Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-07-18

but the great. wide chimney. with its
roaring light wood firc. threw tn dane
Ing golden radiance over decora lions
as beautiful as any bride could desire.
To the girl fresh from u great city
and Its conventions everything was
new. Interesting. charming. and John
MES sister sang his praises right enc
nesty:
'Johnnie's always thinkin'. after
nanny an me. Hes sholy god
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 IL helps long nanny an me. an
always says that when boy Is good
to his own people he'll sho'ly he good
TO his WIFE,"
The friend beard the conversation.
understood and smiled. johnnie was
uncouth and ignorant. but he was Suf.
hciently the lover to endeavor to turn
everything to his advantage.
Meanwhile a comfortable residence
upon another holding was being erect
cd for the family ut the farm. and into
this they. with their guest. soon NOV
cd. She could walk little now with
out her crutches. and Johnnie came
and planted trees ana shrubbery while
she looked on and directed. Every ono
teased the girl about tho countrymau's
devotion, but she smiled on him kind
ly and made him happy by her interest
In his simple talk. while almost I'm
narCantfhlv nf "a.
were smoothed 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 beauty the girl had to re-
turn to.her city home. Johnnie griev-
ed. He soon ceased coming TO the
new farm. and II was not long before
his odd ways and his frankly express.
cd Admiration for their erstwhile guest
became only an amusing memory.
Three years passed. and the girl I'm
her northern home knew many changes
from health to sickness. but at length
the Divine Love listened TO her pray.
ers ana healed her. and In the fullness
Of her joynand In her pride OF new
found strength ana ability she came
again for a little visit TO her southern
friends. -" 49,
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 at the phrasing. but felt
that Il would never do to trifle with a
true affection. no matter how lowly
the station OF the man by whom II
was honestly offered. SO she drew
somewhat aloof I'm her manner. but he
grew only the more devoted. He wns
her humble slave. He tried TO fulfill
her wishes before she could utter
them. He would walk miles to do her
errands or bring her bundles. His
constaBt services spoke moro than
words, but he often assured her that:
"You be the peasingest girl that
ever come out OF New York"
1t was -diGIcult for him 10 reallze
that she sreaIly needed no assistance
now. He was ready 20 lend his strong
arms TO garry her over every rough
place that met her feet, reminding her
that:
THE last time / never could permit
you to whlk there-no. never. newer
IL was yery touching sometimes and
very amusing always And the little
girl and Ter friend were full Of youths
high spirits, fun and laughter.
so the weeks went by-all too rapid.
ly--and Mt last the end came.
The day before the departure OF the
girl Johnnie had lnbored hard anu
seemed TO find constant movement
and work necessary for ense OF mind
He had strapped the trunk and locked
her vaiise and I'm bis rough way had
done everything Of which he could
think which might add to hor 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 infict. At last by
some inadvertent chance they were
left alone together
Johnnie stopped In drawing the cnse
over her umbrella and. looking at her.
asked earnestly.
docs your heart hurt you about
going. little glrlY'
II am sorry to leave my friends.
Johnnie"
"Aro you sho' 60 come back again.
Eyes. hope 20. ] will surely como
some time"
He thought moment Silently,
"Will It be next year. little girlT
II cannot tell. IL 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 ho rnadz Al LII 80. .-.---