Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-04-13
VERY ROMANTIC STORY.

Mattie's story was simple enough.
The orhpan girl of former servant in a
wealthy family, Matte had shared the
lessons and the play of the younger
daughter of the house, until a time
came when it was convenient to turn
the humble companion adrift to work
for herself. 1t may have been a piece
of il-luck his neighbors ascribed to
Drew, that it should have been to his
farm the girl came as help to his sister,
or it may have been piece of his good
nature that made him agree to take
under his roof this pretty lass, untrain-
ed for service and educated far above
her station.
Drew's widowed sister, Mrs. Bankes,
who lived with him and whose child it
was Matte had come to nurse, amongst
other duties too numerous to mention,
for there was but Ole servant kept
Drew's sister exclaimed in despair when
the farmer brought home the young,
lady like, delicate-looking girl
1--WE want q strong, Woodworking
lass This one doesn't know. her right
hand from her left. She is as good as
a lady, or as bad, and has never mllked
a cow in her life What are you think
ng of to bring her here?"
''Ah that's just my luck ; well, We
must do the best we can with her. II
the steward had never mentioned her to
me now-but then he did mention her,
and here she is"
There she Was, and there she stayed,
apt to learn, willing to be taught,
grateful for the real kindness she met
with. Matte was soon the best hand
at milking for miles around, and soon
devoted to the baby. Three years
passed quietly, and then came the ro-
nance of Mattie's lite.
She was twenty that summer. Adam
Armitage, grave man, Was fully ten
years her senior. A great traveller,
member of the world-renowned scien-
tific society, student and discoverer
he was between two scientific expedl-
tions, refreshing heart and brain by
walking tour through the home coun-
ties.
Adams walking tour ended at the
farm Drew had taken only year
before, and the dweling-house it had
been found more convenient to inhabit
than the smaller building on the old
land close to the road. Mr.. Armitage
found the pure air of the Downs good
for him. He made friends with all the
family. To Matte it was delightful to
meet once more some one with all the
tricks and manner of the more refined
society among which her youth had
been passed. Little Harry followed
his new friend wherever he went Har-
ry's mother called him q right-down
pleasant gentleman the farmer called
him good man.
They all missed HIM when he went
away, Matte most of all but the fol-
lowing summer saw him there again, q
welcome old friend this time, and no
stranger.
Drew, a keen observer of all that
went ON around him, was not so much
taken by surprise as his sister was,
when one day toward the end of this
second visit Adam and Matte were
both mysteriously missing. A strong
armed country lass made her appear
ance before night. She was the bearer
of note from Matte, confessing that
she and Mr.. Armitage were married,
and hoping the servant sent might sup
ply her place, SO that no one would bN
inoonvenienced.
Drew might shake his head and look
thoughtful, but Mr.. Armltage was his
own master, and it was not the first time
a gentleman had married country lass.
Besides, the deed was done and past
recall. They had gone quietly to one
of the churches In the town, and from
whence the sound of bells foated up to
the farm, and had been married by
special license. Adam had taken a
lodging for his bride, and there they
passed one brief, bright week of happi-
ness, then one morning they walked
quietly back together, Matte blushing
and smiling, and looking so lovely and
lady-like in a simple dress that she
used to wear before she came to the
farm that they hardly knew her.
Adam explained that he meant to
leave his wife for two days no more
in the care of her old friend, at the end
of that time he would return and fetch
her. There were arrangements to make
with regard to the scientific expedition
about to start Immediately. 1t would
sail without bim now, but it behooved
HIM to do his best that his place
should be as well filled as might be.
There was also his mother to see, and
prepare for receiving Matte.
Matte walked little way with her
husband and the farmer. along the
breezy upIands and then Adam sent
her back, and hastened his own steps
in the direction of the little station at
the foot of the Downs. When he came
again, he said, laughing, that it would
be from B-station, and thpt he
would driYe in fly through the Stone
dene gate and along the track, the only
approach to carriage road leading to
the farm.
Matte went away smiling, as he
meant she should do, and only paused
now and then to look after the two men
as long as they remained in sight. 1t