Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-03-23
"They know their names and they can

VII, Is IL DDSNlDltF w lul " usllRul
they must be to you! ] hope they Will
like my Zephyr. She is a good-hcarted
merry little soul. but has no accom-
plishments, Whatever
Thus in pleasant though fragmen-
tary conversation the farmhouse was
reached. NJ s. Fleming rested n b rd's
weight on Johnuy's proflcred hand and
stepped lightly to the ground. while
the maid, with a smothering groan, de-
seconded as if made of glass.
Poor Browney!-you shall have
some tea and a long. long sleep" sad
Nj So Fleming in n tender voice.
johnny was glad TO see Aunt Jane
wa ting on the porch with one Of her
best whit tie aprons Frightening her black
dress and her face rs smiling AS a per-
manent mourners could well be; and
as he removed the luggage from the
wagon he cast an eye after Miss Elem
inc. hoping she would notice the candi-
dun lilies near the gate and the red
roses further ON. Sure enough. she did
notice them, and actually put down her
little nose to them. What an uucom-
mon girl!
The next morning Miss Flcming's
waking ears were greeted b. the sound
of STEADILY decend NJ rain "Oh, my
poor Zephyr!' she murmered. going to
the window and look NJ out upon the
wellering world. she II be heart
broken to find no Que to meet her after
her dreadful ride"
With caut Gus mOvem nts. that she
might not disturb the slumberers of
Browney in the room ado ming, NJ s.
Fleming dressed and went down
stairs.
breakfast will be ready i'm about
seven minutes SAID Aunt Jane, after
they had exchanged greetings, "and
while You re waiting maybe you'd like
TO step down 20 the barn aud see how
your pony stood the journey. Johnny
saw the storm coming mp. 50 he took an
early start. and he got back with her all
safe and sound Just rs the first drops
were coming down. Cute little beast.
isn't she? just step into my rubberS
and take this umberel. and the walk
from the kitchen door takes YOU right
to the barn. The dogs there. too; he
takes to JOHNNY, already, as if he be-
longed to him."
ut was ever so kind of J%ohnnv-of
Mr.. Lambcrton," said Miss Flem NC
obedientiy stepping into the rubb rs.
ION. JOHNNY is a%'tCdyS kind said
Aunt Jane with a proud smile.
Miss Fleming found johnny brushing
some last specs of dust from Zephyr's
sleek coat.
How good of YOU to think to do this,
Mr.. Lamberton! | feel vrry much in
debted to vou.' snid Miss Fleming, law
ing her check against the pony's nose
aud receiy NJ n lite whinny of well
come.
IF | can hear your violin, by and by.
| shall be well repaid answered John
ny boldly from the other side Of the
pony.
Oh, indeed YOU shall hear it-until
YOU are tired Of /, I'm afraid. for I've
taken but a few lessons and am only a
torturing amateur. 1t is sort of a rest
for me. however, and Miss Fleming
sighed a little.
If | were your father | wouldn't let
YOU study 50 hard, 81 d%Johnnv, stoop-
NJ TO look at moth NJ whatever on the
pony's hoof.
at is not my fathers fault have
no father-nor mother. - answered Miss
Fleming gently. 'If I've stud ed a lit
tie too constantly. I've only myself to
thank. But | do so want be a great
physician
Whats little girl like you? You
can't be more than fifteen or sixteen. "
sa d johnny forgetting his bashfulness
IN his aston shment.
dear me! So MANY people make that
mistake. Why. shall be twenty next
August and # | live | shall grow older, -
she added with a merry laugh.
"And I'm going on twenty-three. p"
said Johnny-aS il this information was
something to the point-and he laugh
ed, too and somehow did not feel afr aid
Of NJ - Fleming any more.
After breakfast as the rain still CON
tiuued and outdoor work was impossible
Miss Fleming said she would br ne
down her violin and q scharge her debt
if Mr.. LambertOn was ready 10 listen.
Miss Fleming could play, aside from
her eIerc ses. a few simple a rs. She
played accurately, and her violin was
evidently capable OF the sweetest and
richest tunes. Johnny hungrily watch
ed the instrument. How far beyond his
own il was in beauty and powerl
Suddenly Miss Fleming turned to him
Perhaps you play. she half question
ell.
"A title, answered Johnny modest
".
Try this" she said. eagerly extend
ing TO him the viol n. my Uncle
bought ii in London, and it is said 10
be an uncommonly good instrument
Johnny had fingered a violin ever
since he was six years old. He had
gained some knowledge Of notes
at the village school. Occasionally he
had treated himself to a batch Of sheet
music. SO he was not quite at loss for
something good enough for even Miss
Fleming to near. In his delight over
the sweet rich qualities of the violin he
forgot. after a few moments that anyone
was listen NJ to him aud SD PLAYED ala
the better.
At the conclusion of his selection
NJ - Fleming clapped her hands. aud
there were tears i'm her eyes. you
PLAY better thar IN teacher does. Let
me take lessons of yot'' she exclaim-
ed impulsively.