The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1896-07-30
HOW LOVE WON.
~ MARY sPAULDINa HATCH.

The editor of Fresh Breezes wanted a
bright story from my pen, and to that
end had conjured my brain by every
device in my power. In vain had scru-
tinized the pages of Puck and Life, and
other suggestive periodicals of that ilk,
but no glowing idea came. The red pods
Of the Towering bean tapped gently
against the open window, and the yell
low leaves of the cherry lazily floated
earthward. whose action my sluggish
mind persistently initiated.
The little fire upon the hearth cracked
and blazed briskly, trying it's best not to
feel lost in the throat of the great, old
fashioned chimney. for the early au-
tumn mornings in the Tennessee hills
were cool enough to make a small fire
welcome, especially SO Us country peo-
pie in that climate are loath to keep
closed doors; so the door to the porch
stood open. and opposite that was the
kitchen door, also open. allowing the
odors Of an appetizing breakfast unre-
strained admittance.
leaned against the high mantel,
studying the fire, with that peculiar.
downcast feeling that comes to one
seeking inspiration, and finding circum-
stances utterly adverse.
Finally the andirons riveted my atten-
tion-the andiorns that Minnie had
secured the day before till they shone
as bright as the glowing logs they up
held; and the andirons, together with
the sound of the quick, light steps Of the
girl in the kitchen. busily preparing
the morning meal. led my mind over the
recent events at the farmhouse.
Minnie was in love with an honest
country lad. and it happened that her
father did not approve of him. or pre-
tended he did not. He could raise no
objection to the young mans character.
nor to his steady. plodding life-but he
was slow-"all fred SLOW" growled Min
MES father, "besides, his family amt
much, an his farm amt with tn scrap
ing NV q pillow. Minnie could do better
a heap better. Any how there amt no
call fer her t jump at such a chance.
copsidern she amt 20. an since her ma
died can't git long without her," was
the emphatic comment of that usually
taciturn man. offered to me in return
for word had spoken, with the inten-
ton of casting stone from Minnie's
path.
Well: Of course, it was none of my
business. though couldn't help being
interested in the girl. Minnie had borne
patiently with her father. for. several
times before Hiram's advent her "com-
pany" had been shown by unmistakable
signs that it was useless to settle to any
thing like regular business; but Hiram's
staying qualities seemed unusual-tc-
sides. Minnie liked him.
One night after her father had sig
nificantly wound the clock, and made
other preparations for retiring, and,
seeing no disposition in the young man
to do likewise, he slowly turned out the
light. Without q word Minnie I'M
mediately relit it, and repaired,
with her young man, to the wide hall.
Her father followed with his pipe,
smoked for. awhile, then yawned olni-
nousIy, nnd finally fell into a state that
admitted the issuance of an unearthly
snore, which only served to give the
young people an excuse for drawing
near each other, and conversing In
whispers.
That angered the old man, who
started up, kicked the dog till he howled,
and: in his clumsy attempt to eject the
animal, managed to turn over the lamp,
setting fire to the bare floor. A bucket
of water did its duty to the accompani-
ment of all sorts of invectives and growl-
ings about young folks what didn't
have no better sense inter- set round an
burn coal oil enough ter git man in
debt. an try ter burn tn house down
ter boot"
Hiram was reused at last, his eyes
cleaned, he stepped forward with an
angry ejaculation, but Minnie quickly
intercepted with commanding gesture,
and the entreaty: Don't say word Ger
daddy. Go out onter tn gallery n Ill
come in er minute. Now, daddy" she
began, admirably controlling herself,
I'VE kin hev tn fire, an tn light, tn
hall. an tn hull house-th' gallery is
good enough fer me an: Hiram, but ct
YOU drive him away from that. will
y
60. too"
The old farmer gazed stupidity at his
daughter. She evidently meant what
she said, and he was not prepared to
Gerry hostilities further that night, SO
he uttered no word as she shut the door
behind her-careful!y avoiding slam
ming it, but it closed. nevertheless
with a certain emphasis.
Hiram kept up his visits regularly
for more than a year. and though the
fathers reception was always marked
" cool, he never again attempted to
insult him. - -
One night3the sutton ventured to say:
I'm a comm for Minnie some day."
well. yeJneedn't,, young man an
ye won't efsye" know when ye're well
off," was the gruff retort.
At one time Minnie tried to reason
with her father. but was unsuccess-
full. knew by her red eyes and tagging
steps. She seemed in deep thought tor
n few days. then she frightened, and
went about her duties with unusual