Love And Masonry.

himself caught , Avas very prompt in doing , and with a good bye to Ned , the young man called Harry took the old gentleman by the arm , and , after seating him comfortably , returned him his money , saying : — " Here is your pocket book , sir , Avhich came very near bidding you a long farewell . " " Well , I declare to goodness ! You don't say some NOAV Yorker picked my pocket and I didn't know it ? What will Becky say 1 Why , just as soon as I read that bi g

card about pickpockets I had my hand on my pocket , and I don ' t see how in the Avorld they got my money . But , young man , no one kin say old Isaac Greenleaf ever forgot one who was a friend in need , and here is an honest hand for any favour you may ask . What may your name be 1 I always Avant to knoAv Avhom I'm talking to . " At the mention of the old gentleman ' s name , the young man started in surprise , but recovered himself in time to reply .

" My name is Harry Preston , sir . You need not feel so deeply indebted to me . I did but my duty as all good Masons ought to do . " Harry Preston ! 'Pears to me I ' ve heard that name somewhere before . Well , it don't matter much about the name , there aint much in that anyhow . It ' s the man , and I Avish Ave had more just like you Avho did things on the square . Anybody Avould knoAV you Avas a Mason by the solid ring of your voice . What did you say you followed for a living ,

or do you just stand around in handy places helping foolish old Masons AVIIO aint got sense enough to help themselves ?" "Oh , no , Mr . Greenleaf , " laughed Harry , "I'm not quite so obliging as all that , I am an artist . " "A picture painter ! Well , now , I calculate you know a feller Avho comes doAvn to Beverly , that ' s our town , every once in a Avhile . His name is—well , I declare , Becky is right , my memory is leaving me , sure . But anyhoAV , he ' s dead sot after our Jennie , but

that's all the good it will do him . She is promised to a first rate man , right jining farms with mine . " "I might possibly be acquainted Avith the young man , if you could remember his name , " said Harry , Avith a very dejected look on his handsome face , " I am sorry for him , at least . And your daughter loves the young farmer , does she ?" " Well , I rather guess she don ' t . That ' s just Avhere the trouble comes in . He aint a young farmer , and Jennie likes the painter man best . I tell you , Ave had a hot time 'bout it . Why , she flew all to pieces for all the world like a touch-me-not . "

Harry s face cleared , as though a bright ray of sunshine had shot across his path , and his Avarm heart throbbed out the glad tidings that his darling Avas true as listed steel to him . He , in a very feAv words , stated to the old farmer that Beverly was his destination also , and Mr . Greenleaf cordially invited him to his home . For , as he said , " you might just as well taste my feread and butter , for you have saved for me Avhat will help me to more of the same sort . " Harry accepted the kind invitation , and then , in his own easy , graceful mannersought to entertain the old farmerand succeeded so admirablthat

, , y long before the old homestead came to VICAV , Greenleaf began to Avish Ebenezer Flint was more of a man and less of a money-bag than he was . Mrs . Greenleaf , in her clean gingham apron and snoAvy linen collar , stood with sweet little violet-eyed Jennie by her side , straining her old eyes to catch a glimpse of her husband , both forming a sunny home picture that would have gladdened the heart of any husband and father . . '' Here-he comes at last , child ! " cried Mrs . Greenleaf , a mingled feeling of relief and

joy in her voice , " and I declare he ' s bringing company . Run , Jennie , and see if that everlasting old cat aint curled up in the rocking chair again . Don ' t forget to shake the cushion up . " " Yes , mother , " answered Jennie , as she entered the Avide open door , but not before she had recognized the familiar form of her lover , and noAv with throbby pulse she stands listening for the first sound of that clear ringing voice that is so dear to her .

" Becky , " said the old farmer , this young man is Harry Preston , and I tell you he ' s bin a powerful si ght of help to me . Now , Avife , don ' t go to saying I told you so , ' for that always makes a man out of sorts , I'll give in , you was right for once anyhoAV . Where ' s Jennie ? "