Connecticut western news., 1896-02-13
BY CHANGE.

BY CHANGE. don't know exactly why Jack called me governor, but suppose it was be- ,ause was some years older than he was and because, when he was wee toddler, I had made him kites and showed him how to spin tops, and per- haps because used to help him out of scrapes, either with his teacher or some playmate too large for him to "lick. " At all events, got the'name, and it has stuck to me. What surprised me most, however. was to hear it few weeks ago, when I supposed Jack was thou sands of miles away. was strolling leisurely down an old street in Dublin, looking about for some old landmark of the stamping ground" of my child hood. How things had changed Wonder where the little frame church had been was a stately stone edifice. Over the old golf links had been built long rows of stores and houses, but there--yes, it must be-there was house that had not been changed.
 "Governur, said voice behind me, isn't that the house where Alice lived?''
 never should have known the speak CT had it not been for the epithet. It was Jack, careworn and gray and look ing 85 instead of 27.
 "Jack, old boy, what brings you here? thought you were in America" "I have been in New Orleans for 6 good many years Helen used to like the climate, but the company's agent here has gone, and I must needs come and take care of the business until another man is appointed, Besides the president knew that once lived here and thought it would be both a change from my sur roundings and pleasure to see the old place. But isn t that Alice's old home?' "Yes, said l, "I am quite sure of it, but you ought to know best Wasn t she once sweetheart of yoursf"
 "Oh, don't speak of that You pain mel It brings back such Q flood of sad recollections even to look upon the old scenes I don't know that you have heard, but am widower. '" My poor fellowl Iextend you my most heartfelt sympathies. But didn't know you had ever married. However, we have kept such poor track of each other that don't wonder at my igno- rance. But can't you tell me something of yourself? Come, I'm your govern | or. '"
 "well, governor" said he, with | faint shadow of his old smile, 1T left | America nine years ago, lwent straight to Quebec and lived there three years. | 1t was there met her who became my wife, We were married just six years | ago last month. Her health failed and we went south. She grew worse, gave birth to our first child and died. That was little over two years ago, and as the child is in good hands (my sister | in.lnw's) consented to come here. | But, Jack, what made you go to Americap Why didn't you stay herer"
 "Well. it was the same old tale of the young workingman not being fit to marry his idol. As you said, Alice was my sweetheart. She said so herself, dear girl, but her brother Tom-there was the difficulty. I called on Alice very often and had asked her to be my wife. though I was but 19. She said Yes but Tom wouldn't hear of it. tried l to bring him around by all manner of means, but he was resolute. He had never liked me, and he never hesitated to tell me so.' In fact, he took great pleasure in rating me before as well as behind my back.
 "One night-I think it was Halloween "a crowd of young fellows got out on lark, and in their sport took Tom 8 small donkey out of its shed, and push ing it upon the roof of a wagon house, which sloped almost to the ground, tied it there. Tom thought was the prime mover in the trick, though knew noth- ing of it, and accordingly the next night, when called, promptly showed
 me the door, with the injunction never
 to set foot inside it again.
 "I saw Alice at times, but she seemed
 somewhat changed. So after had tried
 all in my power to straighten things I
 got angry about it, and when was of- fered position in Canada was glad to
 leave. My marriage was not spite work.
 loved Alice and always shall, but l
 knew could be happy with Helen and
 then she said she loved me-"
 Just then ws passed the house. It was | the same old place we both remembered.
 The same trees and bushes spread their
 branches about the lawn. In one corner
 of the yard stood large, old fashioned
 bucket pump and on one of the boards
 of the side fence was the rude, weather
 stained carving, "Jack Higgins and
 Alice Neal.
 Jack turned red, then white, as he
 looked at the names and then glanced | at me.
 "Do you suppose she lives there
 now?" he asked.
 "I'm sure I don't know" replied,
 "but let ask some one.
 Several persons passed, but all seemed
 in a hurry, so we went into a store | across the street and inquired. Yes, Tom Neal and his sister lived there. Did WI
 know them? Indeed No, his sister wal
 not married. Some fellow off in Amef
 ,ca tilted her, SO they said
 "Well, Jack" said I, after we cam
 out, "I'm not a matchmaker, but If,
 you say, you always have had war; t affection for Alice, why don't you begi
 again? It isn't too late.
 Jack blushed to the roots of his hal
 and said he should never go there afte !, having been shown the door. 1 tried coax him, but it would not do, yet a
 the time could see he wished to me-