The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1894-08-21

4uo weeks winch were Lu1L
OF life and gaiety. The bayfield, re-
sounded with mirth and jollity, the
vigorous attempts at tossing and pitch
ing the hay by Jack and his father, and
the rides to the barn on the fragrant
loads, which Maude Howard declared
were nicer than the finest carriage in
the park.
No n knew of the conferences
which Mr.. Brown and Mr.. Howard held
in private, for the old farm was thought
by all just now to be about the most
desirable place. Ellen R~ainsford, a
lovely young girl who lived near, often
made n in the gatherings Of the
young people; and Mrs. Brown had
noted that Harry was always quietly
happy when Ellen was present, and
had made pleasant little air castles con-
corning the future.
When the haying was over, and the
city boarders were gone, the humdrum
of the fall work came round again.
The old unrest came back to Harry
Browns face, and one day he shocked
the family by saying at the supper
table when very tired:
81 wish I could find something to do
in the city. I am sick of farm work"
I'll try and find a place for you if
you wish," said Mr.. Brown, gravely.
Harry looked up in surprise. So did
all the others, and Harry said:
81 don't want to complain, father.
You are good always. But I don't like
farm work"
"And would you like a clerks place
in a store9"
Eyes, father"
And so it came about that instead of
feeding cattle and caring for the farm,
Harry Brown found himself waiting
upon customers, who were often dis
agreeable; on his feet until late in the
evening, then seeking his hard bed in
the cramped little room in the fourth
story of a respectable boarding house,
to hear the roar of the great city all
night; and then, another day of toll.
Harry Brown was Enthusiastically home
sick. But he had a boy ish pride which
would not allow him to own it, and
when the home letters came he shed
tears over them in secret.
At the solicitation Of a friend he
joined the Y. M. @. A., and here,
and on the brief calls which he
made on the Towards, he found his
only pleasures. He knew nothing of
the kindly watchcare which had pro-
cured for him the place he filled, and
which was constantly over him, and
when Maud Howard invited him to her
coming out" reception, his heart beat
high with pleasure.
ga country boy will be out Of place,
I'm afraid" he said to his friends. 81
know nothing about the ways of so
ciety,' you remember"
BE yourself" said Mr.. Howard,
kindly. "a manly man is at home
anywhere"
At Maud Towards reception Harry
Browns dress was unexceptionable,
and his quiet, self possession, as he was
introduced to her young lady friends,
was not a true index of the heart which
beat so rapidly.
An hour later the scene changed.
Standing alone in the conservatory,
hidden by a dense mass of foliage, he
was mentally contrasting the brilliant
Miss Packer with another maiden,
when he heard light steps and girlish
voices. They were chatting gayly, and
he could not make them aware of his
presence. He did not wish to, as these
words came to his ear:
Permit me to congratulate you,
Tai. You've really made a mash"
The scornful litter which accompa-
MED the word was expressive.
"Hush, sh," said the silvery voice of
Miss Packer. "This young verdant is
a friend of the Towards. But, oh he
is delightfully."- fresh! Don't worry,
Madge. I'll let him down easy"
Then the girls left the room, and a
few moments after Harry, feeling a
dozen years older, walked quietly into
the drawing room.
Mrs. Howard saw him and beckoned
him to her side. She introduced him
to a friend who had travelled extensive
ly, and who was so entertaining that
the modification he had felt was for
gotten. Even when Maud Howard
whispered in his ear, "YoU did well,
Harry, to shake off that Tai Packer;
she's a wretched firt."
He laughed as he replied, "It all goes