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Love's Awakening
First Love Is Not Always Best nor Is the Race Always to the Swift
Hiram Graham smiled as the last huge load of hay rolled into the barnyard, and the haymakers, young men and women, slid from atop the load, the girls protesting with many a giggling shriek that they never could jump, but suggesting that it was very easy when a pair of strong arms waited to clasp them as they landed.
It was Dave Allen who was first off the load to hold out his arms invitingly to Jewel Graham, but she paused a moment, and it was Jim Long who secured the plump prize and bore her away in triumph. Dave was only a farmer's son, while Jim was a clerk in a village drug store. He had been "keeping company " with Jewel for several years and Dave Allen's more quiet love making availed him nothing.
Perhaps it was those long summer days in the haying field, when Jim begged a week off to share the fun, that brought matters to a head, but it was not long after when Jim and Jewel sought Hiram Graham and Jim asked his approval of their engagement.
' ' I guess it 's all right if Jewel wants you," assented the shrewd old man with a kindly smile, "but don't you think, Jim, that you are wasting your time here? Doc Tanner told me the other day that a smart young fellow' like you ought to be able to make his way in the city. They pay better there, and I guess Jewel would rather wait until you can make a home for her in the city."
"I guess you're right," assented Jim, coloring with pride at the praise. ' ' I was thinking of that, and if Jewel will wait I'll try."
Hiram nodded and so it was decided that Jim should go to town. His employer recommended him to a city friend, and the Hopkinsville Banner in stilted praise congratulated the city upon such an important addition to its captains of industry.
But Jim made good for the most sanguine prophecies. He knew his business, and the patrons of the city store took a liking to the fresh-faced lad, whose manner was an odd blend of country freedom and city elegance. The young women, in particular, found many more errands calling them to Stephan's drug store, and Stephan smiled and raised Jim's salary.
He was not insensible to their flattery, and he responded readily to their flirtations, even tho he was faithful in thought to Jewel ; but while the others were content to let it remain a flirtation, Violet Ware had decided upon a conquest, and bet a box of chocolates with her chum that she would wring a proposal from Jim within three months.
Violet was a leader in the neighborhood and her very evident preference flattered Jim; but while he felt himself bound to Jewel, his resistance was breaking fast.
Stephan was willing to give him a few days off, and he wired Jewel that he would arrive on the evening train the following day. He felt that could
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