Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-08-21
HER HERO.
Good friends. how are You ?n


exclaimed Miss Cornelia, leaning back
in her chair, quite overcome by the
lovely apparition in the doorway.
Eyes, Kitty has come, said Kitty s
own sweet clear voice.
And Harry, the elegant young law
yer, sprang up from the table, all life
and animation, to greet her; but Farm
er John rose more deliberately, though
his bronzed cheek flushed slightly, and
an unwontedly bright glow filled his
eyes.
when Kitty comes homeI' had
been q household refrain for two weeks
or more, and loi here she stood among
them-sweet-voice bright-eved Kitty,
with the soft curly fringe of golden
hair across her white brow, and the
indescribable air of fashion about her.
They were all glad to see her. Miss
Cornelia, the old maid, who kept house
and raised such fine poultry; Harry,
who had come out from town to spend
q few weeks, and who found the coun-
try SO dull; and Farmer John-grave,
handsome Farmer John-who had been
Kitty's guardian and friend ever since
that sad day her father died and left
her alone and unproVided for.
She was but wee girl then, and
John Dangerfeld young man of five
and-twenty; but he took her up in his
strong arms, stroked her tangled curls
gently, and poor, forlorn little Kitty
ceased to tremble and be afraid.
He was now five-and-thirty, and she
was q lovely blooming girl just home
from boarding-schooi.
John Dangerfield was hero; though
unknown to the world and unhonored
of men.
He had once cherished ambitious
dreams; but just as the future seemed
opening up before him, his father died,
charging him to take care of his moth
er, sister, and little brother.
There was but one way to do ito
remain quietly on the farm, and work
as he had always worked, sowing and
reaping, with only a day now and then
for self-culture.
He accepted his lot unmurmuringly,
putting his dreams of different life
forever from him. His mother died,
his sister grew to old maidism, and
Harry received the education he had
once intended for himself
Harry could not endure the farm
and the rough work of q farmers life,
and so had TO be sent to lawyers
Office to read little law and great
deal of trash.
John remained at home, added to
the farm as the years rolled by, studied
books as well as farming, and watched
over Kitty with untiring devotion until
the time for her to be sent away to
boarding-school to finish her educa-
ton.
His watchful care did not cease then,
and if ever girl had cause to feel
grateful. it was Kitty Mclean.
Kitty had come now, and in less than
an hour the whole house felt her infu-
ence. All bowed before her, as the
household queen-eVen Harry, who fol-
lowed her around, was her most de-
voted slave.
Kitty certainly made q great change
in the quiet old house. She filled it
with music and gay laughter, and even
created a 1utter throughout the neigh
borhood.
That was when she first came home,
and her freedom seemed so new and
delightful. After awhile change
came over her.
''Aunt Corneiia, what is the matter
with John?"
She always called the plain elderly
spinster aunt.
Miss Cornelia shook her head.
Il do not know, child. Why?'
He is so grave and quiet, and-and
ne will never go with US, or take any
part in our pleasures"
'You must remember, dear, he is not
young like you and Harry"
Il am sure he is not oldr' said Kitty
Indignantly.
mo, not old, but approaching mid
die age" said Miss Cornelia with calm
cruelty.
kitty, Kitty! where are you?"
1t was Harry calling her, and she
frowned impatiently; and, instead OF
answering him, she ran away to her
own room.
But John seemed to grow quieter
and grayer, to devote himself more
steadily than ever to his work and his
books.
John, come and play croquet with
US this evening"" said Kitty coaxingly,
meeting him in the hall.
She had on fresh white dress, with
roses on her breast and in her hair,
and looked very picture of fresh
youthful beauty, while he stood there
in rough working garb, brown and
stained with the soil of wood and
field.
He smiled half-sadly, and just touch
ed her soft hair with one broad toll
hardened hand.
'.Nay. dear; I would only spoil the
game with my stupid laundering"