The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-03-27

io'h WI uei idti'ct idoe' VoihS Wy w
him, she said
Dear papa, are you not well :"
She fully expected to be coldly mo-
toned away; but for the first time
since her return home her father put
his arm around her in the old, affection
ate way, and said 1:
mo, my daughter, am not very
we'll"
Then hastily rising, he left the
room.
"Nellie, what can be the matter
with your father 7" exclaimed Mrs.
Munroe.
"Perhaps he is going to forgive me,
mamma
That year had been disastrous one
for business. Many wealthy firms oi
long standing had fallen, and their fal
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
nov he knew-had known for some time
there would 'ly be enough honora
bly, saved for them to live with the
closest economy. HIS own heart feel.
ing troubled, for the first time he saw
clearly how wronly he had acted to
ward Nellie. He was not an unkind
man, only very proud.
Az he left the table that day he hal
made up his mind to tell them that
night.
The evening came, and passer.by
glancing through the richly-curtaineC
windows into the briIliantly-lighteo
rooms, would never have guessed tn,
aching heart in the library. Nj. Nun.
roe sat there, leaning his head OH hi
hand, and nerving himself to the or
deal of telling his dear ones of the pov
erty awaiting them.
A ring sounded sharply through the
hall, and gentleman wished to set
| Mr.. Munroe on business.
"lf it is on business ask him into the
library, Joseph"
Az the butler opened the massive
carved and gilded door before him
John Grey's heart sank to zero. 1t wa'
indeed foolish for him to have come
there. He had no idea Nellie, his
fresh little flower bloomed amid such
magniticence.
As ne entered Mr.. Munroe courte
ously greeted him and invited hun tc
he seated. The older mans critica
Eye rested with pleasure on the noble
figure and fine face before him. AnC
the thought flashed through his mind
off Nellie had only chosen man like
this how differently should l be feeling
| now"
Then to his astonishment he learned
that this was "the country boor," as he
had called him.
He saw how foolish he had been il
not knowing his daughter could never
choose one less than gentleman. But
it was too late now, and he had that t(
tell which would render positive her
unhappness. Briefly he told of the
impending ruin, aud that even then h.
had it before him to tell his family.
john Grey sprang quicly to his feet
"Mr. Munroe, in giving me YOU
daughter without cent, you give me
the greatest fortune man could have
Nav l, dare hope : l am not rich
hut | have everything one can need
and many comforts beside. MY wife
shall BE- cherished as mser cherishe.
his gold"
Grssping the hand extended, Mr.
Muoroe said:
"You are a noble fellow | hav,
been wrong Wait here and will
send Nellie down to you" Aud Johl
waited.
S ION he heard a rustic down tn,
stairs, through the hall and the doc
opening; there entered-was it Nellie
a delicate, richly-d dressed little lady
with her siken robe sweeping aroun,
her, stood before him.
But John soon found it was Nell
when two soft arms were claspe,
a'onnd his neck and o sweet voic
said:
"My John l knew it would all com
right"
They were marIied-John and Mel
lie--withont long delay, by the GOO
minister, who knew and loved then
both.
M. Mnnroe saved enough to liv,
plainly with his wife, who bravel,
clung to him through all the tryin!
time.
Or story ends with picture
At the farmhouse door stands lit
tie figure. The curls are done up no "
for Nellie is matron, but few vii
cluster around the white brow, disdain
ing restraint. She stands with on
hand shading her eyes, whice are gaz
ing down the road, aud the other hold
ing wee little faxen haired toddler
Pretty soon the watched for one ap
pears. "Papa ! papa y aud the flaxel
head is lifted in triumph to his thron
by one arm, while the other presse
close to the dear wife. who alway
makes his coming home a pleasure.