The Russellville Democrat., 1881-12-22

Jeanie stood in the door, and looked out at the fast-falling snow. A tall slend- CT girl, graceful as young willow, with sweet, sad fa e, and tender, fesolute eyes. It was an indictment afternoon; but Jeanie was determined to face the storm. She had formed purpose. Dot" she whispered, approaching her sisters low chair, Pm going to see Doc tor Farnsworth. Don't let mother know: shall not be gone long, dear." She left the cottage, and crossed the fields with rapid step, the snow beating in her face. The old nleadow-stile still stood at the crossing, aud, just beyond it, the giant elm tree. Jeanie paused for breath minute, her eyes filling with tears. It saddans us, sometimes, to see how strong and chaugeless nature is, when the dearest treasures of our hearts seem to be slipping away from us.
 Jeanie hurried on under tbe snow laden branches of the elm tree, and along the self~same path her childish feet had trod on that memorable day, when she was on her way to purchase the big dolly. She did not recall the circumstance, however; other and graver thoughts filled her mind.
 She reached the village, after a fatig- ming walk. and made her way to Doctor Farnsworths residence. The old phy- sician's son, young disciple of EscGia- plus, just returned from abroad, and get ting ready to step into his fathers shoes, occupied the sitting room, into which Jeanie was ushered. He rose to his feet, politely inquiring in what way he could serve her.
 Thank you; but it is old Doctor Farnsworth, l wish to see, please" said Jeanie, in her sweet, soft voice.
 And the young doctor left the room, thinking he had never seen sadder or lovelier face.
 "Why, bless my soul, here you are; and l had just ordered my buggy to come over and see you" exclaimed the elder physician, when he appeared
 "Then you know my mother is ill?" said Jeanie, with flushing cheeks.
 No, I didn't: is she ill?"
 "Yes. sir; she's been ill for weeks" re piled Jeanie, speaking rapidly, lest her courage should fail her: but, she wouldn't allow me to come to you, sir. because--because, we haven't the money to pay you. But, can't see her die for want of medical aid; and, if you'll only go to see her, sir, if there's anything can do, any sort of work"
 Never mind, never mind" interrupt ed the doctor; "we'll settle all that here- after. You should have let me know long ago. Come to the fire and warm; you didn't walk over?"
 "Yes, sir, walked; but I'm not cold; and please, sir, if you'll be good enough to go at once"
 "Yes, yes; my buggy will be around in ten minutes. l was coming over to see you, Miss Jeanie. I've got a letter for you"
 "A letter for me, doctor?"
 "A letter for Jeanie Goodwin. That must be you. It came enclosed to me from Marshland. One Rathburn, a law yer sent it. Here it is."
 Jeanie received the letter, and looked at it with wondering eyes. She could scarcely break the seal, her fingers trembled so. Dr. Farnsworth busted himself with his saddle-bags. while she read it, a suppressed twinkle in his eyes.
 The substance of the letter as as fol lows: A man, named Hiram Burns, dy- ing recently at Marshland, had left will, bequeathing a pretty cottage and grounds, and something over six thou sand dollars in cash, to Jeanie Goodwin, llttie Rifl llNlnE At Ild1cAWoou Notshsc. some two miles from Berryville; said Jeanie Goodwin having given him two dollars to pay his way to Marshland, some seven years before. when she found him sitting by the wayside, ill and pen niless, and he, Hiram Burns desiring to pay the debt with interest.
 "0hw exclaimed Jeanie. cIapping her hands
 "Ohl'' echoed the doctor, looking up. "Now, there's luck, young woman. Yonll he able to pay my bill, you see I've written back to Rathhurn; and, if you say so, I'll take you down tA Marshland, and see that you'fe not cheated. And now a merry Christmas to you"
 Jeanie could not speak; her heart was too full. After many days, her childish act of selesacriiice had been rewarded. And itseemed to come, too, as a special Christmas gift.
 Some weeks later, as soon as her mother was able to make the journey, they went down to live in the pretty cottage at Marshland; and, not many mouths after, Jeannie married Doctor Farnsworths son.