Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-07-20
DAILY SHORT STORIES

mistletoe. IL evinced taste aud an I'M
nate sense OF the beautiful and artistic
quite unlocked for among this, sclass,
but the great. wide chimney. with its
roaring light wood fire. threw it's dane
ing golden radiance over decorations
as beautiful as any bride could desire.
To the girl fresh from a great city
and its conventions everything, was
new. Interesting. charming. and John.
MES sister sang his praises right ear
nestly:
''Johnnie's always thinkin' after
nanny an me- He's sho'ly 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 kin of work
so 1t helps long nanny an me-, an |
always says that hen a boy Is good
to his own people he'll sho'ly no good
to his wife,"
The friend heard the conversation.
understood and smiled Johnnie was
uncouth and ignorant. but he was suf
nciently the lover TO endeavor to turn
everything to his advantage.
Meanwhile comfortable residence
upon another holding was being erect
ed for the family ut the farm. and into
this they, with their guest. soon NOV
ed. She could walk little now with
out her clutches. and johnnie came
and planted trees and shrubbery while
she looked on and directed. Every ono
teased the girl about tie countryman's
devotion, but she smiled on him kind
ly and made him happy by her interest
In his simple talk. while almost i'm
perceptibly some of his rough edges
were'emoothed away.
Soon came the spring and the wild
flowers and the Joyous gathering OF
luscious berries. and then i'm the height
OF All this brmty the girl hud to re-
turn TO her city home. Johnnie gricv-
cd. he soon ceased coming 10 the,
new farm. and II was not long before,
his odd ways and his frankly express,l
cd admiration for their erstwhile guest,
became only an amusing memory.
Three years passed. and the girl IN
Der northern home knew many changes,
from health TO Sickness but at length
hthe Divine Love listened TO her pray,
lpers and healed her. and In the fuiiness
Isof her Joy and In her pride OF new
found strength and ability she came
again for II little visit to her southern
friends.
Johnnie heard OF her arrival and
beamed with happiness. His heart had
remained true TO its idol. and no has
tened to renew his allegiance The
ell nf n,
he seemed too deeply in earnest.
Little girl" he. said. II sho' am
glad In my heart to see you and proud
all through TO watch you walk so nim-
BILE"
She smiled at the phrnsIiig. but felt
that IL would never do to triiie with a
true affection. no matter how lowiy
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
Gerrands or bring her bundles His.
constant services spoke more than
words. but he often assured her that; o.,
you be the peasingest girl that
ever come out OF New York"
IL was difficult for him to realize
that she really needed no assistance
now. He was ready to lend his strong
arms to carry her over every rough
place that IDet her feet, reminding her
that:
"The last time / never could permit
you to walk there--no. never. never.
IL 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 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 be 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 impeuded and being very
sorry and pitifnl for the pain she
might be Obliged 10 ihfiict. st last by
some inadvertent chance they were
left alone together.
Johnnie stopped IN drawing tho case
over her umbrella and. looking at her.
asked earnestly:
Does your heart hurt you about
going. little girlT
II am sorry to leave my friends. |
Johnnie"
Are you sho' TO come back againT
Yes, I hope so. ! will surely come
some time"
Tie thought n moment Silently. /
''WilI It be next year. little girlY"
II cannot tell. II is possible. I shall [
try"
Johnnie rested his hands on the ton !