The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1882-09-14


or. tall young man with eye glasses ~ho
led by one hand very tAitorcd'lcokins
little boy and the other more deeentap'
pearing little girl. Millecn, with start
recognized. The boy she did not know
bot the girl Was Katie finnegan, and the
the younF man was no one else than jack
wcndoycr Clearly the procession was
Katies picnic. In all her own wonder
ment Millioent could no help hearing the
expressions from the bystanders IL was
the warm hearted market woman who
spoke first
BLESS his honest facet" said the hearty
voice. cts good man he is, or the
childerd never set such store by him.
The next comment was from Millicents
friend.
How queer, Millyl Fancy you and me
exhibiting ourselves that way. And dare
say he's respectable.
And then there was voice from behind
TO identify which Milly did not need 10
see the speaker. She had often enough
heard the grave, kindly tones in the very
church near which she was standing, and
listened now intently, as though somehow
or other her destiny depended upon 1T.
THAT man, the voice said, sis made of
the stuff they make heroes out OIL IL
takes more courage to walk up Fifth ave-
nue at the head of those children than to
fight battle.
The girls heart gave aresponsiye throb.
"To think" she said penitently to her
self "how silly and blind I've been all the
time"
Just at that moment the procession was
abreast Of the place where Millicent stood,
and Katie's eyes rowing restlessly among
the crowd of lookers.on spied the familiar
face .Oh. there's Miss Broonl" she
shouted. sPlease let's stop and speak to
her, Mr.. Wen ver," and without waiting
for permission she sprang away to Milli-
cents side.
"Katie!" cried Jack, it must be confess
little peremptorily.
But Katie did not heed either Mr.. Wen
doyer's cry or the amused looks OF the
spectators
"Oh, Miss Broom she was saying,
"Won't you come along. We're goln to
see the 'nagerie and then we're goin' to
lave picnic And there's lots to eatr'
Jack had halted in an uncertain way,
and the procession was all broken up
"Katie;' he called once more
"Oh, Mr.. Wen'ver" she cried, turning
around aud pausing distressfully between
the two attractions, "Wouldn't you like
Miss Broom to go with us?' She told me
the other day she knowed you, and there's
lots for her to eat"
Jack moved step or two toward Mill
cent. Some Of the crowd had by thi'
time turned away, but enough remain
ep to make it embarrassing situation fol
both. especially as every one was obvious
" very much entertained and was waiting
expectantly for its issue.
"Gracious!" exclaimed her friend II
surprise; "do you know him?
But Jack was already speaking.
II hope, Miss Brueu, you VIII excus'
Katie impetuosity," he said.
Millicent looked up bravely into his face
Her resolution was suddenly but resolute
ly taken. Perhaps it had been taken before
and only needed some opportunity lk
this to give it expression.
"Do you endorse her inyitation?' sh'
asked.
"Of course l endorse it, Miss Bruen,
he said at length, and then he added in
lower tone, with oil my heart"
They were only four little words, bu
they broughta new light into Millicent'
eyes and fresh Joy in her heart. Perhap
she had been vexing herself over her faith
er's old suggestion as to the reason G
jacks absence. But if she had, Jack
tone and look even more than his word
told her there was no need. With hap
py, half-embarrasse laugh she turned 7
her friend, who was standing the pictur
of i'll concealed amazement and said:
~ guess I'll have to leave you. IL
pretty hard work for Mr.. Wendoyer :
take care OF all those children alone. Goo
W, ieni.
And SO before all the world she cast j
her lot with Jack Wendoyer. Peopi
laughed and stared, but what did sh
caref Her friends, of whom she met nc
a few, stopped in the stseet for amazemen
and wondered if Millicent Rrnen had 70
into any scrape that all those childre
were following her. But Millicent hel
brayely on her way. With the interchang
Of single sentence she and Jack ha
come to perfect understanding
'Have you found your hero, "
Millicent?" he had asked.
And Millicent blushing all over hs
, pretty face. shyly answered;
"He was pointed out to me. Mr.. Wer
doyor, only five minutes ago Orr Con
I tiaent.
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