Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-05-01
be free 10 visit her country home

1 Uo Tree W Nlslt ucI CpuubTy uOne-
She was thinking Of this one morn
ing as she sat by the window, looking
into the busy street.
The fair sweet face, ennobled by
the development of the mind, was very
beautiful, the sof, creamy complexion
bearing we'll the mourning dress re-
lieved by soft lace at throat and
wrist.
Her musing was interrupted by the
entrance of her aunt's lawyer, Mr..
iepourn, an Old gentleman, who had
fatherly fondness for his young
client.
81 have come to bid you good-by
for few weeks, Miss Jennie" be
said, and to ask your favorable consld.
Grafton Of my partner in my place.
"He has all the papers foi the con-
clusion of these mortgage transfers,
and understands your wishes as well
as | do.
you must not think because he is
quite young that he is not competent.
He is self-educated man, but he
has studied intclligentiy and industri-
ously, and will yet make a good law
yer.
II have taken him into partnership
since my old partner died, because in
his two years of study in nv Office, |
learned to like and respect him.
"He is waiting in the library. May
l introduce him2"
Certainly" Jennie answered; !;
"you might have been sure l would
trust anyone you recommend to me. |"
In few moments there was new
step in the room, but the partner came
in alone.
Jennie looked up, surprised that
Mr.. Hepburn was not with his part
ner, and, locking up, met q pair of
brilliant dark eyes fixed upon her face
The new partner certainly looked
very familiar.
Surely that handsome face had bent
over her own IN times gone by.
The same yet not the same.
The graceful, courtly manner, the
air of refinement, the cultured visible
eye and brow, these were new but the
tender smile, the loving eyes, the stall
wart figure were surely Ralph's.
He came forward slowly, his eyes
seeking Jennie's reading all the vary
ing expressions in her speaking face
Wonder, doubt, pleasure, but as he
came closer, love, surely love, lrradia-
ting ali.
Jennie" he said, bending over her,
his eyes full of eager pleading. al
have trusted you.
And have been true"
That was all for many minutes,
hand clasping hand, and full content
in each heart.
Then Jennie asked
And are you Mr.. Hepburn's part
ner?''
"Yes, darling I could not rest af-
ter you left me Jennie.
81 knew too we'll that you would
not come back to the old life un-
changed, so thought to fit myself to
meet the change IN you.
"You can love me as we'll, Jennie,
here is in our old homer"
"Oh Ralph! was it indeed for love
of me that you left home, farm, the
life you loved, to study in the great
city?'
"For love of you at first. dear. But
| soon loved nv studies and my pro-
fession for theil own sake.
81 sold the farm and put the price
into the purchase of my partnership.
"But it was not until Mrs. Stewart
died that l knew Mr.. Hepburn was
her lawyer. He has been very kind
to me, and l told him my love and my
hope before we came here to-day.
"Shall | tell you what he said, Jen,
nie?'
"Yes l have high respect for his
opinion"
He said that, if you became a fine
lady. he would introduce fine gent
leman. Bat we are not so changed as
that are we, Jennie?"
81 don't know. You are Ralph still
but certainly not the Ralph | left
"And you are Jennie still, but
sweeter, loveier than ever
"Hem ! Beg your pardon, if in
trnde J. This from third voice, and
Jennie started to find Mrs. Nichols
close beside her chair.
"Mr Moore" she said, tiny kind
friend, Mrs. Nichols. Mrs. Nichols,
this is my betrothed, whom have
not seen for nearly five years" |
So, all doubts dispelled, all fears re.
moved, Jennie gladly welcomed Ralph |
TO the old place in her heart, knowing
him stronger, wiser and more learned
;han herself, but tender, loyal and true
rs in the old days when she gave her
leart into his safe keeping.
The Happiness of the Family,