The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1909-12-15

| iiS EpiuGb OVER
as beautiful as any bride could desire.
70 the girl fresh from a great city
ara its conventions everything was
new. interesting, charming. and John.
MES sister sang his praises right ear.
nestly:
"Johnnie's always tbinkin' after
nanny an me Hes sho'ly a good
boy lie never drinks nethin', an he
don't smoke. an he don't chew none.
an he never goes out nowhere less
we says we don't want him at home
johnnie II do mos any kin of work
so II helps long nanny an me. an /
always says that when a boy Is good
to his own people he'll sho'1y be good
10 his WIFE
The friend heard the conversation.
understood and smiled Johnnie was
uncouth and ignorant, but he was suf-
6eiently the lover to endeavor to turn
everything TO his advantage.
Meanwhile comfortable residence
upon another holding was being erect
cd for the family Mt the farm, and into
this they. with their guest. soon NOV
cd. She could walk little now with
out her crutehes. and Johnnie came
| md planted trees and shrubbery while
| she looked on and directed. Every one
leased the girl about the countryman'
| devotion. but she smiled on him kind.
ly and made him happy by her interest
III his simple talk. while almost i'm.
pereeptibly some of his rough edges
we're smoothed away.
Soon came the spring and the wild
lowers and the joyous gathering Of
luscious berries. and then In the height
of all this beauty the girl had to re-
turn to her city home. Johnnie griev
ed He soon ceased coming TO the
his odd ways and his frankly express
ed admiration for their erstwhie guest
became only an amusing memory.
Three years passed. and the girl In
her northern home knew many changes
from health to sickness. but at length
the Divine Love listened TO her pray
crs and healed her. and In the fulIness
of her joy and in her pride of new
found strength and ability she came
again for - little visit to her southern
friends
Johnnie heard of her arrival and
beamed with happiness. His heart had
remained true to its idol, and he has
tened to renew his allegiance. The
girl, though, became shy of him now
he seemed too deeply in earnest.
Little girl" he said. Il sho' am
glad In my heart to see you and proud
all through To watch You walk so MIN
BILE"
She smiled ut the phrasing. but felt
that II would never do to trihe with n
true affection, no matter how iowly
the station OF the man by whom IL
was honestly offered. So she drew
somewhat aloof In her manner. but he
grew only the more devoted. lie was
her humble slave. He tried to fulfill
her wishes before she could utter
them. He would walk miles to do her
orrands or bring her bundles. His
constant services spoke more than
words, bur lie often assured her that:
You be The pleasingest girl that
ever come out OF New York"
II was difficult for him to realize
that she really needed no assistance
now. He was ready to lend his strong
arms 10 carry her over every rough
| place that met her feet. reminding her
that
The last time | never could permit
Non to walk there-no. never, nev-er""
It was very touching sometimes and
very amusing always. And the little
girl and her friend were full OF youths
high spirits. fun and laughter.
So the weeks went by-all too rapid
ly--and nj last the end came.
The day before the departure of the
gigl Johnnie had iabored hard and
seemed 10 find constant movement
and work necessary for ease of mind.
He had strapped the trunk and locked
her ralise and in his rough way had
done everything Of which be could
think which might add to her comfort.
The girl was very shy when with him
and tried 10 keep her friend ever
present, feeling that some confession
of affection impended and being very
sorry aud pitifui for the pain she
might be obliged to infllct. At last by
some inadvertent chance they were
left alone together.
Johnnie stopped in drawing the case
over her umbrella and, looking at her.
asked earnestly:
Does your heart hurt you about
going. illtle girl?"
IA frianhe
Johnnie"
Are YOU sho' to come back again."
Yes. ! hope so. will surely come
some time. "
lie thought moment Silently.
VIII It be next year. little girl?"
Il canuot tell. II is possible. shall
try"
Johnnie rested his hands on the top
II the rolled umbrella and said slowly:
WHEN yen come back. little girl. l
will be ready An will you marry
me Antl he leaned forward eagerly
IN his pleading.
The aiei gave little cry of dismay,
iho5k her bead and clasped her hands.
pleading gently
"pl Johnnie, don't. Don't look that
way can't, you know; indeed !
tannot, and ! do hate to hurt you SOP
And 'ar brown eyes filled with tears.
Tie nature of the man showed itself
EQUAL 10 tie occasion. hurt as he was,
and his face WAS a-quiver with feel
tng He thought only of her. and with
lhat innate chivalry which will always
try to spare woman pain he said:
'Never mind. little girl; never mind.
| can beer it. but II die tonight or Il
! lire . thousand years | always will
by Won little girl"