and flooded the Pequea valley with
mellow rays. At Farmer Hoskin's
gate stood Gerald Dean and Nellie
Hoskirs--her white hand clasped
in his-bidding farewell to one an
other for on the morrow Gerald de-
parts for the land of the setting sun.
like thousands who had gone before
him to seek he golden fortune an
ticipated bv many and obtained by
few. Gerald had come to the valley
several years before and found en-
plovment with neighboring farmer,
Mr.. Bell. Once petted child OF
fortune he had reveled in its de-
lights and experienced its advan-
tages. He had been educated at the
institutions of the commonwealth,
and was fitted for any sphere his
inclinations might have chosen, had
his health been good. 1t generally
SO happens that witt, the brightest
brig test minds is coupled i'll health
and vice versa
Gerald's father met with a series
of losses by unfortunate ventures
which SO wrecked his physical con-
stitution that in a few short months
he died, leaving his wife and Gerald
in penurious condition. Gerald at
once procured lucrative position
in the wholesale house of a friend
and managed by economy to sup
port himself and widowed mother;
She had been an invalid nearly all
her life, and when the sudden re-
verse of fortune swept from her the
luxurious home and kind, indul-
gent husband, her life's joys were
gone. and in a short time Gerald
was called upon to follow to the
grave ''his dearest friend on earth. |"
Thus being left alone in the world,
an orphan and without immediate
relatives. he was obliged to seek, un-
aided. the common living she owes
us all. For a while he continued in
his occupation in the wholesale
house, and rapidly won promotion.
He was obliged to relinquish it.
however on account of his failing
health, and resort, according to his
physicians advice, TO the pure, free
air afforded by the occupation OF a
farmer. He did not have an estate
over which he could roam at will,
and work or play when he choose.
Therefore he sought employment in
the beautiful valley above mention
ed with farmer Bell, who. being
kind and of good nature, assisted
Gerald by employing him and teach
ing him the simplest rudimepts OF a
farmers occupation. Gerald devot-
ed himself to the work, and in a
short time, with renewed health be-
came practical hand. Unwilling
to desert the farm for city life he re-
mained with Mr.. Bell
About this time Nellie Hosking re-
turned from boarding school whittier
she had been for four years, an ac-
complished miss. She was sensi-
bic girl and had not been led into
the vanities so often found among
the inmates of such institutions.
Her fathers farm lying next to Mr..
Bells, she often visited the latter's
daughter and consequently met Ger
aid who occupied the position of an
equal in farmer Bells family. She
very soon discerned far more in
Gerald than the average farm hand,
and learning his antecedent history
esteemed him for the noble purpose
that aetuated him to carve out for
himself noble future.
Gerald was frequent visitor OF
the Hoskins farm, and quite an in
timacy sprung up between himself
and Nellie, which unconsciously,
but unerringly, ripened into the
deeper passion of love. So the days
rolled into weeks and the weeks in
to months which soon formed two
years.
The brightest and happiest days
of their lives were fleeing away, the
deep winter shades giving place to
the warm rays of spring. Then it
was that Gerald determined to
crown his happiness by asking Mel
lie to share with him life's joys and
sorrows, whatever his future fortune
might have in store for him. Need
we say that Nellie answered him in
the affirmative, but like all her sex
coyly referred him TO papa Mr..
Hoskins was absent on business
and did not return for a week.
However, upon his return Gerald
soughtan interview and made known
his errand.
What provisions have you made
for the future :? Do you think you
would be able to furnish Nellie with
all the conveniences of life and not
discommode her any by taking her
from the home she now possesses ?''
Mr.. Hoskins asked.
"Mr. Hoskins, / am not wealthy,
said Gerald. 81 have a small bank
account and good health, willing
heart and hands, with them ! fear
not the future"
"There, my friend, l admire you
for your frankness. bnt by no means
can / trust my daughter to such
precarious circumstances. When
you can produce the evidence ofa
fair competence-one that would
place you beyond the day toll of a
farm hand-you can address me for
her hand, provided she is of the
same mind as now. Trusting you
will be successful, l extend you my
best Wishes" and calling Nellie to
entertain our friend Mr.. Hoskins be-
took himselft to his library.
Gerald in few words acquaints
Nellie with her fathers decision and
prepares to take his departure. They
passed out to the verandah, thence
to the gate, where they linger few
moments over their farewell-Nel-