The Forrest City times., 1901-11-22

"She's Jest comm into view" he
said. his ewes on tho point where the
village road emerged from the screen
interposed by his own orchard. His
face frightened as the 1.-THE young
figure came briskly along beneath
the arch OF winter boughs. Letitia
always conveyed the impression of
Astounding, radiant 10Y. In mo-
ment she spied him and waved her
muff gayly.
The Harlow house was but slightly
removed from the street, it's severe,
uncompromising front unadorned
ave for the fan light above its green
door. Letitia deprecatingly eyed
this door as she hurried in at the
side gate. II had always been a
trial TO her; but. to her petitions that
il be replaced by one of modern
make, her father had unexpectedly
turned deaf ear. So IL had stood
in his fathers day, and 50 il should
remain while he had any say in the
matter.
Something uncommon must have
happened to Lefty. mother" Mr.. Har-
low said. as the girl gieefullv waved
letter in passing the window.
Lefty is always bubbling over
about somethin'," she said, placidly.
1T beats all the amount Of pleasure
she gets out OF everyday affairs. And
she isn't one to be always askin' for
things. either"
That's so-that's So her husban
assented. but this is Somethin' ex-
ira. III be bound" and ne turned
eagerly TO the pretty vision that at
that moment appeared IN the door
way.
ITS letter from John. with such
wonderful surprise. You read il,
father" Letitia urged. thrusting it
into his hands. Mrs. Harlow. look
ing at the pretty face with its stray
ing dinples and radiant eyes. smiled
sympathetieally at her impatience.
while Mr.. Harlow tnmbled for his
glasses, and. drawing near the win
dow TO catch the fading light upon
the sheet. began 10 read. But. after
the opening sentences, Ms. Harlow
forgot her daughter Her eyes
dropped to the glimmering needles
and the comely old face betrayed no
sign of the inward pertur baton with
which she listened to her sons pro-
ject. Mr.. Harlow stumbled occasion
ally in the reading. shifting imPa-
tiently as II for better light. and
clearing his throat at intervals The
letter ran thus:
Chicago, January - 100
Dear Lefty. have been thinking of you
all a good deal OF late. ard wishing that
could do something TO make you more
comfortable. know that the farm meets
all running expenses, and that father has
enough laid by for The future, so that you
have cause for worry The house IS
old. however. and lacking IN Conveniences
and new house would make life easier
l have been lucky in my copper stocks
and made more than l expected. so I mean
to share my good fortune with YOU |
inciose check made payable to your or
der. and place the whole matter In your
hands. | will suggest. however. that Won
build upon the knoll beyond the orchard
as there Is a pretty view n the river AZ
that point Get city architect TO draw
up your plans. but put all else into Mason,s
charge. as he is reliable man
i<u'N 10 HlHtHFfs idther ana Yourself
Your arectionate brother
JOHN HARLOW.
With the last words. Letitia could
not be longer repressed. Dear old
john" she cried. isn't +; amazing,
oh, | have SO wished for a different
house, but never dreamed we would
have oue,"
different bcosc, n.
down her dismay. :he mother spoke
bravely. the echo of her own words
still ringing in her ears l. was true
that Lefty was not ono TO he ask.
ing things" should she stand in the
way OF this hearts desire?
Indeed it is amazing" She said
heartily. John is a good boy and
mindful of our comfort, though he
has been so long from home.
supposed he sent quite n tidy little
sum; and she held out her hand for
the check that her husband silently
proffered. "Sakes alive, Docs h,
mean us to spend all that on a
house,"
Il don't know what to say" her
huspdhu mufmured in cwIlderment
He was puzzled at the manner in
which his wife accepted this aston.
hshing plan. He had supposed-bu,
women were unaccouniable. Then
he. too, looked at Letitia's eager face
and his own softened.
so you're pleased, are YOU. little
girl and he pinched her pink ear
Well. well-it's hard 10 teach old
dogs new tricks but we'll try.
had always thought the old house
pretty comfortable, but mebbv that,
because I've lived here all INV DAYS
Young folks like new-fangled no.
lions, and well not stand in the way:
eh. mother"
Letitia looked somewhat surprised
at this view of the question. She had
not dreamed that there could be oh.
5ectfons TO such a delightful project
''0h. if you and mother would no,
Ike it, she began, trying TO speak
easily.