Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-03-22
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IF I'd found things As 1 left them. "
said Stephen. Il wouldn't have said a
word to Patience before speaking to
you-though I've loved her all my days
But-Tm not much hand at speech,
yet-I wouldn't have asked her. nor
you, if l couldn't keep her; but. thanks
to you. that was the best father a 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 l owe everything
to you I've got or ever hope for, what
ever's mines yours. All, sir. if you'll
only give me Patience
Marrish glanced sharply at Farmer
Blackthorn from under his brows.
turned abruptly on his heel, and went
a few PAGES off. though not out of ear
shot by any means.
Farmer Blackthorn. still armed with
his walking-stick, held out his hand to
Stephen feebly. I'm glad to see you
again. lad" said he, land to hear
you re doing so WELL It's good to hear
of somebody doing well these hard
times, God knows. But as for nv lass
you must put that fancy out of your
head. Ii can't be-"
Can be?' exclaimed Stephen; while
Patience managed at last to free her
hand. and nesting up close to her
father. laid it upon his arm.
Can't ber' repeated Farmer Black
thorn. The arm. conscious Of his
daughters touch, trembled little; but
the voice was firm.
II 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. want
no help to keep her; you shan't lose
her: you'll only have a"-son, he was
about to add. but checked himself. re-
membering what he had been warned;
and SO hurried on. IL love work; and
for her sake and yours I'll work like
ten. I'll either settle in Millport, if
there. or I'll buy or make business of
my own at Manchester, where there's q
firstrate county opening, if you'd rath-
or not come SO far away"
"Yes, father" whispered Patience.
ats all true"
Farmer Blackthorn wavered; for he
had big heart. and he not only loved
his daughter, but he had plenty of room
in it for the lad whom he had befriend-
ed and started in the world-and he
was proud of the lad, too. Why had
not Stephen Harlow been first instead
of second in the field?
"I'A tell you." said Marrish. coming
forward, "why it can't be. No-don't
look as if twas none of my business;
it's as much mine as any mans, and
more. Tom Blackthorn's just prom
ised Patience to another man-neyer
mind who"
"Father," cried Patience. starting
from him, and with amazement in her
eyes.
"Ay," said Farmer Blackthorn, 1--we
promised-to another man-never mind
whor'
"Patience!" cried Stephen. "Do you
understand?'
"Young man." said Marrish, "this
is business. not sweethearting. She
don't understand, but l do. She's got
to save her father from ruination. like .
dutiful daughter; and she won't do
that by marrying struggling young
clerk that got to make his way. Eli,
Tom BlackthornP That's how it
stands?"
That's how it stands, - echoed Farm
or Blackthorn, bringing his stick down
on the ground.
Youth was not likely to suspect hard
featured and hard-fisted middle age of
wanting to poach on what it fondly
fancies its own preserves. That Enoch
Marrsh should be after Patience no
more occurred to Stephen than that
January should mate with May-forget-
ting that even that has happened now
and again. Whether Patience hae any
inking one can not tell, though one
may guess; but it was assuredly not for
her to say.
Farmer" said Stephen to Black
thorn, and ignoring Marrish, i've
asked Patience, and she's said yes; SO
who's the other man? I've . right to
know-and from you"
Farmer Blackthorn was about TO
speak; but Farmer Marrish broke in, in
his overmastering way.
Its enough, for you. Stephen Har-
low, that Miss Patience will know her
duty and that Tom Blackthorn will keep
his word Never mind my business;
I've known Tom Blackthorn before you
were born"
''Good God!' cried Stephen. "has it
come to this, that Patience is to be sold,
like the cows? By Heaven, it sha'n't
be.' He was forgetting himself; but
who would not have thrown manners to
the wind?
Farmer Blackthorn choked, gasped
and was again about to speak; but
again Farmer Marrish, ever on the
watch, took the word.
.''Tis hard lines for YOU, Stephen.
But would you have the heart to drag
the man that's been more than a COM
mon father to you deeper down into the
mirep Look here; Tom Blackthorn
here must choose between losing Pa
tience or losing Legs Croft. If Patience
was to marry yon, as sure as eggs Tom
would have to quit Leys
Croft, that 5 mortgaged stick and stone,
over head and ears. lis my business
that Tom Blackthorn shouldn't be driy-