Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1896-08-27
HOW LOVE WON.
BY MARY srAuLprNa HATCH.

Dsight 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,
butno glowing idea came. The red pods
iof the Towering bean tapped gently
against the open window, and the yell
low leaves of the cherry lazily foated
enrthward, whose action my sluggish
mind persistcntly initiated.
The little fire upon the hearth cracked
and bIazed briskly, trying its 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 q small fire
welcome, especially so MS country peo-
ple 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 unrc-
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-thc 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, lightsteps 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 fired Slow" growled Min
nie's father, "besides. his family amt
much, an his farm ain'twuth tn scrap
ing nv u plow. Minnie could do better
n heap better Any how there amt no
call fer her Z jump at such chance,
considern 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-
tion 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.
papy" had been shown by unmistakablc
signs that twas useless to settle to any
thing like regular business; but Hiram's
staying qualities seemed unusual-bc.
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 mar
TO do likewise, he slowly turned out the
light. Without word Minnie I'm
medately relit it, and repaired
with her young man, to the wide hall
Her father followed with his pipe
smoked for awhile, then yawned oini
nously, and finally fell into state tina,
admitted the issuance of an unearthly
snore, which only served to give the
young people an excuse for drawing
near each other, and conyersing il
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 buckle
of water did its duty to the accompani
ment of all sorts OF invectiyes and growl
ings about "young folks what didn't
have no better sense inter- set round an
burn coal oil enough ter git a man il
debt, an try ter burn tn house dowr
ter boot"
Hiram was reused at last, his eye,
CLEANED, he stepped forward with al
angry ejaculation, but Minnie quickly
intercepted with commanding gesture
and the entreaty: Don't say word 'cl
daddy. Go out onter tb' gallery n II
come in er minute. Now, daddy" sh'
began, admirably controlling herself
"ye kin hev tn fire, an tn light, tn
hall, an tn hull house-th' gallery II
good enough fer me an Hiram, but G
you drive him away from that, vii
go, too"
The old farmer gazed stupidity at hii
daughter. She evidently meant wha
she said. and he was not prepared tc
carry hostilities further that night, sc
he uttered no word MS she shut the dool
behind her-carcfully avoiding slam
ming 1t, but it closed, nevertheless
with certain emphasis.
Hiram kept up his visits regularly
for more than year, and though tht
fathers reception was always marked
ly cool, he never again attempted t.
insult him.
One night the suitor ventured to say
''l'm comm for Minnie some day."
'Wcll. yc needn't, young man; an
ye won't CT yc know when yere wei
of" was the gruff retort.
At one time Minnie tried to reasol
with her father but was unsuccess
ful. knew by her red eyes and lagginl
steps. Shcgseemed in deep thought TO
q few days, then she frightened, ant
went about her duties with unusua
lightness and song.
could see that her father watched
her every mood, and that he really dote'
on his motheress daughter, for an ey
pression of immense relief appeared OF
his face as soon as she was light-heart
ed.
One morning he came into the lsitchtl
in towering rage, accusing Mimic o
intending to elope with Hiram.
Size met him calmly, even smiling
little triumphantly, ] thought, MS eh
answered. reassuringly: "Ye Deedn'
fear. father, amt going ter do nothin
Nv the kind"
.CLn'd haitian MT - ha fumod. "i