Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-12-07

den light. Thee! thee love-mep
| John read the answer to his question
before he put it, and drew the sobblng
Rachel 10 bis breast.
| How long they stood there neither
could tell, but at the sound of Mahlon
Stacy's heavy step on the verandah,
Rachel made her escape.
'Wnat keeps thee iu the house, John?
inquired the farmer, entering the room.
we have work 10 get through WITH
Let that pass for moment, Mr.
Stacy. L have something TO say. Who
holds now the mortgage on tie farm?
Why docs thee askS'
From no idle curiosity. What is his
na ne, aud where does he lve?'
His name is Frobisher,and he lives iu
New York. 1t IS his lawyer, Wood
ford, who has the business in hand.'
'Woodford! Not Charles WCodford,
| Sol In that case, make yourself per.
fectly easy. can arrange all that fol
you.
is thee serious, John Paul Does
thee think Frobisher would do it fol
| hee?'
Why not: He never refused me any
thing wanted yet, from the time We
went to the same school,
Thee must be out Of thy mind, John,
| This Frobisher, they say. is worth a
million Of dollars. Does thee expect
TO influence him? If 1 C..dn't know thy
habits, l should say thee'd been drink
ing
The man you speak Of is worth
more than you say, in estate, but he'll
give you all the time you need. Le'
me see. This is nearly eight. The
mail closes at ten. 1 have time tt
write a letter, hitch Up, and get 10 the
pos:-ofice IN good time. You'll have
an answer by tomorrow evening" ant
without farther words he went out,
harnessed the horse, and drove TO the
village, leaving Stacy staring in amaze.
ment. When he came back, the far
mer was still in the house, with Naom
aud Rachel, discussing Johns freak
During that day and next morning
Mahlon would glance at John at times
with an expression made up of hope,
and suspicion Of Johns sanity,
At noon next day John quietly bitch
ed up the horse agalu, and without ask
ing leave, drove of, with re.assuring
smile to Rachel's inquiring looks as he
went. This was hours before the mail
was due, and John had on his Sunday
clothes too. He did no. get back until
supper-time, and then handed letter
to Mahlon, in presence OF the rest. 1t
was postnarkea New York, and the
farmer opened it with trembling hands.
john said he, after he had read it,
and handed it to Naomi, thee made no
vain boast. Woodlord says / can have
all the time I want. Thee has done
me great service. only wish l knew
how could repay thee?'
Perhaps you cau.' said John, smiling
and taking Rachel by the hand. Sup
pose you let me take care OF this young
lady in future?
Why, Racbsl!' cried Mahlon, in as
tonlshment. Docs thee aud John-'
But Rachel's answer was not dis.
tiuctly audible, her face being so close
to John Paul's waistcoat.
Has thee thought about means to
support a wife p inquired Naomi, with
last hatter of expiring loyalty to
Absalom Browning.
There need be no trouble on that
score returned John. But l have a
confession to make, / have in some
measure deceived you. Whom you
asked my name, just saId-John
Paul
And has thee been using name TO
which thee has 40 right?' demanded
Naomi. severely.
Il have right to that name, but there
is more of it. I am John Paul Fro
bisher.'
'Frobishor!' exclaimed Mahlon, as
light broke in on him. Then thee
| is
Il am, or rather was. the holder OF
your mortgage. l was'-drawing
paper from bis breast pocket and
handing it to Naomi. 4 have been TO
West Chester, and made 40 assignment
to your wife. hope she'll be a
lenient creditor 10 you, Mahlon. YOu
see, l had been taking pedestrian
tramp for health and amusement, and
you came across me just asi had run
sufficiently to seed in the journey, and
was about to take the cars for home.-
This face of Rachel's attracted me, and
she's the captive of my bow and spear,
anyhow. won her by fair hgh!,' said
be, laughing,
They all sat down to supper. The
farmer said his customary grace with
great unction-'For what we are TO re-
ceive. the Lord make US truly thankful!
aud John, whose hand found that OF
Rachel somehow under the tablc-cloth,
responded with fervent 'Amenp
BE courteous with all, but intimate
with few; and let those few be well
tried before you give them your conf
dence.
VARIETY IN MEALS, Nothing is 80
un,avory as to sit down day after day
to the same bill of fare. There are
houses where the mistress seems to