The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1909-12-15
Copyright. 1909. by American Press
Association.


3 Association. q
o"o.o.o o~oo.o-o.o
lad been told that she would die of
ennui ut the farm But she did not
mind. because she loved the friends
who lived there. and, besides. she was
weak and ailing aud needed the warm,
sweet out of doors of the south TO help
her bear the trial of invalidism and 10
reconcile her To the use of her alb
horred crutches
In the country around were many
farmers native to the soil-honest
democratic. iliterate. Not n man of
them but considered himself just us
good as any one else in the whole
world. They cared little for money,
recognized no difference in classes,
knew nothing of culture and but little
of refinement They were stalwart
and brave and held us an article of
faith that all women were TO be pro
tectcd and cared for
Johnnie was Il farmers sou and add
ed 10 his Unborn and inherited traits n
certain individual coXcombry OF dress,
eyineed in his corduroy trousers, his
short box coat of tam cloth, worn over
full. unstarchcd white SHIRT beited
in about his trim waist, his gauntlcted
red tan gloves and n partridge feather
stuck through the band of his soft
felt hat This costume he donned
when going TO the borough" MS they
called the little town near by. but
when coming TO the farm. where he
helped TO cut hay. dig sweet pota-
toes and do other such things. he wore
any old clothes. with neither collar
nor tie indeed. he was often lacking
In these essentials OF civilization even
when clad in his very best
Johnnie was present when the girl
first arrived and his heart had swellcd
with pity for the helplessness that was
so apparent She was dainty and fair.
and he thought her far more beautiful
than any one he had ever seen before.
Her friend with all her womanly at.
fractions, suffered. In his opinion. by
the contrast. and this he did not hest
tate 10 express frankly, saying:
Miss busy. you're mighty purity.
but you can't hold candle 10 that lit.
tie girl from New York"
II WIS all source of constant fun
10 the home family. but they were
careful not 10 say or do anything that
would wound the man by hurting his
self love. instead they treated him
according to his own standard, which
only made his admiration more ap-
parent and outspoken.
When the girl was taken SO III her ad-
mirer was wretchcd indeed He could
not see her. but every morning he
came and interviewed her friends and
with bold wardncss would send n
message of hope for her recovery. Gen.
orally he brought Il bird for her break
fast, saying with his inimitablc drawl
Il come TO brung this for the little
girl. an trus she Is gettin' we'll"
II was not long before the glorious
southern winter brought color to the
pale checks. rounded their outlines and
impaired strength TO the weakened
frame. for she would sit for hours out
In the sunshine. stretched Off In Il
roomy steamer chair. Meanwhile John
ME passed back and forth attending to
his duties or stopped and talked In his
long, slow way, trying TO find out what
other service he might be able to rem
der her One day he told her In his
quaint phraseology
Il sbo' am proud you be gettiD' bet
ter. for sometimes thought you was
a-dyin'. but next time YOU would look
up and laugh Just as happy | was
nitiful in my heart OF you"
The girl grew well rapidly. and the
family rejoiced Johnnie was gayly
sympathetic and still brought her
squirrels and birds so the strength of
the game food should build her UP.
The fields were full of birds. and his
capacious pockets served as game
bags. Often drawing one from their
depths, he would present II 10 her,
saying. with u broad smile:
II brung you n turckledove.' and
then laugh aloud with delight when he
JohuDie's sister was 10 be married,
and all ut the farm were invited. The
girl and her friend and the friends
mother went. amused aud pleased in
anticipation Of the novel experience.
Johnnie met them. radiant in holiday
attire. and presented them duly to his
whole family, laying the Inequalities
. l..g.g, - lie
itors
Around the girl the admiration Of
the entire assemblage centered. She
eclipsed IN interest the attendants. the
groom the bride herself. The father
declared her to be the purtiest girl !
ever seed" while the mother. sisters
and various women who were present
gazed at her in dumb admiration. Not
so the little nine year old brother
cute. curly haired and unafrald Ac-
customed TO frankly speak his mind,
he planted himself firmly III front OF
her. his hands upon bis hips. and
Sraveiy announced
You sho'ly Is purty-the purtiest
lady that's ever been an come about
here
The girl used her camera and per
pctuated the wedding scene. receiving
ecstaric thanks from her adnirer and
all who belonged 10 him. Indeed. the
rough farmhouse well deserved being
photographed. for 1t had been turned.
within and without. into bower of
rustic beauty in honor of the occasion.