Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 8, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 22 August 1874 — Page 6

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THE MAIL

PAPER

1:'

FOR THE PGON E.

WHICH 18 BEST*

Thl orld

lirk and dW? akeltto ... aright and etoerfttl, .keUso,

work)

Witt* W»-

Our

MS4

Meads a*» ©old and distant '*«.• ••",' 'Oat !!(§•»»•!:•. i. ins

Whene'er we trwrt them. 1*1 0i Orl

ltv« I dty

dark, •i%w, r*

Tt.

{Written for The Mali.]

"Sea-Weeds."

MBSI. xtrrnK noons JOAB.

[CONCl.VDKt).]

•gJSlfiJ"

Without another word or sign, Aylmer twrned and walked away. If h1m worlds bad t-yed h!m mffending til* girl.

Jier*

Bt» »it,

liad taught mtnt9»ls import -my troth: "All woeuen are not of the ainetype.1 In his vanity be had said in heartami said it so often, that fc beii.-v ei it—"Women are the mak oft ••••«, and there's no truth in them." But now for onoe, he foiled. Hohad applied the spur .he had been n«at td use with success*, and this git smiling at the prick, had actu

That bound two souls in harmony For three days Aylmer allowed this arrow to rankle and fester and kept aloof from his young hostess, who, woman like, forgave quickly, and him with gracious courtesy, but sfia mindful of the change. During these h»vs or self-banishment Aylmer took to rambling aboot the country, to taking walks tlmt taxed his strength and sent him wom-oatto bed. goaaetimps Miriam would send up his tray with the little message, "I know yon

art

tired,

don't take the trouble to eoi.i.' which never failed to sting him.' What business bad this girl always interpreting his secret mind.

Late the afternoon oi that long. Jong third dav he lfeanod over the wicket, worn and" cross, when the post-boy came bv on his tri-weekly visit. Aylmer received the bundle for the Cottage, and found several letters and papers for himself, and one letter for Miriam, endorsed in a bold masculioe hand. He ponder(1, while going towards the house, whether he should give it direct to Miriam or leave it on her desk. The latter plan he decided upon, "When he was confronted in the doorway by the little lady herself. saw vou receive the mall anything for us, sir in a very matter-of-fact tone.

mm.n.

That aisfa' Mter for^tou and he ,ve the fettor and jvatcljea to a &

fi*

."turning t« ,deep

it was For the super»cription,and uh, the deep. gladness, joy and peace that glowed in her face. "O, Mr. Aylmer—excuse me —I wonld read this alone." She lifted her shining pathetic eyes to his and tried to steady ner voice, bat the heart was too fulL its j©V rkipled through her words like thejufghtlngaia's trill in the twilight's first hush. An ugly little frown wriggled its length across Aylmer's nose as he passed her and went to his chamber (as he told hcr) tp wad hi* own mall.

"There's but one kind of a letter that will produce such a result as that—a

sr"Mlovi r,? Confound that girl! she is shy, isn't she? —flaunts her joy right under my very nose, (that wrinkle must have hurt a little just then). No wowter alio got so deuced huffy with me abt u! nothingshe was afraid to compromise herself —Ac was in the way, you know. I see it all now. lhey are ail alike, these women, after all—just one of two things: They either deceir or Aylmer sat in the wiuduvv, the before him, but If the damp sheet nan been a sent ::t thing it *u*ety. would have ahrickod like a steam engine under the firm crip of the hand that held it further it wonld have felt its uses perverted to have the above generous soliloquy dedicated to its money-market column. "Damn! such news! everything is drv a* bones in a furnace. Lett« i. in tl'.' :ii? I wonder how I siwuld f^l to .»love letter If it made as a fool of me as It does that girl, then,

Lord deliver me I Such ih*uffera,le letters as these!—but 111 show^ her how the land lies," and the whole rondie of documents went into his pdlckfRi like a champagne cork goes. to th# c^l* fng, with ajerk and a p*p. Abelltinklinjr somewhere'S in the lower regions served *s a period in these plcasafU eogItatlons to W» nln^r, gave a twlst rab^ ^-^ftt rna Ws fingers through his wrii nose Httle more and

Total aitonciplu

rest of the meal.

inkled his

The first thin-r h' w» cutting irtrawbero iiiirt ewe, Aorite dish.) "Vott sco I' wm«-:««utr voor likings." In a voice, ^wt. l\im his crimson be ?d plat« shoulder.

I his fk-

I am quit well,. t'*nk

"Iamquit nweu, nmw hapa, a little v««d,"eoWf jokU all in one.

Aylmer pushed tasted, excused aw mi ble and hoose-

hi-

T?Tr

JJj•

like a magpie, and Aunt Phyllis ealml IMening.

,i aloIW hor I).

the

it, he^ «a were tender and her the late sun cHffaaitd waed t' his M) ««m -iie shi 1 J1 a

for

She left her baskc* the«M aoi! p&m*«fKi her r.v .»* "',,r 4»e nt. I from Id hood to cd. •r

THESE IDLE TWD U..'.

woold have found (UfleelirY, and holding aside her skirts, she sloped quickly from iooi-bold to 01 her position was gained. Shedid not see a man stretched fmlupgUtui the shadowof a huge boulders Uttlo below her. He, however, had cau«bt tbe flut%«r of bar dress and wa« watching her. He saw her throw iwlde her tot and drop her chin up&n her palmaJn the ew aUitude of day dreaming. He saw the smile upon her lips and the glad brightness of ner eyes, and presently be saw a letter in her hands, wbwaat he ridsijd his heads liUh» higher and wrinkled his nose. He saw her cowr coine and go, as she read it, saw the smile set ber lips all trembling, until, he manifested no surprise, when she finally wised the dumb sheet to them and kissed it. Tery acorn

/T,Twos th« anile unon M* lim. a* he

She started violently—clutched it and thrust behind her, "O, Mr. Avlraer, bow you frightened mo I My letter? \'o«. it to interesting—oh, very interesting!"

I judged as much 1 saw you read it just now and hn it too," the cruel purpose in tM* ww numlAfltiu his tone awu look, but although, it caused a blush— tt was notihe guilty bh»h Ofsliatne, •ink"

graecfully

Very it imwt be very sweet, and the writer must be a deuced lucky fallow to merit such rewards." ,, Poor bov! lie is not at all ltietey** hoverAvat-^but h« merits alii can give nfl him md more."

Von think so what if he is deceiving Voti, Miss Miriam Miriam foil ttoaUmeof the serpent, aind ft sickened her. "Deceiving me!

HU1U1UK mo her graceful foot and kicked against it— had actually Btepr out tfc? tr-.np* ftn^-%xltbfL?*:if.luIr Ahia h«VS^ Ay de^ brother who in belter th&ifc,A«#5* Ala#

l**

frivolous word, a sharp retort, An arrow at random aped,. .. It has cat In twain the mystic tie

loves me better than his own soul—-de-

ceive me Oh, Mr. Aylmer, the thought is terrible." Your brotherwith an awful sneer, "How cither of your brothers can navigate Lake Superior and mail a letter at 'Los Angelos' is past my knowledge," it in

Miriam smiled .she #w the trouble at a glance, and spoke very softly,

You mistake this letter is neither from Hugh nor Jesse, it is from brother John."

Brot/ifr ifohrti who by all that's fcacred, knew yoit had a brother John I didn't," wonderfully crestfallen.

Of aourso you dkln't how could you since I never told yoti. Hut I will now if vou will sit here—poor, dear boy!"

So she told him of the brother who was a wanderer,—of his high spirit—and tried to speak softly of the unjust hard father heart, but Aylmer had seen enough of tnc old Captain to satisfy him. "It has been six long months since he left us, and this is the first we have heard from him. so you cannotwonder that I should kiss the sheet his dear hand has pressed Oh, my brother, my brother I" and two crystal tears Ri«de humid two un-English irids, and two other fearless eyes saw them gather and felt something more than a twinge of shame.

sceftofw

Mr. Aylmer, pray, do not speak of this. Father must not know of this letter—he would be angry if he knew I answered it, which I mean to do, tonight," with a little appealing gesture.

Miss Miriam, if you can trust modo so. I would suffer beforeTd betray you now. If I can serve you, let me/' appealingly. Again two tears gathered, and their import was known in the low. "Thank you, I will." Sile?«p fdrf space, then Aylmer laid severalf letter# on Miriam's lap. ,v

One not very dangerous, helpless as he has been most of the time I've known him but what is it to me,who you are?" with a mischievous side long glance.

A stare" Of blank amazement, then with heat. "Good Heavens! are you a woman and have no curiosity?"

A low laugh, "Plenty of it—my full share—but you have never aroused it. You were a suffering man when I first saw you, and I did not care who you were I've tried to do by you as I'd wish to be dono by." "Thank you if Is something to owe you mv life—I know II every hour—bnt since you care so little for my welfare, bevond the present I have, indeed, been bold to trouble yon with these. Let it and forget my boldness," yery,veiy over

flash. J—? No, no. Mr. Aylnwr, you do not understand. am ready and vHIling to read or Union to Hit ytra amy have to snr-but I meant was republican ii^h to respect yoti a» I already know

y0/klei«i!«

(W*||hes»5»«to#«ltt~

(treat honor: do not hwfease my debt so vastlv God knows It is large enough

Hnsh! nevrfr spettk Itift w«y again. Yon owe mtf hoAdn|t, unlesi I am a heathen. Who i* all Chrlstemlom wauld not do as much fct/o" "1 I will read these

BOW^^J*

iracter

late, I fear. Auntv. Jo, I did not think at alt Aiv! «o "AW area Friend anl hail from: -'9 mer." 14 W fwwkt Mow quaint yowr iwU.-r^

wiemti

mmmmm

yoo know?"

wamblod to his ibet and stole anui.d very strong fetters of enuree,w» Mill to her, Is your letter no very sweet and interesting then, Miss Miriam T" Her face was turned from him resting upon one hand, and in her lap lay the little tell tale missive.

S{be'

The The

I wL4h ypu ttt «sad them, Mlss Miriam."

I—read them—your letters?—why SO Becanse," smiling, "they are ftvy eredentials how do you know that you are not harboring a desperado?''

resd the let

ters severally and e^fuliy. cmo was a l.ivler, l.me letter, tells of a mother's ov a dear son's recovery. .The r® business documents, telling and business standing

'ixsrs

'thee' and 'thou' aountUj

-«ulemn !r pped the ptlmiti\*e

m, Itave wthe customs f© I lead makes it so,

Concern upon both ladies' ft®* ]4 w»y, I kno 1,

Miriam loo* nothing the ra. .t.\ I better take theba* -mvi thedMIfeand A —helUtosit fc: ?. y-a rhapsyo« I ®^»vly she

,., 'id^iit.* n* leading Win hw uded th cllfls, procured *»4

W«'T'l you lo-'k!' fi"" «u'~r' up ... r.' was !i:Hg ,, Miriam turn aw« .s •«(-*. MMMI »f alt .• :i

t--

inn Kiyiwjfijii *[—ir^^n^Tr^-Tr''i'r-'"t'"ri,i',w

Th^*" love I know, but woman has many outlet* tor her affection. You are Shy locks, every one of yoo, In your loving requiring the 'full tenor of your bond.' But changing the topic, shall we not take that long promised

Yes, and proud as you are they

broad sea-wolds In the crimson

Jn'tbebold merry mermen under the sea, hey would sue me and woo me, and natter

1110*

In the purple twilight* under the sen But the king of theiu all would carry me, Woo me, and win me, and innrry mo, In the branching Jaspers under the sea.'**

Aylmer looked with a sigh upon the beautiful glowing face beside him a sigh that youth and its raptures wore gone forever, but with tlio regret came the truth manhood's deeper, stronger hopes and desires was upon him, and as ho looked and listened the desire became a ftill fledged longing. "I am glad your wish is futllo—I am glad that snob of a merman is

deep down that he can

cet at vou. I am glad you are a verity ble human." The Avords were spoken in the careless tone of humor but there was in them, also, an under-current. Miriam laughed, and caught a spray of sea-weed drifting by.

Aylmer took it, shook out the water from its olive green fronds, twisted it into a garland, and dropped it upon her head.

To-night vou may, at least, wear the emblem of tfic doep, since I know I'vo got vou so securely in iny power, that you'daro not pelt ma with shells, nor upset the boat,1' ho said.

Miriam lookodathim slightly startled, half raised her hand to her head, then her long lashes fell low adown over her un-English eyes and she was silent. Perhaps, as once before, she caught the drift of this man's thoughts. When again she spoke it was upon a foreign topic. The shadows were deeply purplo when thev readied home. A half hour later Miriam stood before hor mirror, her li le black hair about her shoulre and licr hands a damp sea-weed .rland. I will keep it to romember bv w'itu 1^" la gone," she thought, half sadly and put it away among her treasured.

Two weeks have passed and to-mor-row Avlmer goes. He is strong and well now and lias no excuse for lingering. He and Miriam have gone down to the cliffs to take their farewell walk ^together. They sit in Miriam's favorite *iook and all about them is the glory of the sunset. "You win never know the pang it costs me to leave Cave Cottage, Miss Miriam. I wonder if you'll miss me much?" said Aylmer.

Miss you?—of course I shall mope fat- manya day with no one to quarrel 4vith," asserted Miriam with a little 'smile. "But vou will quite forget us in that busy world to which you are going —a month hence and wo will be as shadowy as Hamlet's ghost," she went on serio-comic.

You have great faith in my fidelity to friendship, I see," looking out to where lake and sky met.

Why didn't you say a week ago, it was apart of your creed to banish that which is unpleasant to remqmber Now no doubt you feel a littlo twinge of regret at leaving us, but, if you are true to yourself, you will get rid of it with all possible speed," slightly sarcastic. •rfiat wrinkle showed itself over Aylmer's nose, ho turned and laced Miriam with troubiod eyes.

Miriam Pyrnne, why will you mock at my purest, most sacred feelings how can you Judge me so cruelly, so harshly? Forget you! to whom I Owe my life, nav, more, my reverenco for Women? For I tell you plainly when I came here I had tidth in none of your sox, except my mother. But from you I have learned that one other, at least, is pure, and true, and loving. Now, I reason, if one is thus Inside the pale of klnfif&l others may be." He spoke hotly with tho flush of shame upon his cheek.

Miriam listened, white and trembling, There were tears in her eyes as she answered, "Ob, Mr. Aylmer, forgive me I did not mean it. I havo mow f«ltb in did but yoo than my'words implied—1 jMt." with lips all tremulous.

Aylmer pded. "I know you did but

jest, but yoti«m never know bow sorely It hart me—for, Miriam, to finish my «otifte»»ion,—you lutvc taught me another lemon voli have taught me my heart Is not fossilised, and I am say to vou what

ton if?.

never have «dd to woman,

.«... tnd dnated iSglHti: I ,r. i,: wah flowers for the ingon shlghdbalr twistliw

enw*k nroiind the !.•« 1#

?A""'

Kt'-ci) A\ S "U-'J untmx it yo* v-«rs t:« lit'in »«W vHi d'» tl^ t'•" --^2 xviir IK —Kl tver fij?)and I'd raEl"-r be a til?my iujn giant."

,r 'I hi'

flKVii.d words. It was that deepi»v«. «.f hkh there is no oemnterfolt. IK «!rnluvr» deepened, Mid still they mt 1 talked. Not in the dhtointed phrases of present passion, but In the hopeful spcech of fiiture joy. and allmi ndful of

calm mwalde. Tbe late the air wis dhill wb^thejMW|*ln paili

life's duties 6y tlie was up,

the wicket and

d9W» r»t '-:ie Isll his i-.k fi.u unMiy ?r In# off r," itho win *h Mlriaiii "YOU 7- r--^R

H-ATRFG'SA-TUHDAT.EVENLNFFL MAIL,[.

bow care-

love flowers," he seid, ee«|ng fully die lifted tbe kanros."Yes. I love them the/ form •beanliful liuk In my uneventftil life. I have always eared for them* Who eould help loving them?" and she softly moved a pendant biosaoea. •~I can I admire their beauty^ and fiagrance in the abstract, but »o 1 ymire ti«Tbeauty of a woman, or a cloud—lMjt for me to love raquiiw a responsive mling in that which I tow."

go.

go it happened that when the sun dipped "low down the wart,"they glided owrtli® cool, sea-green waters, In the little boat Miriam's brothers had given her. She waa as fearless upon the waters as a fish, and often coasted for miles by herself, but to-night there was a witchery in the air that to her

wit "•hf

hiiadowy valley. On the morrow, at tto turret window Aylmer stood with Miriam bwldahtm, h& arm abont her. They were watch* in# for the boat that was to ^wirsl-

They had been talking of —tjfi* |MMt peril. Wonld you mi the Ham asked Aylmer, in metn'raiM^.

ttor voj a

Miriam looked long Into the eyua of har lover, "I don't know but, dear aa you are, seema to qui I could soe you die better th«a do a cowardly, dishonorable thing, I could pot bw lo •ee yoti aham©IF-I could not btiar it. "My good angel, may your iafluence to over me always. May I always rernember tbe voice that called to me from the rocka. I

must

I shall

sent the blood

witchery in the air tier checks and the sparkle to her eye. I glory in this life 1 she

cried,

lifting

her head with a haughty defiant air, If you were only a mermaid, now, Miss Miriam," said Aylmer.

I wish I were, that I Gould live in the shadow of that sea-weed forever J— At night I would wander away, away, I would fling ou each side my low-Howing AmVughtly vault from my tnrone and play With the mermen In nnd out of the roclt*: AVe would run to and fro, and hhle and On

go nowj but darUng.

when the leaves are a little browner shall come again to claim my Pf nsyeyed wife. I wonder if she will get angry now, if I tell tor that so long as she Uvea her irids will be "jmrply-ilaci f"

Be that aa it may, ttoao "purplyblack" irids were very mlaty a few boura later when they espied a sea-weed garland and missed the hand that twined it. Years after a sturdy boy with fearless "purply-black" irids, also, eanted it and used it for a baiter for hto hobby-horse. Thus are the sentimentalities of life perverted. Perhaps, one day, good reader,

read your love-lettew and mock

at your tender gushing*—and jwof— you may stick your prying nose 1n my hidden treasures. Who knows?^ 4 .1' W

But to begin at tho beginning? Ja«o Lawrcnce had boon an unusually romantic girl. She had always fancied she would marry some famous artist or scholar, who would take her to Home or Venice, where she would live in a per-

Seautiful

etual dream of beauty. She so loved things! Perhaps all women do, and perhaps that is tho reason so many barter love for gold.

But contrary to.all preconceived notions, she married Kobcrt Thompson, a plain practical farmer, and instead of Italy she went to live at tho old homostead which had been the abode of the Thompsons for generations. And instead of lounging in elegant studios, or gliding down storied rivers in picturesque gondolas, she inado butter axid cheoao, and raised poultry, and cooked dinners in the long, low-ceilod kitchen for three or four great brown-handed, ravenous men. Quito a contrast, you will admit.

It she could have had things a little different, she wouldn't have minded the work so much. If she could have had soft carpets and tasteful turniture, and books and pictures and flowers. To be 8ure she had a little strip under the south windows, where a sweet-bnar crew,

and

What eould anv reasonable person ask for more than that? And for pictures, there was "From tlio (..'radio to the Grave," an allegorical picture painted in colors, with a descriptive couplet attending each particular stage of tho^ournrp, very

W"Tlt«y

kive

you, 1 lore y». Oh, Miriam, Miriam, with all my doubts and unworthlness, I ""AI^IIO hunger and thirst of a long famished sonl waa In his voice. lib cold, hard cynicism was dead, and the man freed from doubts and fears was crying In sore need. Miriam listened wfih low drooped head.

Eve, whatever may have beeh her Sin, vv.is never accused of selfishness. To »tm«i and share alike with Adam asemed her highest pleasure. Hearch out the hidden truth in this fiw*, if you can f/smbert Aylmer," she aaid, ralatngher «to his her eyea that shone i» only a woman's can shine, when her heart f* bofn that life, passing aweet, and tender and true antii death.

Mrs. Tane Thompson's 4? White Ware,

Mrs. Thompson stood by the kitchen table, paring potatoes for dinner. Ho nothing was e^iaently wrong with the little lady, for there was an unmistakable air of "apito" in the way she tossed the potatoes into the pan of cool spring water waiting to receive them. It was a sultry July day, and through the open windows came the sound ot mowers whetting their scythes, blendina with the call of the robin and tbe fainl notes of the cuckoo in the shaded wood. But it only Irritated Mrs. Thompson—indeed everything irritated her that day. Looking out from the back door one saw a lovely landscape, with broad reaches of meadsw land, fringed with graceful bolta of birch and softly bounded mountains lifting their velvefcy foreheads to the white, fleecy clouds, that went slowly sailing across tho exquisite other, like huge drifts of thistle-down. But this, also, irritated her, everything could be beautiful save her life und that was cool and rude and barren.

sweet-williams and marigolds

blossomed in their season. But they were so old-fashioned and she pined for the rare and elegant plants that she tod seen in conservatories and public gardens. But Robert, Thompson would as soon thought of buying the moon, as such useless things as flowers. And though his wife earned thorn a dozen times over, it never entered his heart that she did. Indeed, lie considered it a very liberal thing when he gave her twenty-five dollam fell and spring, to buy clothing, and wondered vaguely where it all went to and if she had not some hoarded away somewhere.

As to 1 woks there was on English reader which Father Thompson had when a boy and went to school in tho little red school ub on the "Pino Barrens." Besides, there was tho report of the board of education, laWs anu resolves, patent oflice report and a pile of Farmer's almanacs, for twenty-five years, bosidae any number of doouments unon tho best and most improved breed or cattle, the theory of under draining, rotation of crops, grass and foliago culture, etc.

Lov-

ere' PartIng/' whereln a very red-cheek-ed damselln puffed sleeves, short waist and verv low neck, dissolved in tto arms of lier parting swain.

Certainly Mrs. Kobert Thompson must have been very hard to please. But the particular matter of grievance on this particular dav was quite another thing. "The Kasterville sowing clrde and ladies' benevolent society'T waa to meet at the farm house the next Friday, and Mrs. Thompson had set her heart on a new set of white ware for the occasion, and that morning had broached the subject to her husband.

arc alt out of date to begin

with: and half of them are cracked or broken besides, there isn't where near enough to set the table. ««What's become of tho china mother used when she had company?"

It won't looked well on the table, Robert, with this mulberry, all cracked up as »i guess tto victual* will taste just as Wall out of 'em, anyway."

But we really need tlio dishes, Kobert. There has not been a diah bought since I came tore, twelve years ago, mwi

They'll do j«st as well for twelv rears to come. You wouldn't liavv thought of it it tod not been for tto sawing circle. If they can't come and eat out of such dlshea we've got they are welcome to stay away and to took down b* tot to go took to hi*

"ttoSfwere team In Mm. Thompaon'a eyes, but she crowded them bravely back, and tried hard to steady tHotrrmor In tor voice, as ato *aid, pl^dingly, "I)o give me the money to get them, &

Robert. Oroverhas gotapmertitf pretj. ty on«»~and cheap, too 1 can get ail I shall weed for four dollars,

Well, I guess drover1!! keejji cm for all me. I've got no four dollars to spare," turning to gfc^bot.

Way," looking oac* ifi-m the door. Jorum and IJCS and Hubbard will to ton dinner, and perhaps to supper. We ^»t to get ail toe iwuth tnoadowa down to-day, if we can. Grass stwit this y«ur, ttore sathlrd more than then*

lor, Ml Idea re-

t'jtry

MMMSSmi

distasteful by tor disappointment. She was both agrieved and angry. It was a little thing, pattons, botit is tha little things thai dolighi anaov.

Ii& looked vorv tore ami bomely to Jane Thompson tnat summer day. With all her love of eaa* andbeauty and symmetry, how rude and coarse and bard looked all tor sui loundtngs. It was only one long, monotonous round of homely toil, unrelieved by any of (to little aweetneaaea ami graces that might make every toil pleasant. She did not often think of it, but ato remembered that day, with tto faintest little stir of regret, that she might have been differently situated and as she looked up to tto pretty French cottage on tto bill, eubowered in a perfect forest of blossoming vines, and caught tto oool gleam of urn and fountain, something like a sigh trembled on her lipa—'Squire Burnham's wife don't have to tog for a paltry four dollars that ato might be able toV a tab^ O^cfttl,?." 4* thought bit-

And then, as one does when they feel grieved, she remembered a score of oth«r things, equally needful, and equally within tor moana which tod been as Cburliably refused. There waa tbo paxv lor carpet waa half cotton, ana faded and threadbare at that: and the pap^r had been on ever since she was a child, and was stained where it had leaked down last winter, and yet Robert aaid, "It's well enough for tto little we use it," and absolutely refbsed to get another. And so of a score of other things she remem beted as she tolled through all that long, sultry forenoon with an aching head and discouraged heart.

What did it matter to her that grass was heavy and butter up to forty cent* a .und? It only brought her more and erwork, and no recompense save her bare board and clothing. She eould earn more than that in any man's house.

Well, she had no business to marry Robert Thompson," she said, moodily, to herself, her slender wrists aching from beating over the "butter for Hubbard "everybody always said he was close and shrewd, and prophesied that he would bo rich some day—what did she care for riches, if they didn't do her any good—-didn't make her life any fairer or softer? She was not fitted to bo a former's wife—and yet she bad loved Robert Thompson !n She said that half savagely, as if she witt disgusted and angrv with herself for it'.

And yet Robert Thompson was not an unkind man—only thoughtless. He was a type of a very large class of menmore especially farmers—who do not feel in themselves the need of that which a woman's more cethestic nature demands. Absorbed in his stock, his crops, and his politics, he did not realize that his wife needed, and had aright to a few things that, to her peculiar organIsm, were as much needs of her being as the food she ate.

And sodn when the years ran on they grew further and further apart begetting more and more absorbed in gain, and growing more careless in looks and culture, ana more and less tender in regard to his wife's tastes or toils, while she grew bitter and despondent and irritable. ,•••:'

Robert Thompson waa besides, a little inclined to fault-finding, and not being at all of a Sensitive temperament himself he did not realize how keenly be wounded his wife and when, sometimes, she gave back a bitter retort, ho wondered what it was that had sourpd her disposition so, for he remembered she used to be called unusually swoet-tem-pered.

All through the long forenoon Mrs. Thompson had nursed her wrath. Kobert was selfish and unreasonable, and she did not care who knew it. "She would not havo the circle meet there, and set the table with that old-fashion-ed china, and that stained and cracked mulberry—no, not for twenty Robert Thompsons. The rooms were shabby and out of dato enough, mercy knewand her thoughts reverted to the pretty, tasteful homes of her friends, where slie had met on circle day.

Fifteen minutes before noon, and full that time before dinner would be ready —for they were usually a little behind, and Mr. Thompson alvrtiys wanted his dinner boiling hot—Mrs. Thompson saw four, tired, heated, hungry-looking men coming up through the orchard. Tho table was not set, and she hurried quick about it. Just then Frank and Charlie, ber two boys, came rushing in from the school, each shouting,"Mother,Mother," and each wanting something right off. She felt tired arid hurried, and out of temper, which was not helped by her husband's impatient—

Why isn't dinner ready I told you we were iu a hurry to-day. If 1 hadn't anything to do all tbe forenoon but get dinner, I'd try to do it before night.'*

A bitter retort sprang to her lips, but just then Charlie cried out: Oh, mother, mother, just look at my copy. I ain't going to write a, b, ab's„ any more I am going to write sentences just liko Frank. Just read it, mother. The teacher said I must get it by heart and always remember it.'

Mrs. Thompson glanced Up, laying the platfes aa aho read, A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grevious worda stir up anger/ It waa not that it was

MOW—she

mt.

What's tho matter of these dishes he asked, pointing to tho mulberty and white plates which Mrs, Thompson waa

liad read it a score of times—

but something in its appropriateness, that fell like a cool hand upon tor heated, ««I will have It ready in a moment, Robert,'ato said, quietly.

He looked up evidently to tod not expected just that reply, for If the trath must be told, he bad thought more than .. .. M# tit* MftllAU

once that forenoon of his wife's request not that he thought of granting it, wit that to expected that ato would, as termed it, sulk over it.'

I say, boys," ho said as they went into tto cool* north room to their dinner. It don't feel much tore as It did down in tto meadow, A woman has an easy time of it, they don't know what hot

Mm Ttotnpaon waited on tto table with a scarlet face, and did not reply but Hubbard gave Jones queer look out of the corner of his eyoa, a» he half glanced at her.

Why didn'f vott sct the bntter fn 1* glenl)OUt

pl"N^\vever

wBy

the

Hubbard want* aix

x., ex

^illllllSi

SSSSiiSISSI sp fi'Mfw &r~

place after all, flitted through his mind. He went ont towards tto barn tto aim I hot, but there waa, fre&T»e£ sring from tto south, and tto men gere lounging in tbe ahadow of th®

"I never pitied a Woman so in my life," Hubbard waa saying, "ahe works

"She'd never ought to married Bob Thonipoon,"replied Jones, "a delicate, iflwtfve Httle thing lik^hor. However, to wont make money ont of tot blood and bones many years. I never saw a woman rpn down so fast. She looks aa faded as the old house, that hasn't seen a drop of paint since old Grand&ttor Thompson had it fixed up for Ids seooud wife." "•Aunt Jennie used to like nice things so well! She'd belter have married *8qoire Bumham—4 wonder If she iant aoriy.M ...Waa sbe? The thought oame ruahing like a bolt of tin tlirourfi the heart ana brain of Robert Thompson. She might have married Born ham, he Jgnew. And he remembered how proud to tod toon

take ci^ of hia invalid

mother. And how tfnderiv she had done it, too! Ho oould bear it no longer. He stol$ noiselessly away from tto unconscious talker^ and started at a quick pace down the street. "I've brought down that ware, Mr*. Thompson," said the brisk voice of (irover, springing to the ground, and lifting a large basket carefully from the wagon. "I didn't order them, Mr, Grover,* she gasped in a frightened voice. I only said perhaps. I—" *Hb, it's all right. Mr. Thompson came up this noon and ordered them. I thought you didn't send hiiu, for he didn't neein to kuow what he wanted, only he gave me ten dollars and told mo tobrlng what was necessary. I havo brought you a tea and dinner set, including three dozen plates. If there is anything yon don't like* I'll take it ag?in and make it all right,"

Oh, I shall liko them, know,"1 she said, trying hard to control her voice, Well, fll leave the basket, and Rob^ ert can bring It up some time," to takl springing up into the wagou and*driviiigofl*.

Then Jane Thompson sat down on the floor by the basket of crockery .and cried as If her heart would break. They were magical tears, too, for thoy washed all the weariness and despair from her eyes and heart. She forget that she. was tired or that tho. day was hot, but went to unpacking and washing her new treasures, singing softly to herself all the while. Bne put some nice, clean paperson tto shelves, and then she folded' Home and cut them in scallops, and put thein over the edges, and tnen she arralnged tor beautiful ware with drooping sprays of convolvulus and foschlas, standing off every few moments to admire It. I doubt'if Mrs. 'Squire Burnham was ever so entirely happy in. her life.

She hat! got it all arranged,'anT stood in the pantry door, with a bright, happy smile in her eyes and on tor Hps, when a voice—it wits a trifle kuskt—wrtd, dose beside her

What is it, Jennie?" (ho used to call tor that in old days, before hardness or indiflbrendecamebetween them).

Oh, Robert!" taking a step towftVd him. He opened his arms and drew her close to his heart, kissing lier as fondly and tenderly as he ever did in their days of courtship.

I iiave been a brute, little wife," ho' whispered huskily. Can you ever forgive ffle?" "iForgive you? fO, Robert! -I

never

was so happy in/ all uiy liltea! Iniave' been to blame, too I haven't—" Yes, you have! he interrupted. "You navie been an angel cornparcu with me. I'vo made a slave of you? "you shan't work so anymore. Jones' Laura is coming up to-morrow, to help you till after haying, ahd then I'll make irmaxient arrangement." tobert, I can get along now I feel as light as a bird. "And vou are, almost," he said, smiling sadlv into her eager lace. "No, I am able'to hire someone to help yon and I am going to. And. by tto way, I saw Leeds this noon. It{sa dull time, just now, and so I thought I'd glvo the poor fellow a job." "Oh, Robert! You ain't going to—"

ne per O, Rc

Ain't I? he said, teasingiy, laughing at her enthusiasm. Are you really. Robert—rpally going to haVe the old house painted

,4Eveiy

stove? you nilght a* wcll. I don 3eUght being to repeat the words of vissers-by in mockery. I once saw hree old wotrten thus voluntarily starv

lieve in*having tto butter like this, if »t was warm weather," he growled. I took it ont of tto cellar when yon came In *, but I will go down and get some, if yon think Td bettsr, wsw toe

mlnd. Well, I declare!

Why didn't you boil this mr^t lt's hard as a rock. Not m«ch Uto ttot I had at your house, Hnbtoi^ jonr wife knows how to cook a dinner ttot la fit for a king." ....

I tricti to have It nice, Robert,** Mrs. Thompson aaid, straggling hard to choke down arising*b, as well a# an sngiy

men did not speak, ahd Mr.

Thompsnn finished Ms dinner with a thougutful face. By-and-by to grew to watching his wife's face: there was something in It that to could not understand. lie looked down at the multor-

Sand

white—it did look old and

itgy Iteside tto snowy table-clot b—to

butter jot^-don"t *ftrgct wondered he had never' n*iced it toI ^d wittTthpse wo^ls fore. Ho went ont into the kltchenitoot h!a wife to Ilong I how 1 wre ai tto red davr in England, •l.iy'k^ori^ diriunted a«a«ad* idaa ttotU *aaa tancfc

square inch of board, Jennie,

Inside and out. And when you get over the summer's work, yon can

among

looking up something to brighten up the old place a little." ti ». ""Robert!" "What?"

I want to tell yon something—you won't lie angry *. Well, to-day—it was wrong, I know, bnt I felt so discouraged—I almost wished I had married 'fequire Burnbum but now, O, Robert! I wouldn't marry him for fifty French cottages!»

For answer he stooped and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

AFRAID OF BECOMING WITCHES. [Major Powell.] The life of an Indian maiden is blitho and merry for a few years, but when sbo becomes a wife she Is soon broken down with tto nains of motherhood and tto heavy labors which fall to her lot, and she soon becomes wrinkled, garrulous, cross, scolding, in fact an old hag. Of course such hags are not pleasant company in camp, and in the belief of tto Numa such old hags grow uglier and meaner until they dry up and whirlwinds carry them away, when ttoy are transformed into witches and lest such a fate should befall old women, they are taught that it is their duty to die when they are no longer needed, and If thoy do not di« by natural means in reasonable time, they must commit suicide. This thev seem very willing to do rather than to meet that terrible fata of being

Ing themselves. I rode to what was almost a desert camp, the three old women only remaining, sitting by the fire and intently gazing into tto embers. Thev seemed to heed not my approach, but "sat there mumbling and groaning until ttoy rose, each dragging up her weight with a staff, and then they j°jn«d In a sidewise, shtilli ng, tottering, dance around the fire, their staffs, and singing a dolcfiri song, having finished which, ttoy ^t again mi their heels and ga*daga^»«£ ge.fir£ and I rode away. On coming into tne new

camp

of tto tribe tbe next day, and

inquiring of

Cbui-at~an-um

THK elephant, like the whaTe,!s

hriti

pwk, th^r

chief why those women were left behind what they ww doing, I waa inftuWed thev liad determined to comthey rfionld b« transformed into witctoa.

J^f?

out. In India he Is toeomiug almost as

•1-n

«v~