Year: 1874

city chap fell in love with her pretty


face, though must say never did think


her good looking, with her pink cheeks


and blue eyes. Too much like a doll tC


suit my taste. Well, he must have been
struck desprit, for before she came home
she was engaged. He wrote to her father
and it was settled thing that when
spring came he was to come and carry of
his wife; and she's been as happy and
gay as lark, and so busy getting ready
making up such lots of fine things, all
ruffled and tucked, and hem-stitched
Fortunately the poor thing hadn't bought
her dresses. Well, the other day she
picked up paper, and saw his name
in the marriage notices. Think what a
blow At first she doubted it; but sure
enough, twas him. She got letter from
him, telling her as how he had found
out he had never loved her, but had
met with some one he really loved, and
hoped she would forgive and forget him,
and be happier than he could have made
her. Poor thing, she looks dreadfully
but, of course, she tries to hide it. Her
mother is SO worried about her; but tell
her she's young, and will get over it.
What an unprincipled scamp he must
be!


"Did you hear about Tom Ellis? No?
Gracious me, child Why they say he's
taken to drink, and is just going to ruin
as fast as man can. say his wife can
blame herself for it all. She has the
sharpest /" ,gue and quickest temper of
any one round, and leads him sorry
life.


"Of course you've heard the latest
piece of news, Ruth. They say Amos
Hillary and that cousin of Mary Wynne's $
are really engaged. Some one asked
Amos if it was true, and he didn't deny
it. Well, l must say used to think it
was some one else once, but we are all
liable to be mistaken" And Dorcas
looked slyly at the quiet figure in the big
arm chair. But if she expected to see
any evidence of deep feeling, she was dis
appointed, for Ruth went on talking and
knitting in her usual manner, and the in
quisitive little old maid was forced to be-
lieve there wasn't anything in that affair,
after all.


Dorcas talked away in an even strain,
until Ruth groaned in spirit, and wished
that something would occur to put stop
to her garrulity.


At last the merry jingle of bells was
heard, and Ruth ran to help her mother
out of the sleigh, and tell her of their
visitor, and then ran up to her own room
so glad to be alone, to think it all
over.


Yes, she felt that it was true, that the
love she had thought all her own was
given to another. All the brightness
&.>l fn1a ~ nf har 60
the future looked so dark, so dreary! And
the dark eyes grew mournful, and the
color faded from the fair face, as she sat
there in the shadows, and recalled the
happy past. "And this lovely woman,
with her grace and rare accomplishments,
what wonder she fascinated all who came
within the magic of her charms? But
thought him so unlike the rest of his sex;
so good, so noble, so far above them all!'


Soon the news of the engagement was
confirmed. 1t made quite stir in the
quiet neighbOrhood.


Many wondered ut Amos choice. What
did he want with city wife, fine lady
with her airs and graces2 Amos had
much better taken country lassie, who
knew what life on farm was, and could
take care Of the poultry, and understood
housekeeping, and could manage dairy.
Oh, of course he knew what he was about.
Hoped he wouldn't rue it in the end.


As many wondered at her choice. She,
who had lovers by the score, to accept
Amos Hillary, plain farmer-it was as
tonishing. The lovers troubled them
selves very little about what others
thought, but were wholly engrOssed with
each other.


Amos insisted that their marriage
should come off as soon as possible, and
Alice, at his earnest solicitation, named
an early day, and left Hillsdale.


Time passed rapidly, and in the lovely
month Of May, Amos brought his bride
home.


What futter her first appearance in
meeting caused What turning of
heads! What an eager scrutiny of the
young wife! No fault could be found
with her charming costume. Her dress
was of that soft, silvery tint so pleasing to
the eyes of the old Quaker dame, and
fitted to perfection the graceful form.
Her airy little white hat rested ligtly on
the golden hair, and gloves to match her
dress completed the simple, yet elegant
toilet.


Well might Amos be proud of the ra-
diant creature as she walked into that
quiet assembly, proudly conscious that
she was the observed of all observers.
After meeting, many came up to offer
congratulations; among the number
Ruth. She approached, and, in her
sweet, dignified way, congratulated them
on their marriage.


Many bridal parties were given the
happy pair, and Alice never wearied of
the round, and was always bright and
fascinating when surrounded by an adj
miring circle.


Amos declared he wished the festivities
at an end, that they might be allowed to
settle down quietly to the enjoyment of
each others society. But to his grief he
discovered that home life was anything
but pleasing to Alice. She craved the
admiration of many, and quiet evening
at home was utterly repugnant to her.


Too soon Amos realized that he had
made fatal mistake. Alice, bright but
terhy of fashion, was unsuited to be the
wife of plain farmer. She took no pains
to conceal her utter weariness Of the life
she led, and her husband found he had
married in haste, to repent at leisure.


Time passed. Whether our lives are
happy or no, the summers come, the sum
mers co." and on the anniversary of
their marriage little glitter came to
bless them"


Amos hoped that the ming Of their
child would make stronger and warmer
the bonds of love, that had grown
strangely cold. Vain hope! An unlov-
ing wife, careless, Indifferent mother
Happiness seemed to have fled from their
dwelling, never more to return.


This year, that brought sorrow and
care to Amos Hillary, brought only peace
and JOY to Ruth. She found happiness
in ministering to the comfort of others.
Always busy, always cheerful, with
loving smile and kind word for every
one, peace, sweet peace, came and brooded
in her heart; and, il she ever thought of