Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1910-01-14

~ Nllt kliI lICSu llull u klcuI City
and its conventions everything was
new, Interesting, charming, and John
MES sister sang his praises right ear
nestly:
"Johnnle's always thlnkln' after
nanny an me. He's sho'ly good
boy. lie never drinks nothln', an he
don't smoke, an he don't chew none
an he never goes out nowhere less
we snys 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 boy Is good
to his own people he'll sho'ly be good
to his wife"
The friend heard the conversation,
understood and smiled. Johnnie was
uncouih and ignorant, but he was suf.
flclently the lover to endeavor to turn
everything to his advantage
Meanwhile comfortable residence
upon another holding was being erect
ed for the family at the farm. and into
this they, with their guest, soon NOV
ed. She could walk a little now with
out her clutches, and johnnie came
and planted trees and shrubbery while
she looked on and directed Every one
leased the girl about the countryman's
devotion, but she smiled on him kind
ly and made him happy by her interest
perceptlbly some Of his rough edges
were smoothed away.
Soon came the spring and the wild
flowers 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 grlev-
ed. He soon ceased coming to the
new farm. and II was not long before
his odd ways and his frankly express
ed admiration for their erstwhile 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.
ers and healed her, and In the fullness
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,
"I.ittle 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 at the phraslng, but felt
that II would never do to trlne with a
true affection, no matter how lowly
the station OF the man by whom II
was honestly offered SO she drew
somewhat aloof In her manner, but he
grew only the more devoted. He was
her humble slave. He tried TO fuhll
her wishes before she could utter
them. He would walk miles to do her
errands or bring her bundles. Ills
constant services spoke more than
words, but he often assured her that;
"You be the pleaslngest girl that
ever come out OF New York"
1t was difficult for him to realize
that she really needed no assistance
now. lie was ready TO lend his strong
arms to carry her over every rough
place that met her feet. reminding her
that:
1.-THE last time never could permit
you to walk tbere-no. never. nev-er!''
1t was very touching sometimes and
very amusing always. Aud 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 at last the end came
The day before the departure OF the
girl Johnnie had labored hard and
seemed to find constant movement
and work necessary for ease OF mind
He had strapped the trunk and locked
her vallse and IN his rough way had
done everything Of which he could
think which might add 10 her comfort
The girl was very shy when with him
and tried to keep her friend ever
present, feeling that some confession
OF affection impended and being very
sorry and pitlfni for the pain she
might be Obliged TO inflIct At last By
some lnadvertent chance they were
left alone together.
Johnnie stopped In drawing the case
over her umbrella and. looking at her.
asked earnestly:
docs your heart hurt you about
going. little girlT
81 am sorry TO leave my friends.
Johnnie"
"Are you shO' TO come back again.
"Ycs, hope so. | will surely come
some time"
He thought moment. Silently.
"Wlll II be next year, little girl"
II cannot tell. II is possible. ! shall
try"
Johnnie rested his hands on the top
OF the rolled umbrella and said slowly;
when you come back. little girl,
will be ready. An will you marry
me?" And he leaned forward engerly
In his pleading.
The girl gave n little cry of dlsmay,
shook her head and clasped her hands,
pleading gently:
"Oh. Johnnie. don't! Don't look that
way! can't. you know; indeed
cannot, and | do hate TO hurt you sop
And the brown eyes filed with tears.
The nature Of the man showed itself
equal to the occasion. hurt as he was,
End his face was a.qulyer with feel
Ing. He thought only OF her, and with
that innate chiyalry which viii always
try 70 spare woman pain he said;
"Never mind. little girl; never mind.
! can bear It, but II die tonight or II
I IIvo a thouaond vaara \ oIuoys xytIl