The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-08-24

oxOuuO WuiCu VIC OAOoHp COiO WutoI I4P-
pied with soft, murmuring sound.
There had been q wonderful change in
the new hand" since his arrival at the
farm. His face was bronzed by ex-
posture to the sun and wind, and glowed
with the rich color of health and
strength. The tired, jaded look in his
brown eyes had given place to the
brightness and buoyancy of renewed
life. His musical voice, or clear, ring
ing whistle, as he went about his work,
awoke the echoes through the meadow
and woodland.
Miss Ethel" said he, coming into the
milk-room one morning, do you know
this summers work will make me al
most hate the city? / do not know
how 1 can ever endure its noise and
confusion again" and leaning against
the open door he watched her deft
hands flying swiftly about their work.
Il have been here nearly three months,
and my vacation is almost over" said
he, musingly.
Ethel glanced up quickly.
II think the summer has been great
benefit to you. You have gained al
most perfect health, and, q good brown
color" she added, laughingly.
ayes, all thanks to the health-giving
food and air of Morton farm. but Ethel,
if / may call you so, thee is something
else should like to have the assurance
of having gained" Something in his
voice brought shade more of color to
her smooth cheek but she gave no
further sign of having heard.
There" she said, carelessly, "the
milk is ready and here comes Ned with
the wagon"
Ethel did you hear me?" and be-
hind the friendly screen of the iron
wood trees thick foliage her hand was
clasped in firm, but gentle grasp.
EYES," she answered, with downcast
eyes and glowing face.
Il want you, Ethel, to go with me to
my home in the city, rs my wife. Will
you? for l love you grille.
But Uncle Morton has other plans
for my future" said Ethel, archly che ex-
poets me to marry Randall Whitney"
"Hs! hal" what merry laugh broke
the morning stiffness. "Ha! ha J.! marry
Randall Whitney, we'll that is news in
deed. Have you ever met him,
Ethel?"
"No; and uncle has not seen him
since he was little boy; but it was
planned between his father and Uncle
Morton that the two families should be
united by our marriage"
"And you are willing the plan should
be carried into etfect?" he asked, his
eyes twinkling merrily.
NO! / hate his very name," cried
the girl, stamping her little foot vehem-
emily, "and have told uncle so"
Never mind, Ethel, L will have a
talk with your uncle this morning, and
| think MIR. Whitney may hang his
harp on the willow"
"But L have not given you
permission to speak to uncle yet;
you are too quick in taking things
for granted" said Ethel saucily, as Ned
drove up, the rattle of the wheels
drowning the sound of her voice.
"But it is YES is it not, Ethel?" and
she could not say to him may neither
did she wish to.
"Yes," was the answer, as she
danced merrily away toward the
house, while Sidney Fields drove
away through the dawning sun
light, his heart bounding lightly, and
knowing smile lurking on the proudly
curved lips.
Ethel" said her uncle that even
ing after the duties of the farm
and household were completed,
when do you want to go on your visit
to Aunt Barbara's?"
The two were in the sitting-room
where Ethel was just lighting the even
ing lamps.
Il don't see how can go this fall,
uncle. The grapes will soon be ripe
and the peaches will have to be at
tended to. 1t seems too bad to think
of visiting now"
Il know there is work to be done
that the girls cannot do" said Uncle
Morton, "but you know next month
Randall Whitney will be here on his
long promised visit, and / thought
maybe you would want to go away.
You remember what you said last
spring." and the old man rocked softly
back and forth in the big armchair.
Let him come, uncle. l cannot
afford to let oil the fruit go to waste
on his account"
Better say, Miss Ethel, you cannot
afford to leave the new happiness that
has come into your young life. Well,
grille, l am glad you are not going.
would hardly know how to entertain
him alone"
Just then Sidney Fields sauntered
in from the piazza, where he had been
sitting, hidden by the vines and the
early twilight.
mir. Norton" said he, as he drew
chair close to the old gentleman, Il
have confession to make. l have
been living in your house almost three
months under an assumed name, and as
an impostor."
WHAT" cried Mr.. Morton, as he
sprang to his feet, you're a rascal;
scoundrel!"
NO, Mr.. Morton, not quite u rascal,
only Randall Whitney, the son of your
old friend, Richard"
Uncle Morton stood spell
bound. Ethel leaned against the man
tie, her face flushing and paling by
turns.
Randall Whitney," calculated the