The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-25

tripped lightly over field and meadow every
day, and cHlled the loveliest of wild flowers,
which with grace that was her own she ar
ranged in vases and shells and whatever she
conld find to hold them, until each room
looked like fairy bower.
And many a beautiful poem she repeated
with rare skill in the cleaning, bringing the
happy tears to the eyes of her delighted lis
teners "Ah! if Will had only made her his
choicer' the old lady would say to her hus-
band at least q dozen times day.
by heavens if he had" that impulsive
individual would reply, ''he wouldn't have
waited long for my blessing"
The summer passed pleasantly, very pleas
antly, away, and the advent OF autumn found
Mr.. and Mrs. Greentree more in love than
ever if that were possible With their charm
ing guest.
"And do you think you would love us
enough to call us father and mother, and to
promise that when you give your whole heart
to some one else You will not forsake us?''
asked Mrs Greentree of Zerelda one sunny
September day.
Il know l could know / do, " answered
the girl, emphatically. But | have con-
fession to make to you that l fear will turn
you from me-"
MY dear, it must be something very ter
rible to do that. But make it at once, and
have it over. Philanderi Philanderl Zerelda
has something to tell us which she fears will
make US love her less. Please come and hear
it."
Philander dropped the newspaper he was
reading on the porch, and stepped into the
diuing-room through the open window.
Zerelda stood in the center of the room with
dropping head, but as soon as he entered
she tossed back the little ringlets that tried
to shade the brightness OF her eyes, placed
her two little hands in the lace-trImmed
pockets of her dainty apron, danced lightly
across to where the old couple were now
seated side by SIDE and said, in voice
fraught with innocent cheeriness: AFTER
all, what | have to tell isn't so very bad. L
have amused you both since | came here,
haven't |? And | can go away at once if you
wish me to CO." And then, dropping grace
fully on one knee, and folding her hands
in pretty entreaty, she said: please, sir,
and please, ma am, | am an actress and my
stage name is Eva Fieldbrook. But all that
your friend Mr.. Townly told you about me is
true
"An actressl" exclaimed Mr. Philander
Greentree.
Eva Fieldbrookw said his wife
Then you are the girl that Will" began
the old man.
That Will" repeated the old lady.
THAT Will-rhe same" replied Ierelda
demurely still kneeling. please forgive
me for being that girl
But Mr.. Greentree, without another word
bounced from his chair and tore out of the
room. Zerelda sprang to her feet. '1d
better begin packing at once" she said, with
serious face. Pm sorry to have vexed
him so much. But indeed it wasn't my
scheme at all. Mr. Townly and Will made
IL up between them. They thought that if
you knew me you would"
And we do" interrupted the old lady,
laying her hand lightly on her arm to detain
her. Don't you do anything in haste, my
dear. You don't understand Mr.. Greentree
as we'll as l do. Sometimes when he seems
most angry he is most pleased I'm sure he
don't want you to go away"
'Of course he don't. Who said he did%'
asked the old gentleman, entering the room
hastily again. I've just sent telegram to
Will telling him important business calls
him here. There's another name for you,
my dear-important business. Notas pretty
as either of the others, but We'll find a
fourth before we get through that will suit
you best of all-Zerelda Greentree. How do
you like it?"
And l shan't have grandchildren the least
bit strange after ALL" said Aunt Tamasin, a
bright smile lighting up her dear good old
face.