The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1885-03-11
FABLE THE fIKST.-CoNTINUED.

DIVE" ETC, ETC.
FABLE THE flKsT.-CoSTINUED
'If I'd found things as left them,"
said Stephen, II wouldn't have said q
word to Patience before speaking to
you-though I've loved her all my days.
But-rm not much hand at a speech.
yeti wouldn't have asked her, nor
you, if couldn't keep her; but, thanks
to you, that was the best father fellow
ever had, can. / stand well with the
firm I'm with; I've got good salary,
and Preston, our senior. was talking Of
partnership only two days ago I've
had the best Of good luck, and I've
saved, besides; and as owe everything
TO you I've got or ever hope for, what
cver's mines yours. All, sir, il you'll
only give me Patiencer'
Marrish glanced sharply at Farmer
Blackthorn from under his brows,
turned abruptly on his heel, and went
fewpaces of, though not out Of ear
SnOb Dy any means. - .".
Farmer Blackthorn, still armed with
his walking-stick, held out his hand to
Stephen feebly. "Im glad to see you
again, lad" said he, ''and to hear
you're doing so well It's good to hear
of somebody doing well these hard
times, God knows. But as for my lass
you must put that fancy out OF your
head. 1t cant be. " ......
Cant be?" exclaimed Stephen; while
Patience managed at last to free her
hand, and nesting up close to her
father, laid il upon his arm.
Cant be!' repeated Farmer Black
thorn. The arm, conscious OF his
daughters touch, trembled a little; but
the voice was firm.
al love Patience, and Patience loves
me-" urged Stephen, while Patience
herself gave little pressure Of the
fingers upon her fathers sleeve by way
of setting her seal to her lovers words
land love her shall till die. i wani
no help to keep her; you shan't LOSE
her; you'll only have a a"-son, he wa
about TO ada, but checked himself, re
membering what he had been warned
and so hurried on. "I love work; ant
for her sake and yours I'll work lik'
ten. I'll either settle in Millport, !
you like to come and live with u
there, or I'll buy or make a business O
my own at Manchester, where there's |
first-rate county opening, If you'd rath
er not come 80 far away E.f
"Yes, father" whispered Patience
ats all true,n YtTH
Farmer Blackthorn wavered; for h,
had big heart, and he not only love-
his daughter, but he had plenty ofroon
in il for the lad whom he had befriend
ed and started In the world-and h
was proud of the lad, too. Why ha'
not Stephen Harlow been first instea'
of second in the iield2 ..... .
y "FH tell you," said Marrish comm,
forward, "why It can't be. No-don'
look as II twas none of my business
it's as much mine as any mans, AM
more. Tom Blackthorn's just prom
ised Patience to another man-neve
mind who" l
Father" cried Patience, startinI
from him, and with amazement in he
eyes.
"Ay," said Farmer Blackthorn, "Tv
promised to another man-neyer min
whor'
Patience cried Stephen. do yo
understand" t
"Young man." said Marrish, "thi
is business, not sweethearting. Sh
don't understand, but / do. She's &c
90 save her father from ruination, like
dutiful daughter; and she won't d
that by marrying n struggling youn
clerk that's got to make his way. Vi
Tom IEackthorn2 That's how
standsf"
"Dhat's how II stands, echoed Farm
or Blacklhorn, bringing his stick dow
on the ground.
Youth was not likely 10 suspect har'
featured and hard-fisted middle age I
wanting TO poach on what 1t fond
fancies its own preserves. That Enoc
Marr,sh should be after Patience y
moro occurred to Stephen than thi
January should mate with May7forge
ting that even that has happened no
and again. Whether Patience had an
inkling one can not tell, though OF
may guess; but II was assuredly not Il
her 20 say. NLnLEs. RI
tFasmer.' said Stephen to Blacl
thorn, and ignoring Marrish. "F'
asked Patience, and she's said yes;
who's the other manp I've . right
know--and from you."y .. M
Farmer Blackthon Was about
---spcak; but Farmcr Murrfsh brokein,
his oyermastering way.
ITS enough for you, Stephen Ills