Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-08-13

hSOcs anu KdriauoeO viii evefBreS09s
and the glowing crimson berries OF
holly and bramble vine mixed with the
snowy waxen clusters OF the native
mistletoe. 1t evinced taste and an in
nate sense OF the beautiful aud artistic
| quite unlocked for among this class.
but the great. wide chimney, with it's
roaring light wood fire. threw its dane
Ing golden radiance over decorations
as beautiful az any bride could desire.
To the girl fresh from a great city
and its conventions everything was
new. interesting. charming, and John
nie's sister sang bis praises right ear
nestly:
"Johnnie's always thinkin' after
nanny an me. He's sho'ly q good
boy. He never drinks nothin', 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 kim Of work
80 II helps long nanny an me. an
always says that when a 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
uncouth and ignorant. but he was suf-
6ciently the lover to endeavor to turn
everything to his advantage
Meanwhile a 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 tie countryman's
devotion. but she smiled on him kind.
Iy and made him happy by her interest
In his simple talk while almost i'm
perceptibly 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 griev.
ed. He soon ceased coming to the
new farm. and 1t 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
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.
Fr Little GIRL, he. said, - sho am.
glad in my heart to see you and proud
all through to watch you walk SO nim-
BILE" 'r-..
She smiled at the phrasing, but felt
that it would never do to trifle with
true affection, no matter how lowly
the station OF the man by whom 1t
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 fulfill
her wishes before, she could utter
them. He would walk miles to do her
SAA"buS Va OhihS HSI DuuuleS. Ills
constant services spoke more than
words, but he often assured her that:
"You be the pleasingest girl that
ever come out OF New York" go
1t was difficult, for him to realize
that she really, needed no assistance
now. Hecwas ready to lend his strong
arms to carry her over every, rough
place that net her feet, reminding her
that:
THE last time 1 never could permit
you to walk there-no. uev-er. never,
1t 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 at last the end came.
The day before the departure of the
girl Johnnie had lnbored hard and
seemed to find constant movement
and work necessary for ease of mind
He had strapped the trunk and locked
her valise and In his rough way had
done everything OF which he could
think which might add to 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 pitiful for the pain she
might be obliged to in1ict. At last by
some inadyertent 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 grip
81 am sorry to leave my friends.
Johnnie"
Are you sho' to come back again."
Yes, ] hope so. I will surely come
some time"
he thought moment. Silently,
"Will 1t be next year. little girl?"
Il cannot tell. II is possible. shall
try"
Johnnie rested his hands on the top
4