The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-06-15

better; only keep quiet and don't get
homesick and you will soon be all
right"
But Percy gained very slowly, and a
month had rolled away before he was
allowed the privilege of coming to the
table with the members Of the family.
Even then he was not permitted TO try
the strength of his broken limb. Mr..
Madison wheeled the big chair out into
the dining-room, and Percy was as
happy as child TO think he was once
more able to leave the room where he
had learned to be patient in enduring
suffering. But he had learned another
lesson there, too-a very sweet lesson,
one that he had not studied the Tudi-
ments of before. He had learned to
love sweet Gladis Westfeld; and, from
the flush that dyes her cheeks and the
shy dropping of the brown eyes, as she
places footstool for him, one might
Judge two scholars had been studying
from the same book. During the days
of his convalescence she has read to
him, and when evening came she has
entertained him with music and song,
and the time has sped away so quickly
that Percy can hardly realize the fact
that he has spent a month in the heart
of the wilderness.
"Why is it, Mr.. Madison, that you
live here, if l may be so inquisitive ?"
he asked, one evening.
well, live here now because like
the life and 1 like the place; but L
in speculation, / lost all L had, and
necessity compelled me to do some
thing / had no trade, and then, too,
L was Disguised with the city where L
had lost so much"
"But you have prospered here" said
Percy. "You have fine home and a
fortune in your timber lands.
"Yes," rejoined Madison, "the land
here will be fortune to the owner
some day" They were alone in the
sitting-room of the cottage, and Percy
determined to speak of his love for
Gladis, and ask her uncle's consent to
his addressing her.
HAS your niece always lived with
your asked the young man, although
he was very we'll aware she bad not.
ooh, no; she has been here but about
two years. After her parents died she
| WIS lelb 81 lIltuuleSS Iudb We luSloIcu
on her coming to us for while"
"You will be very lonely when she
does leave you," was Percy's next re-
mark.
Mr. Madison looked at him sharply.
"Gladis does not talk of leaving, does
she?" he asked, quickly.
Not that | know of; that is, / did
not hear her mention It," stammered
Percy; "but, to tell you the truth, Mr..
Mattison, / am in-that is, i love
Gladis, and l wish to gain your consent
to tell her so.
"What if she is very poor?" asked
Mattison; "are You willing to marry a
portionless bride ?" and his eyes twin
kled as he looked searchingly into his
companions face.
Certainly l am" answered Percy;
II am not seeking riches, for / have
plenty. What / asked for was Gladis
Westfeld, whom 1 love; and, although
have said nothing of this to the young
lady, think she reciprocates the feel
ing"
There is no one, Percy, to whom l
would rather trust the future happiness
of my niece. Your father was very
dear friend OF mine, and you possess
enough of his noble qualities to win my
sincere regard. You have my consent
TO address Gladis. and L do not think
you will find It very difficult to gain her
affections; :" and Luther Madison warm
ly grasped the hand of his guest.
Thank you kindly" responded Per-
cy, his frank face flushing with pleas
ure. Il have still another favor to ask
Do not let Miss Westtield know that 1
possess any property. If her answer
should prove favorable, should like
to give her happy surprise some time
in the future"
every we'll, 1 will be silent" said
Mr.. Madison, and he laughed quite
heartily, though Percy thought to him
self there was surely nothing to laugh
about.
That Percy was successful in his
wooing, l need only invite you into the
coy parlor of the cottage to show, and
if you can interpret the varied emotions
of the human lsoul as depicted by the
countenance, you would pronounce
Percy Redmond a happy man. You
would also say Gladis shared his hap
pipess, as they sit together in the twi-
light, talking quietly and watching the
fakes falling gently, comSg like
silent messengers from an unknown,
silent world.
1t is but one week before the holt
days, and tomorrow Percy leaves for
the distant city. But he is to return
ere long TO bear away his bride found
In the wilderness.
Il have been idle so long" Percy was
saying, as he caressed the shapely hand
resting in his broad palm, that, now
am fully recovered from the effects oil
my accident, L must bestir myself in
preparing home for the future. You
will be contented, Gladis, if it is but an
humble home?"
Have / not told you before?" re-
joined the girl "And L have learned
so much about housekeeping from
auntie, that we can get along nicely
without hiring help"
Percy thought, What treasure j
have won! The dear girl is willing to
go with me in spite of my fancied pov.
erty." But he did not notice the mis-