Milford chronicle., 1885-02-20

At Grassmere, John Grey missed his
sunbeam more and more every day, and
determined before long to take his fate
in his own hands and face Nellie's
father At the dinner table one day
Nellie noticed an unwonted, troubled
look on her fathers face. Going up to
him, she said;
''Dear papa, are you not well p
She fully expected to be coldly mo-
toned away; but for the first time since
her return home her father nut his arm
around her in the old, affectionate way,
and said:
"No, my daughter, am not very
we'll.
Then hastily rising, he left the room.
'Nellie, what can be the matter with
your father?" exclaimed Mrs. Munroe.
perhaps he is going to forgive me,
mamma"
That year had been a disastrous one
for business. Many wealthy firms of
long standing had fallen, and their fall
had ruined others. Mr.. Munroe had
seen the crash coming for some time,
but had delayed telling his family.
1t had always been his pride to keep
them in the most luxurious ease, and
now he knew-had known for some time
there would only be enough honor
ably saved for them to live with the
closest economy. His own heart feeling
troubled, for the first time he saw clearly
how wrong he had acted toward Nellie.
He was not an unkind man, only very
proud.
As he left the table that day he had
made up his mind to tell them that
night.
The evening came, and a passer-by
glancing through the richly-curtained
windows into the brilliantly-lighted
rooms, would never have guessed of the
aching heart in the library. n !. Munroe
sat there, leaning his head o : his hand.
and nerving himself to ttes 6fdeal OF
telling his dear ones sia@da 2 poverty
awaiting them.
4 ,rigg sounded Sharply through the
hall, and a geGr.sssySirlan wished to see Mr..
Munroe on business.
''If it is on business ask him into the
library, Joseph.
As the butler opened the massive
carved and gilded door before him, John
Grey's heart sank to zero. It was in
deed foolish for him to have come there.
He had no idea Nellie, his fresh little
flower bloomed amid such magnif-
cence.
As he entered Mr.. Munroe courteous
ly greeted him and invited him to be
seated. The older mans critical eye
rested with pleasure on the noble figure
and fine face before him. And the
thought flashed through his mind, ''If
Nellie had only chosen a man like this
how differently I should be feeling
now"
Then to his astonishment he learned
that this was "the country boor, j." as he
had cal ed him.
He saw how foolish he had been in
not knowing his daughter could never
choose one less than a gentleman. But
it was too late now, and he had that to
tell which would render positive her un-
happiness. Briefly he told of the i'm
pending ruin, and that even then he had
it before him to tell his family.
John Grey sprang quickly to his feet.
'Mr. Mnnroe. in giving me your
daughter without cent, you give me
TIE greatest fortune man could have.
NJ. [. dare I hope? 1 am not rich,
but : ave everything one can need, and
many ,mforts beside. Ny wife shall
be cherished as a miser cherishes his
gold"
Grasping the hand extended, Mr..
Munroe said:
"You are q noble fellow I have |
been wrong. Wait here and will send |
Nellie down toyou." And John waited. |
Soon he heard a rustic down the |
stairs, through the hall aud the door
opening; there eutered-was it Nellie p
a delicate, richly dressed little lady, with |
her silken rob9 sweeping around her,
stood before him.
Bat John soon found it was Nellie |
when two soft arms were clasped around |
his neck and a sweet voice said:
"My John 1 knew it would all come |
light"
They were married-John and Nellie
without a long delay, by the good |
who knew and loved them
both.
Mr.. NIunroe saved enough to live
plainly with his wife, who bravely clung
10 him through all the trying time.
Our story ends with picture:
At the farmhouse door stands little
igure. The curls are done up now, for
Nellie is a matron, but few will cluster
around the white brow, disdaining re-
jtraint. She stands, with one hand
hading her eyes, which are gazing
lown the road, and the other holding a
wee little, haxen-haired toddler. Pretty
joon the watched-for one appears.
Papa papa p and the faxen head is
fitted in triumph to his throne by one
lrm, while the other presses close the
lear wife, who always makes his coming
lome q new pleasure.