A RICH REWARD. SEPTEMBER, 1886. S Rose Verner stood leaning thoughtfully against the gate which led into the orchard, her garden hat hung over her arm and the summer breeze lightly stirred the rippling curls which lay on her forehead; while the sun, just setting behind a great, golden bank of clouds, cast soft shadows across her face. But there were other and deeper shadows there, and a look almost of pain came into her eyes as she heard footsteps approaching, and a wellknown voice murmuring in her ear Ah, Rose; were you so impatient for my coming that you came so far to meet me? But wait, sweet, there are the bars between-" "Oh, Harry!" interrupted Rose, and though there was a smile on her lips there were tears in the bright eyes, "that is just the trouble." "Trouble, Rose! What do you mean?" And Harry March leaned forward to look into her face. She was silent, and Harry added"Remember what you promised last night! I have come to hear my fate, and you talk of trouble.' Don't you love me as you thought, Rose?" 'I love you dearly," Rose said softly; and one look into her eyes told her lover how truly she spoke. But father says-" She ceased as Mr. Verner, who had been in the carriage house, and so unavoidably had, overheard their words, came slowly toward them. There was a kindly gleam in his sharp, gray eyes, as he said NO. 9. Rose." Then turning to Harry he continued-"Do not be offended if an old man speaks plainly. I know you love my daughter; but what have you to offer in exchange for the good home she must leave if she becomes your wife? Your farm is mortgaged to the utmost; and, so far, you have done nothing to help it. Your father gave you the best of educations, but it has unmade you for a farmer, and has made nothing else of you but an idle, fine gentleman, that I can These are harsh words, I know; but your father was my best friend, and I cannot bear to see you stand idly by, while the home that he toiled for so hard see. "Don't be angry, Harry. There is no bar between our love. I will wait." He looked into her sweet, troubled face, and his better nature prevailed. "God bless you, darling," he said. "Your father is right. I have been idle and wickedly thoughtless; but that is past. Only have faith in me, and I will take down the bars between us. if life and health are spared." "Spoken like a man!" said Farmer Verner heartily. "There's my hand on it. And remember, dear boy, though I spoke harshly, you have no better friend." "I'm sure of that," said Harry. He is a true friend who speaks out frankly what he knows to be right. But I may see Rose, surely, while I'm working for her, mayn't I?" Rose must settle that," said Mr. Verner as he hurried away. He was a shrewd, careful man, who hated debts and despised an idler; who believed that what a man honestly earned he prized doubly; and who believed besides, that each young couple should have their own home in which to begin the new life to gether. If Harry disappointed his expectations, it was better to find it out before entrusting Rose to his keeping. Mr. Verner had never exactly approved of Harry's college education; but Mr. Marsh had always said before the week was over, took her to visit an aunt in Chicago, who had long been urging her niece's coming. Meanwhile, Harry was working with the strength of a young giant; with welldirected energy bending all his efforts in one direction.—the freeing of his home from the debt which hung over it like a heavy cloud. And now the knowledge acquired in long years of study came into play. Soon he came to be known as a "successful farmer. His crops were the best in the market; his cattle the strongest and healthiest. And by-and-by, articles, betraying deep thought and knowledge of the subjects treated, began to appear in the various agricultural journals. And it was not long before 'young Marsh's opinions" became authority for even older and more expe "It will not hurt my son. I believe that the day is surely coming when farming will be as much a profession, and as honorable, as any other calling, and farm-rienced men. ers will be regularly educated for their profession. Why, a man needs knowledge of chemistry and geology both, to understand the properties of the soil he tills." So Harry had been sent to the best schools, and to Harvard afterward; and his father had worked early and late to supply the expenses of his education. But troubles had come crowding one upon another; and, striving to bear the burden alone, Mr. Marsh had sunk under it; and, dying suddenly, left his affairs in dire confusion. Of course, Harry came home at once. Mr. Verner aided him in every way, and kind, motherly Mrs. Verner cared for him and made much of him. But it was Rose, his little playmate, grown now to sweet young maidenhood, who proved the consoler of his grief, and for whom the childish love of bygone days quickly grew into the deep, strong love of manhood. But six months had gone by, and Harry had as yet made no effort towards removing the debt on his home. And this day, when having told his love to Rose, he had come for her answer, Mr. Verner had spoken as we have seen. Talking the matter over that night with his wife, he decided that it was better for Rose to go away for a while. Till Harry proves what he is made of," said Mr. Verner. "If he fails, Rose will forget him sooner away from here." "Rose will never forget him," said Mrs. Verner, with a mother's loving insight into her child's heart. But she, too, thought it best that Rose should go; and, Harry's writings, besides the good they did to others, were a source of remuneration to himself; and great was his joy when the day came in which he could hold his head proudly erect among his neighbors, a free man, "owing no man anything." But something strange had helped to hasten that day. Three times he had received an envelope bearing the Chicago postmark, and enclosing each time $500 for payment of a just debt." At first Harry had suspected Mr. Verner of trying to help him in this way; but that gentleman's unfeigned surprise when shown the letters, proved his innocence. One lovely, happy summer day, Harry, going over to Mr. Verner's found Rose awaiting him. When the first rapturous greetings were over, he said— Why did not your last letter tell me you were coming, darling, that I might have had the joy of anticipation?" "Rose did not know herself that she was coming, laughed Mrs. Denton, who was there with her niece. But I saw how she was longing for the old home; so I just gave up being selfish, and we came at once. "How you've changed, dearie,” said old Mr. Verner, critically regarding the very elegant young lady before him; then glancing meaningly at Harry, who, with sunbrowned face and hands stood close beside her. But my heart has not changed," said Rose, who caught the glance and interpreted it aright. Then she turned toward Harry with such a loving, trusting look that he just opened his arms and took her straight to his honest, faithful heart. |
