The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-10-24

ly disappointed that he commenced de-
lightedly at the very beginning and
said each word over again, even more
earnestly and impetuously than before.
But by this time Amy had become quite
reconciled to the impasaioned phrases,
and was neither surprised nor frighten-
ed. Indeed, she seemed to consider
them very satisfactory. OF course they
were engaged, and gradually the pretty
color returned to the young girls cheek
and the light to her eyes. The kind
widow reioiced in these evidences of
happiness. and in the prospect of
brighter future for her gentle favorite.
Yet Bert, although at times he could
trinket for the girl he loved, still put
aside money every year toward the debt
he had solemnly promised to pay.
When he and Amy became engaged
he had $500 in the bank; and soon after
ward his weekly salary was raised from
$12 to $15. Amy clapped her hands in
news, but she would not listen to Bert's
proposal that they should be married
right away.
mo, No!" she said. "You must pay
that debt before we can think of mar
riage. Your mother would not smile
upon me from above, if consented to
add another burden to the one you al
ready have to bear"
"You would not be burden, Amy"
he cried. 'You are the dearest, sweet
est"
He finished the sentence in the way
that is usually very convincing. It did
not convince little Amy, however, for
she could be very firm at times.
It took more than year to make up
the necessary amount, but oh, how hap
py they were when it was accomplished!
"Now your mother will smile in
heaven" Amy said tenderly to her
lover. "And l have taught you, my
darling" he replied, "to smile on earth, !"
That was, indeed, the truth, for she
looked very little like the pale, sad
Amy he he had first seen. Her face was
round, her cheeks brightly tinted, and
her eyes sparkled with health and hap
piness No medicine in the world could
ever have effected what love had so
easily and naturally done.
When Robert was shown one morn
ing into Mr.. Manning's office, the grim
lawyers greeting was not an encour-
aging one.
"Well, young man." he demanded,
"do you want anything? Speak quick,
as my time is valuable"
perhaps you remember Evans Ham
mond," Bert said
'Yes; what of him? Speak why
don't you speakp" he asked Impatient
ly, as the young fellow hesitated.
you never knew, l believe" Bert
said at last, 'that my father, sorely
tempted, took thousand dollars from
YOU"
81 always thought him a fool, but
also."
"My mother did not betray him, but
| she made me promise to return the
whole sum, and there it is" Bert said,
as he placed roll of bills on the lawyer S
desk.
The old man raised his head slowly
and scruntinized his visitors face fol
some time.
"Where did you get that money!" he
finally asked.
81 have been saving it ever since
was 19 years old, and I am now 25."
"Then ALL have to say is that you
are fine worth dozen of youl
father. I should be glad to shake
hands with you, for I can appreciate
perseverance and honesty if am an ole
skinfint-that is what they call me
Are you married young man?"
mo. sir, butt
"You want to be, supposed"
Eyes, and shall not have to wait any
longer now that I am relieved of thi
debt. Amy would not listen to any
thing of the kind until the money wa
paid. She is the best girl in the world.
Bert wondered afterward at his temer
ity in talking thus freely to the sterr
old man. But Mr.. Manning's sternnes
seemed suddenly to have disappeared
and he listened to the lovers homes
confessions with almost a smile upor
his face.
When Bert was turning in order tt
leave, the lawyer seized the roll of bills
evidently intending at first to re
turn the whole sum. But the inmat,
spirit of greed was too stron,
for him and he hesitated. Then h
nervously divided the money and thrus
one-half deep into Bert's pocket, quit
conscious that if he kept it one half sec
ond longer he would make another di
vision.
"Your Amy" he said. observes to b
happy. Tell her that money is wed
ding present; and if either of you eve
want friend, come to old Seth Mann
ing"
Bert fairly ran to Amy with his goo
news.
"The old fellow is not half as bad a
people say" he said to her.
81 call him munifcent she declare
emphatically, as she looked at the bill
: in her lap.
! They were soon quietly married, an
no happier, merrier wife than Am
; Hammond was ever seen or dreame
of.-N. Y. Journal.