The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-10-17
MATCH MAKING.

eyes, l am sure that would be tn
best plan," unused Jean Scott alou
clasping her hands aroundher kneesan
looking up through the trees at the Ii
tie patch of clear sky shining down BE-
tween the leaves. "Mr. Stuart is ric
and handsome;" here she sighed with
out any known reason. "Ph@be ough
to marry him-shc must do it-and lie
that stupid John Bernard go. / an
sure-positively sure, Victor Stuar
would suit her best, and l will maxi
the match"
1t was Sunday afternoon, and Jear
sat out under a big oak tree in the from
yard. A book lay on the grass beside
her, and a little crippled chicken, res.
cued from the horse lot, nestled in the
fold of her buff linen gown.
She was a supple, slender girl, olive
skinned, gray-eyed and black-haired,
and just bordering on eighteen.
With the calm confidence of %inexperi-
enc and positive ignorance, she had
made up her mind to NEEDLE in a very
delicate matter-namely, a love affair.
The SCOTS were country people, own
ed a good farm and lived comfortably,
and John Bernard, aneighboring farm
er, had long loved Phoebe, the eldest
daughter of the house and a very pretty
girl of twenty.
The matter had not disturbed John
until two things occurred. Her father
suffered some r~everenceIof fortune, and
Victor came up from New Orleans.
She felt peculiarly grateful to him,
for he was not only young, handsome
and rich, but he had also saved her life
on a certain occasion, when she had
been more reckless than wise, in run
ming a horse race with her brother.
Her pony took it into his head to run
away, and Miss Jeans white neck
might have been broken had it not been
f or the timely appearance of Mr.. Stuart,
who threw himself in front of the unruly
horse and checked him.
That encounter led to a closer ac-
u%uaintance with her family, and the
young man had called several times.
He rode up to the gate, and dis
mounted, while Jean sat OF the grass
and medltated on her plan.
The color leaped to her cheeks at
sight of him, and a thrill shot through
her heart. How happy any woman
might be to win his love-he looked so
brave and handsome.
Now she had been a little shy before
him; but to-day she rose to meet him
with a smile, and a slim hand extended.
The gentleman replied warmly to her
friendly greeting.
"You take compassion on all afflicted
cr~eaturesP" he remarked, glancing
.JA,r-n Of tba Ett1a 1Awnr ahfal mhioh |
rested on the grass, with its broken leg
bound up with a bit of linen.
Jean lifted it tenderly.
''Ah yes Poor little weaklingl its
life is but a frail thing, but precious to
it no doubt. l love not pain or sntfer-
ing. But pardon me. | will not keep
you standing out here" !
1T is very pleasant, I"
''But much pleasanter in the house."
she said hastily, confused by the way
his eyes dwelt upon her. $50 in Mr.
Stuart"
''Will you come also?"
''When l have cared for this wound
ed chick-yes, sir, perhaps. Phoebe is
in the parlor."
And when he had reluctantly depart
ed, she sat down again and hid her face
in her hands, her heart beating quick
and loud.
Its only his way-only his way,
and l am a foolish, weak-minded crea-
ture to allow his pleasant words and
kindly glances to affect me-"
She had not long to sigh over her fol-
ly or scold herself for ii.
Another young man had arrived on
the scene, and she must prepare to meet
him.
He was an honest, good-looking far
mer, and from childhood Jean had
known and liked him; but to-day she
must crush any presumptuous hopes he
might probably entertain regarding
Phoebe.
''Good evening, jean"
She had picked up her book again,
and was apparently much interested in
it, for all it was wrong end up.
"Good evening, john" in a calmly
.patronizing tone.
sis Phoebe at home?"
Eyes; she is in the parlor, entertain
ing company"
His face fell.
Entertaining company?"
''Yes-Mr. Stuart"
HE here againP" said poor John
Barnard, a faint spark of jealousy in
lis heart gathering heat and strength.
Eyes, certainly; but go in. Pa and
are in the sitting room. The boys
re not at home, l am sorry to say" !
"Oh, no; Tll just go on back home. !,
suppose that fellow will stay all the
fternoon."
''Mr. Stuart? Very probably he will" t