The Press., 1883-07-19

"Lshall never forget her P he said, in musical voice that promised to be rich and deep when he grew stronger. T can- not even estimate what owe her, much less repay her.
 Joanna did not like to be thanked, and she slipped away at the first opportunity ,; but she carried with her the memory of that handsome head, with its crown of chestnut curls resting. softly among the pillows.
 "John Ware P she murmured to her self. sI do not care how humble his sta tion I am sure that he is one of natures ol his forehead, and, with that look in his eyes would trust him anywhere. Z
 The weeks went on, and John Ware was convalescent. .. It was one midsummer morning that he sat at the window of the studio in an easy chair, while Joanna made feint of work ing little in oils.
 But what did it mean, the tender light \ that shone in John Ware's eyes as they rested on her 1.-the, graceful figure clad in pure white ?? Why did Joanna's hand tremble as it held the palette? And why was her face so often suffused with sweet, conscious blush !?
 "Why don't you come over here and talk to me ?' he said, with all the pre- sumption of an invalid. k.# 5FF | s'I have something better. to do, Mr. Ware, ".she answered, mischieyously.
 .'But you: don t know what you are mis- sing. The little cottage must be complete now. Here comes wagon-load of new furniture"
 Like every woman (and every man) Jo- hanna had some curiosity, and this an- I ., oa,,o ant hyo17 rbA fboTs tf, tba window without delay. .
 Certainly, there was wagon-load of fur niture, and such furniture In that load, which was the first of several that came that day, there was beautiful oaken side board, exquisitely carved; quaint, lac quered cabinet ebony bookcases, a hand some brass bedstead, and dear knows what not. '+* -.<'
 ''They are going to make very pretty home out of it, John Ware observed. ''How do you like the house ?"
 Joanna's eyes sparkled.
 ~"Oh, she cried, clasping her hands to- gether, "I think it is perfectly charming But" she added, with sudden gravity, "1 should think it would make you shudde1 to look at it. ..3.. .4.:
 "Oh, no P he answered, with perfect calmness. Then he added, softly: ''It U. But if I had never had that fall I should never have known you as know you now. 2 ; Joanna did not speak but presently she felt his firm clasp upon her hand. Still, he did not look at her.
 I ~s"You know what has been trembling on my lips for weeks, he said. ''I would not ask you to make the smallest sacrifice for me, if you felt 1t was sacrife but love YOU. Joanna, and my happiness will never be complete unless you are my wife" ,-.
 He did not ask her to marry him he did not press his suit. He simply told her. She might do as she chose. As fol him, he knew that mere mechanic had no social right to win such woman as she for his wife but then
 'sI could not help telling you" he said, turning toward her for the first time. 1.-The merest galley slave may look at the stars and love them. I can go away-no, no I cannot go away Joanna, speak to me p
 She was trembling like leaf. EST z"H you were to go away, John, she whispered, softly, s'you would make me wretchedly unhappy r ssf4.
 "I knew it !" he cried, tri1mphantly, as he caught her in his arms. ''But was not sure that your love was strong enough to set at defiance the ridicule of society. I did not know that you would stoop to marry carpenter"
 ''It is not the carpenter mean to mar ry," she said, hiding her face on his shoulder. "It is the man" ,......
 When Mrs. Mowry heard of it there was 8 scene, of course. In a hysterical burst of tears she declared that Johanna would disgrace the family, and ended by order ing her out of the house.
 John Ware demanded an account of this interview and heard it with compressed lips. ...a:s,,.
 "Joanna," he said, taking her two hands in his, "yOu must marry me to-day. l have a little money saved, and we will make a home of our own. It will be very humble, of course, but-'
 T don't mind that, '' she said, smiling Fat him through mist of tears. You know am decorative artist, Beside, l always had fancy for love in ascottage." John had a carriage at the parsonage wait ing to take them away. ''fT' ''"
 "What extravagance P cried Joanna. ''This is bad beginning"
 ''One isn't married every day." said John, laughing, "I am going to the house of my dearest friend, Joanna
 The carriage stopped in front of house that was 'shrouded in darkness.
 John took key from his Iock and opened the dc or himself.
 My friend is away" he said. s'I have the entree of his house in his absence.,'
 g.. Taking match from his pocket he lit the gas in the hall and ran lightly upstairs.
 Joanna followed in engagement. She had expected to enter 8 humble home, but she found herself in a perfect palace of lux ury. TEt-a $ SE T fs
 John had lit the gas upstairs. When she entered the room he had thrown open, he stood in the middle of the floor with E t'You hkefit?'ss he queried, as he noted the wonder and delight pictured upon he, face. "Joanna, I have deceived you. This : is the Queen Anne cottage opposite 'youl aunt 's-this is my house-your house darling, our home! am not the poor car penter you thought me, Joanna. I am J Martin Ware, of Washington, architect and designer, if you please 5aHi l'A s, Joanna could not say g word. ..,,s.s,