The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-02-01


we would wear
I questioned my brother-in-law close
~ after we were safely under way,
but could get little information from
him.
AL he knew was that three years be- |
fore q Mr.. Lee had taken one of the
farms on the mountain and afterWard |
died there, leaving his daughter Ellen,
Or Nelly, quite dependent on her own
resources. |
''And what did she do?'' asked.
Brave little woman! Put up shin
gle over the side Of the house where
she was living with Ellen NJ. Lee, tail
oress,' on it and went to work.
Mr.. Lee died dreadfully in debt, and
she has cleared up everything. You
should hear the farmers talk about her.
They think she is an angel in the shape
Of a woman"
but who is she going to marry:"
"A young miller
"Nellie miller's wife,
And why not, pray?'
Nellie was SO refined"
$50 she is now
"Ah-but will it last long-among
these people?"
Charles looked thoroughly vexed.
Upon my word hardly expected to
hear such nonsense from your lips
1t would do we'll enough for an English
woman to speak in that way of English
peasants, but you know, or ought to
know, what our people are.
'"rhey have a free land to live in
and free schools to educate them; they
are themselves free. and liberty of it.
self gives dignity to the humblest.
Refinement, indeed! My mother,
God bless her! was a poor farmers
wife, and there was not a duchess in
all Europe more the lady. Don't be
afraid; your Nelly will be none the
worse for the years she has spent here"
I glanced forward through the driving
rain, and saw a tall. lonesome-loOking
frame house, implanted and unshaded
by tree or shrub, standing at one side
Of the road.
f. Ascore or two Of wagons We're drawn
up under the shed opposite. A group
Of young men were talking under cover
Of wood-house that looked down
the road: One of them eyed us curious
~ and then darted into the house.
We drove in at the great gate, left
Hospitality open, and up to the porch.
Two or three of the young men came
forward to hold the horse while we
alighted.
One Of them, a tall, handsome fellow
Of twenty-five, with dark eyes and
curling black hair, helped mo out of
the carriage Charles shook hands with
him cordially.
well, George, were you afraid I
was not comfng?'
mo, sir, we knew you would not dis
appoint us, but were sorry you had to
come out on such a day. If you and the
lady will step in I will bring Nelly
down."
You had better take my sister with
you. / think she is an old school friend
Of Nelly's."
The young miller turned toward me
with a bright SMILE
"Al Nelly's friends are mine,' he
said. will you come with me to see
her?'
We went up stairs, leaving Charles in
the little parlor with Georges parents
the house. He knocked. / drew back
out Of sight. Presently Nelly looked
out.
"Oh, George. it can't be time! And
then, this miserable rain!'
II have brought you some sunshine,
Nelly"
He stepped aside and her eyes fell
upon me.
"Jane--my dear old Jane" and she
threw herself into my arms and cried
like baby.
flush, Nelly-on your wedding day
you must not cry" and George and I
led her into the modest little chamber
| and soothed her until she grew calm.
We went down into the great home
| parlor," which was filled with people
| whom I had never seen before.
| Charles stood beside a table drawn
| up in front Of the tire--he gave me
! 4 quiet look out Of the corner of his
| eye us Nelly paused before him. blush
ing and looking as if she was just ready
! to cry.
I stationed myself beside her and the
ceremony began It was short and SIM
! pie. Charles bent. down and touched
| his lips to the brides cheek.
'.Many happy years to you, Mrs. Van
| Sittarl,'' he said, kindly.
| Nelly started.
! is it over, Mr.. Trevor? Am I really
| married?' ..
| You really are!'
| Good gracious! Why. it was moth
ing so dreadful, after all-was it,
George"'
There was a burst Of laughter and
| every, ono thrOnged around. eager to
kiss the bride. George took good care
| to be first and then stood looking on
with a. smile.
| Supper was announced during the
conversation, and was honored by a
! seat newt to the bride. The meal being
over, our carriage stood 1T the door
she went with me to say good-by.
Come and see me next week In my
now home at the mill" she whispered.
| "Yru Will like it. better than tllis-;nd
,ye ,:an have a good lon1, talk about old
ties"
u, drOv" away. Looked back ut
| aer ~l,x figure as long as tha house