The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1881-02-09
Tue RIGHT MAN AFTER ALL.

Viola had found q lover; or at least
John Ellsworth aspired to that dis
tinction.
Two years ago, the pateinal Ellsworth
had given John on his twenty-third
birthday deed OF small, good farm
near his own. John set about making a
home for himself, with one of his hulf-
dozen sisters to manage it, and went mt
his farming in earnest. And the younger
female portion thought him rather Il de-
sirablc object to mnneuver for.
Perhaps that was one reason why
Viola had been 40 gracious to him. 1t
vas something to secure, without an eff
fort, attentions that all the other girls
schemed for. But John Ellsworth did
not realize her ideal. Under her calm
exterior, she dreaded romances of the
most vivid rose-pink.
One June night, driving over to see
his lady, John found her with au unu-
sual flush on her fair Young face. She
rode with llim-accepting his invitation
in matter-of.course way that was dread
fully discouraSing.
1t came out, after little while, that
Mrs. MorDington. n great.aunt, had sent
for her photograph month ago, not
having seen her since she WAS q child.
Two days ago had come an invitation to
spend couple Of months with her (the
grcat,aunD in New York, and she was
going tomorrow.
"It's no uso denying" the young
fellow said, his voice growing husky,
"that Tn sorry for this. I don't know
what will come to you from this. You
are not contented here !; you never will
bo until you have had an experience
beyond it--perhaps not then. | ain not
wise enough to tell you now, 1 sup-
pose; but / love you, Viola. Mind, I
do not ask you now for any return. l
shall wait for what the future may put
in your heart t& say"
"Indeed. / do care for yon,
John; and YOU can't blame mo for
wanting to 20. Aunt needs mt, you
see; and no Que does here, particularly.
And I've never seen anything ot so
ciety."
81 know, dear
"And I shall not forget you" inter
rlpting him 81 shall always thmk OF
you "--giving him her hand.
For two whole months a little
sadly. "Good-by, Them" kissing tho
hand he held. And then Viola found
herself alone, and then went to finish
her packing. ,,
Viola's next two months were delight
full. She was always prettily dressed,
and Frank Thorpe passed his valuable
time beside her.
John Ellsworth called Oh her the
night after her return. -,
"You look well and happy" he said,
scanning her face. :,
Il am" she SAID and she told him all
about her delightful visit. .
"And are you gong to settle Win
us now?"
"Oh, no! | stay here only a few
DAYS. My aunt is coming for me as she
returns from visit she is paying.
"Poor fellow" Viola said, as :, ne ne
went down the moonlit road: Ahc tilel
Frank Thorpc's dreamily sad gray eyer
came ND before her, and she forSotJohr
F,llsworth's shady brown ones.
Mrs. Mornington came and took the
young lady away, and Frank Thorpe
was once again hanging around her---a
most desirable matrimonial prize.
The Christmas holidays came and
went. Frnnk Thorpe lounSed IN Oh
Christmas day, and was paler and more
listless than ever.
Mrs. Mornington gave her first bit ol
advice to hcr young charge that night.
"Frsnk Thorpe is not man to trlfe
with, my dear. think he IS IN love
with you. You could hardly do better.
"Do better?' raising her broad lldt
for full, steady look. 81 hadn
thought there was to be any calculation,
No. Frank does not care for me, aunt,
"If he is in love with YOU. So much
the better. But come; MIS-. troVe
ball must be attended.
Viola went to that ball, and froze
Frank Thorpe. who. unconscious OF Of
tense. langiIdly assumed his usual sta
ton near her.
Among Mrs. Groves guests that nigh
was A rather good-looking man, who
certainly was no longer young. Having
lost one wife, he was now looking Tor an
other. When he was presented to Violi
she was barely civil. Mr. Nicolsor
, seemed to like it. =.
Frank Thorpe had ceased being
frozen. To tell the truth, Viola mad'
the advances. There was shade NOR,
: Of languor Ii his manner ano H.s -, ~
. gray eyes had an added shadow out M
SOUGHT no explanation from her.
One frosty. sparkling morning Vol