Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-07-20
By LEE c. HARDY

cue cahc from New York. and she
had been told that she would die of
ennul NJ the farm. But she did not
mind. because she loved the friends
who lived there. and besides. she was
weak and ailing and needed the warm.
sweet out OF doors OF the south to helm
her bear the trial OF invalidism and TO.
reconcile her TO the use OF her alb
horred crutchos.
In the country around were many
farmers native. to the soil-honest
democratic. illiteratc. Not a man OF
them but considered himself Just as
good as any one else In the whole
world. They cared littlo for money,
recognized no difference I'm classes
knew nothing of culture and but little
or refinement. They were stalwart
and brave and held as an article OF
faith that all women were to be pro-
tected and cared for.
johnnie was farmers son and add
ed TO his Unborn and Inherited traits
certain individual coxcombry OF dress
.evinced IN his corduroy trousers. his
short box coat of tan cloth. worn over.
In about his trim waist; his gauntletcd
red tan gloves and partridge feather
stuck through the band OF his soft
felt hat. This costume he donned
when going to "the borough" as 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. nm
Johnnie was present when the. giri
Erst arrived. and his heart had sweiIed..
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 wonanly at
fractions. suffered. I'm his opinion. by
the contrast. and this he did not hest
tate to express frankly. saying:
Miss Daisy, you're mighty purity.
but you can't hold u candle to that lit
tie girl from New York"
1t was all source of constant fun
to the home family. but they were
careful not TO 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. 81
When the girl was taken so III herad.
mirer was wretchcd lDdced. He could
not see her. but every morning. fies
came and interviewed her friends add
with bold awkwardness would sehd H.
message of hope for her recovery GeaN
orally he brought bird for her break
fast, saying with bis inlmitable drawl:
II come to Drung this for the little
girl. an ! trus' she Is geisn' we'll"
1t was not long before the glorious;i
southern winter broughs color to the
pale checks. rounded their outlines aud !
impaired strength to the weakened
frame, for she would sit for hours out
In the sunshine, stretched OF in n
roomy steamer chair. Meanwhile John
ME passed back and forth attending to
his duties or stopped and talked in his
long. slow way. trying 10 End out what
other service be might be able to rem
der her. One day he told her In his
quaint phraseology:
Il sho' am proud you be gettin' bet
ter. for sometimes Thought you was
a-dyin'. but next time you would look
up and laugh-just as happy. / was
pitifUl In my heart OF you"
The girl grew well rapidly. and the
family rcjoiced. Johnnie was gayly
and still brought her
squirrels and birds so the strength or
the game food should build her up.
The fields were full OF birds. and hIs
capacious pockets served ns game
bags. Often drawing one. from thcif
depths. he would present II to hero
saying. with q broad smile:
II brung you a turckledovp." and
then laugh aloud with delight when hp
saw her interest and pleasure.
Jobnnie's sister was 20 he married
and all at the farm were invited. The
girl and her friend and the friends
mother went. amused and pleascd in
OF the novel cxpcricucc.
Johnnie met them. radiant In holiday
attire. and presented them duly 90 lIis
whole family. laying the inequalities
" their home at the feet OF tho Wis
itors.
Around the girl the admiration Of
the entire assemblage ccatcrcd She
eclipsed I'm interest the attendants. the
,room. the bride herself. The father
declared her to be the purtiest girl !
ever seed" while the mother. sisters
ind various women who were present
sazed ut her In dumb admiration Not
so the little nine ear-old brother
,ute, curly harcd and unafraid. Ac-
10 frankly speak his mind.
be planted himself firmly IN front Of
her, his hands upon his hips. and
yravely announced
"You sho'ly is purty-the ptrtiest
ady that's ever been an come about
Iere"
10 -.