The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-09-05


storm was referred to. She learned
OF the destruction Of her favorite tree.
Those referring to the incident had not
learned Of the replacement. Nettie
was weak and nervous. She was in
that hnstrung mood where the slight
est incident distressed her, and she
shed tears of disappointment.
Nettie was enough Of an invalid to
| spend the next morning In bed. The
home nursing, the kindly mother care.
however, began to revive the worn
spirits later In the day. As she got
ready to go down stairs she CHANGED
to glance from the window. A cry Of
delight broke from her lips, bringing
her mother into the room.
"Oh. mother!" exclaimed Nettie with
sparkling eyes, "some one has told an
untruth about the apple tree being de-
stroyed in a storm. Oh, the sweet,
sweet blossoms, just coming out, and
their exquisite perfume-I could kiss
them, every one!''
'.It is new tree, Nettie," said her
mother, and Mrs. Gordon went on to
explain. She noted that Nettie's face
glowed with pleasure and gratitude
The mother liked Richard Lane. and
smiled as she remarked:
Il suppose Mr.. Lane would give his
whole orchard for one of those kisses
you speak about, Nettie," and her
daughter turned her happy, blushing
face away so her mother could not
read her confusion.
It was the following day that Rich.
ard strolled timorously in the direc-
ton Of the Gordon home. He met Levi
Barnes just leaving the gateway, ius.
tered and excited.
Speak a good word for me, will
you, Dick, like the royal friend you
are?" he shot out at Richard. on the
fly.
"What about?" was the puzzled
query.
ooh, you know!" laughed Barnes,
and swung on his way.
Yes, with sinking heart Richard
fancied he did, indeed. know. He was
about to turn back, when he noticed
Nettie seated In lawn chair under
the new apple tree.
'tOh, Mr.. Lane" she cried out bright.
ly, "you must come in and let me
thank you for this delicious treat"
and she waved a spray Of budding
floral beauty.
IN fnA NJ n
pretty, entertaining way. She told him
how she appreciated his wonderful
thoughtfulness, his arduous work to
give her pleasure. Nettie looked SO
appealing in her helpless invalidism,
so interesting in her confiding, friend.
ly way in which she treated him Oh,
so much grace and dainty beauty was
not for him-his heart sank, then he
became grave Of face and voice.
Nettie stared at Richard in puzzled
wonder and he began to tell what a
splendid fellow Levi Barnes was. He
was honest and earnest in his praise.
but his heart seemed breaking all the
time. Then a sudden light illumined
her mind. Her glance softened, she
gazed at this noble, seif-sacrificing
man with an expression in her eyes
that thrilled him.
SIS 1t about his asking Constance to
marry hlm?" she asked. "Oh. that Is
settled He needs no pleader with
sister"
"Constancew gasped Richard, and
he turned white and trembled.
Then"
He did not finish the sentence. A
vast heart of hope overwhelmed him.
They were interrupted by Mrs. Cor.
don.
"Come again soon, won't your
spoke Nettie. Her eyes flashed the
earnest welcome Of that invitation.
THE best, the truest, the noblest
man I ever knew!' cried Nettie as
Richard Lane passed through the gar
den gate.
She threw herself into her mothers
arms Her happy tears gushed forth.
'Oh, mother. dear mother! !" she
whispered fervently-"I love himi ]
love him 7"