Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-12-31

the subject as speedily as possible.
She had seen beneath her long eye
lashes how the strangers eyes were
fixed upon her when that mistake with
the coffee occurred.
What a ridiculous excuse" she
thought, smiling.
And then a sudden recollection
flashed across her mind with stunning
emphasis and meaning. Was it 8
dream? Or was it real? That rush
ing train-that open window-that
moody look flashing into sudden
brightness as it caught and answered
her own laughing glance while the
cars whirled by. No wonder the face
seemed SO strangely familiar to her
in the farm fields that morning. But
what-oh, Jane of the fair face and
innocent eyes and softly clustering
locks-what could it all mean?
Cousin Dick returned no more to
the farm that summer. But the new
hand stayed and worked faithfully
all through 'haying time and harvest"
much to the farmers delight. At the
ShNi VI IhC lllt uldut
the young man liberal offer for the
ensuing year. And thereupon ensued
q long and confidential conversation
between the two.
"Give me twenty-four hours to make
up my mind" said Moore, at last.
Tomorrow morning you shall have
your answer"
So, when the four o'clock train from
the city thundered past the farm that
evening the new hand stood on the
lawn alone and watched it with
thoughtful eyes. Taller and straighter
he looked than when he first came to
the lone pine lands, and there was
a healthy flush on his cheek, beneath
the sunburn, that told tales Of diff
ferent, nobler, hoIier life, than the
former one had ever been.
The farmer was busy at the barn.
The good housewife, in the kitchen,
was hurrying onward her preparations
for tea, and Jane, with a two-quart
tin basin in her hand, came out of the
house and turned toward the garden
as he looked that way. Her errand
was for fruit for the supper table,
but before the first handful of berries
had ratified down upon the bottom
of the basin, the girl started, listened
moment and then turned crimson
as the new hand came up beside her
The berries were neglected. He stood
still a moment, then dropping basin
and berries upon the grass, he held
her by the hands.
Jane, your father has asked me to
stay here and help him with another
year." he said. He offers me good
wages. And l am safe here-safe
from many o temptation that you
know nothing about-thank God.
am better and happier man for
my stay here this summer, but there
is room for improvement yet. 1t rests
with you to say If that improvement
shall be made"
with me?" said Jane, glancing up
at him with a gentle smile.
with you; with you alone"
"Then stay"
He took a pocketbook from the
breast Of his coat and opened it.
Jane, you see that ten-dollar bill?"
Yes"
THAT marks the turning-point in
my life. | was going headlong to de-
struction when friend held me back
| had but ten dollars to begin the
world with again if gave up my place
and salary in New York. Yet my
friend advised it. 1t was what he had
done, and in three years he had earned
home and a wife in another place.
He had been as wild and as reckless as
| was then, and it was seeing what
little sober effort had done for him
that encouraged me to try. l came
here-and you know my life and
thoughts and habits from that day.
We have been happy here together,
Jane"
"Oh, very happy" was her reply.
But now there must be change |
cannot go on in the old way any
longer, Jane; your father likes me and
[ believe | may stay here forever so
far as he and your mother are con-
cerned. Now, for their daughter.
There is ten dollars, Jane, and there
is what | have earned by sheer hard
work these last six months added to
it. | shall receive four times that
sum another year from your father If
| stay. Will it be enough, Jane for
me and my wife?"
She was silent Bending down to
look at her he saw that her eyes were
full of tears.
Cant you like me, them" he asked,
in dismay.
"Oh, it is not that. 1t is father and
mother" she whispered. Il must not
leave them"
There is no need, my love. | may
tell you now that your father has
given his consent, and your dear
mother will not be long behind him.
Oh, Jane, my darling! / found my
hope, my joy and my salvation that
day | came to the Lone Pine farm"
And not a single berry for support"
bewailed Mrs. Halliday, when they re-
turned laSt n ha D,,t