The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1897-09-22

made my debut as a landlord. There
was q noticeable improvement in the
appearance Of the place. The grounds
looked clean, and flower beds at odd
places and bordering the walk, gave
evidence of womanly attention. The
house wore O home-like, hospitable
air, and just where I had left it sat the
old rocker. These things I noticed at
that first call, a brief QUE. Subse-
quent visits gave opportunity for more
extended observations, which only en-
phasized my first impression that a
model housekeeper was directing mat
ters in certain habitation in Glover
syde. Gradually I became conscious
that change had taken place in my.
self
Town life was fast losing its attrac-
tiveness; my thoughts turned with an
indefinable longing to woods crowning
the uplands through whose leafy
branches the Southern breezes played,
to rivulets springing from groves, play
ing along the slopes awhile, prattling
into groves again and dancing away in
the shaded distance. And / philoso-
phized, too. No man is a bachelor
from choice. Either his lonely condi-
ton is case of it-migh ht-have been, or
he has not yet looked into eyes that
have answered his heart. Love is
magnetism. The eyes have 1t. When
the ordained eyes meet, then and there
the bachelor ceases to exist and one
more township is added to Paradise.
1 made this discovery when my eyes
met those of Rhody Kirby, and though
l have looked into those same dear
eyes thousands of times, and though
they have been my inspiration, my
very life, yet to save me from perdi-
ton 1 cannot describe them. know
the regal rose, the modest violet the
loyal sunhower, but to attempt a de-
scription of either would be task en-
tirely beyond me. Aud so with Rhody's
eyes. only know they are the most
beautiful this side the shining stars,
that she herself fills up the gracious
mold Of modesty and that am desper.
ately--. But / anticipate little.
1 developed an extraordinary inter
est in my property in Cloversyde, so
that it was not unusual for me to drive
out there every week. pretext was
that the place needed looking after,
the fences and buildings requiring
deal of attention to save them from
falling into decay. Miss Rhody was
my companion over the grounds, max
ing suggestions here and there and
filling me with fear that should one
day drop dead at her feet from an at
tack of heart palpitation. But all
things must have an end, and re-
solved toi talk seriously with Rhody
when next 1 put foot on the place. 1t
was the first day of June aud early
morning. The budding roses were
bathed in dew, the birds twitted tune
fully in the trees, the air was soft and
deliciously fragrant, and Miss Rhody
was as delightfully."- sweet and captivat-
ing as it is given to any mortal to be.
We walked about the place, our con-
versation confined to matters common
place, and my stay had been prolonged
to length where l could find no
propriety in longer OBTAINING her. As
/ was about TO take my leave said:
'I am not going to call any moref for
the rent" Thele was an enormous
lump in my throat.
"Have you placed the property in
an agents hands?" she inquired.
"No, Rho-Miss Kirby"
'Then you have disposed of it?"
"Not exactly; think l am on the
point of doing so, however.
"We shall feel very grateful - she
said, ''if it passes into the possession
of SO kindly and considerate an owner
as yourself. "
ST am satisfied" 1 said slowly,
"that the new owner will prove my
superior in that regard. In fact,
Rhody, that person is to be no other
than your own sweet self. Since l
first saw you every day has increased
the place of admiration. have dis
covered that it is possible for a woman
to possess sense without vanity, and
beauty without affectation." / had
taken her hand in mine while / spoke.
"NIay ask you to take this place and
with it me into your dear keeping for
life?"
She was sensible woman. Obser-
walton had impressed me with that
idea, and my numerous visits con.
frmed that impression.
81 cannot pretend to indifference"
she said, "and therefore own that
what you have told me makes me ex-
tFemely happy"
That settled it. Twas in an ecstasy
of Joy. Did kiss her2 am a man
given to plain speaking, plain writing
1 did. Could l have done otherwise?
She said other things; so did 1, but
it is not necessary to repeat them here.
She is to-day the owner Of the place
in Cloversyde, with all the appurten-
ances thereunto belonging, including
myself, and as / sit in the old rocker
on the veranda aud write these lines,
am the happiest man ON this whiz-
zing ball. st. Louis Republic.
How Stolen Rice Thrived.
Al 4 ~