The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-04-17

were children. Ernest read a book
carefully; VIII read criticism on it,
combined it with Ernest's opinion and
| carried on brilliant conversations upon
| it with older people, impressing all
with his remarkable mind, while Ernest
sat by and said nothing.
Il am not good enough for Ruth" he
said to himself. Il do not know any
| one who is; and would not for the
world make her think less of Will, if I
thought he loved her or would make
her happy; but he would not; so I in
tend to let her see how superficial is his
knowledge, and what shallow man he
is"
When Ernest Wilson made a resolu-
ton it was as good as accomplished, but
this was the most difficult undertaking g
of his life; for he intended not only to
prove to Ruth that she was wasting her
affections upon a mau who cared moth
ing for her, but to teach his little world
to speak of him as Ernest Wilson, not
as any mans brother
He was so accustomed to sit by
silently when questions were discussed,
knowing all the time that he had more
knowledge of the subject than those
WIN "OAO IetlhlhsS9' IAdG IL plOuuCou d
surprise that amounted almost to SEN
sation when he first began to express
his opinion in a modest way.
1t was very hard for him, as he was
not only modest man, but a timid one
as well, and had been long in the back
ground; he succeeded well with the
men, however, and, with dogged de-
termination to carry his resolution
through, he was not willing to stop un-
til he convinced all his friends that he
had mind and opinions of his own.
They were not so long in finding it
out as he had been, fortunately, and
soon he began to be spoken of as Ern-
est instead of willis brother" or "Mr.
Wilson's other son." Much of the at
tention he had formerly given to busi-
ness he turned upon himself, to the de-
light of his mother, who understood
him better than did any one else in the
world, as is the way with mothers al
ways, or nearly always. She encour-
aged him, then she went further; she
dropped word here and there of what
Ernest thought; how much they relied
upon his Judgment, and the like. and
all this time Will fingered, wondering
why Ernest and his father did not help
him pecuniarily SO that he could re-
turn to the city.
fingered and made love to Ruth till
he wearied of it, then made love TO
Ruth's friend till he wearied of that,
and went back and made love to Ruth.
And Ruth let him make love to her.
She had been accustomed to it off and
on for years, but for all that she was
beginning to think.
The climax was reached when some
body gave party. Ernest went to the
city, returning in garments of the latest
Will had ever done.
you are not enjoying yourself,
Ruth" he said.
How do you know that?" she asked,
with weary smile.
"Are you?"
NO"
DO you want to 60 homer"
"Yes."
'Then come along"
A few minutes later they were walk
ing together through the moonlight;
the wind blew the brilliant autumn
leaves about their feet, and they tramp
led down their red and gold glory into
the soft earth. Ernest took the small
hand that had been clinging to his arm,
and said gently:
Ruth, dear little woman, you are
unhappy-breaking your heart over a
young rascal who is not worth one
thought from you"
"The man who is breaking my heart
is worth every thought"
Ruth" he said desperately, 'let me
tell you something. Will is gentle
mani admit that. But he is not the
man to make you or any woman happy.
Believe me, speak for your sake, and
yours only. l am not pleading my own
cause, for I learned long ago how hope
less that would be; but I have loved
you always, and I cannot bear to see
you throwing away the best part of
your life grieving for an unworthy
man."
Il tell you he is worthy"
What do you women call a worthy
man? What do you call a gentleman?
If that is what you consider Will, then
break your heart over your gentleman!
l have done my best"
"Over whom, then?"
"Che brother of a gentleman! Oh,
Ernest"
The tone, was it, or the look she gave
him out there under the stars? But in
some way he understood at last, and he
clasped her to his heart and thanked
God with voice that had tears in it
for this great blessing that had come
into his YOnkerS Statesman.