Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 36, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 4 March 1876 — Page 2

:»3

THE MAIL

•1A,PAPER

PKOPLE.

FOK THE

IKRRJCHAUTE, MARCH 4, 187CL

-ty AFTER YEARS.

-Where once we walked together, t-wiwg I walked aKMlii to-day, And a uiatlwwy form bt siili- wis

Went with me all the way 3$'A hand ihat

wtw

white ami slewh

liuld mine In oltwe embrace, And eye* t^at were true and tender t*i* Were lifted to my Inc.'.

Yei mine were the on*/ footatrps That rustled iu the havtrf, ~tFor the other form wa« airy

AM the mints the twilight weavta, HAnd never word wn* spoken, And never a

.""Ofa time when tho summer MITIW Empurpled all the land, (And adown the shady vidian

We wandered, hand la ha»«. .With never a thought-of sorrow

As

:i

And never a dream of fears. Ah! little we guessed the bunion Of all the coming years Or that.overtbe mystic river,

3*f

I should stretch my empty hands, And only the waves would answer..

thej»whispered to the sands. But at last, from out tho silence, 1 have now a sweet reply .. When the sunset gold and crimson

-f

Fades from ut the western sky, Then a presence walks Ixsdde me. And a voice within my heart Murmurs: "They who love so truly

Even that river cannot |art."

The Black Wafei

IL\ MUKAT 1IAI.ST1.M1.

Sturdy oaks stretched their great, rough arms HO near our old school house that tho winds of autumn often brought showers of purple aoorns on its roof. .. A quaint, rude structure was that house, and it stood alone in the silence '"of the woods. No human habitation was visible from its windows: there were only the solemn trees darkening around, and the mossy and stained, iacragcy and gnarled branches rising against the sky gloomily. ,.-s It was built'of huge, "half-hewn logs, p^and the rool was of clap-boards, un shaven. Exactly in the centre rose a ..-^lender brick chimney, whieh I rememj^ber to have been baldly battered by in'K^umerable missiles, hurled by audacious Sf ^boys. 1 he door wan fastened by a stout ^-:$wooden latch, which was lifted from the outside by pulling a leather string, at tbo end or which a knot was firmly titled, that children'? fingers might not slip off when greased.

As tbe image of that rudo temple of the wilderness rises vividly in my memory. a sentiment almost of mournfUl veneration steals over mo.

Near the closo of a day in winter, through all the hours of which the snow had fallen fast, the clouds broke away In the west, and the level beams of the departing sun glittered over the white landscape with dazzling splendor. On looking westward from the school house, the spect*cle presented was one of gorgeous beauty. Kvery forest bouab was laden with the fair}' Hakes and the broad radiance of the sun streaming through filled the air with countless tiny rainbows—or, perhaps, a cloud ot rainbow dust.

There was a trampling and a buzz in the lonely bouse—a hum at of a hornet'H nest, when It is roughly shaken, and its inmates aro mustering for war. The door opened, and into the snow, with a merry shout, tnmblod a score of boys. Some rolled in the white, soft bed ot fragile frost gems, and yelling most vehemently, tugged at each other like good natured young dogs. Xu miters isealously scoured one another's countenances, "till noses and cheeks were red as the hlwd steeped visage of Mara. On the outskirts of the crowd of combatants were a few nimble fellows, witli faces like comets, who pelted the ones in the oentre with an incessant shower of snow balls. As the girl.s emerged from tho house, they were greeted by a thick volley of snowy bombshells. Tho majority of thom took to fight at once but two or throe sturdv damsels, in thick soled shoes and quilted bonnets, stood ap manfully for woman's rights, ami washed the faces of several male belligerents with more vigor than ceremony. Just as the Amazons were on the point of bein* overpowered by sheer force of numbers, the "biggest boy in school'" took their part and, after a sharp con fllct, tho young rascals who had dared to ladies wero discomfited.

This triumph, however, coat tho "biggest boy" a black eye—one of tho assail ants having contrived to give him a ••oentre shot," with a ball that he had soaked in a puddle, and bad taken much pains to make hard.

Never mind," aald Dollle Darling, a plump, rosy, romp of a creature, to the wounded "big boy," whose face elonga led as his aye swelled, and bis sight gr*w dim "never mind, I'll cure it for you—poor eve let me kiss It," (a little r*»l pathos in her voioe as she saw the and situation of her defender.) And she aotuallv was so affectionate, mischiev•wi or proanmptuou* as to press a tender klsa near the bhiisad part. The remedy bad an immediate ana wonderful effect. The "'big boy" forgot his pain, caught Dollln In his arms* and, after a persever log content, in which he «nffered various I InouUitions—euch a« having his hair I pulled an 1 face scratcht*!—sucoeedod in I ltlM»i'ig her jmuting Hp\

About this time, one of the small boys. beluf£-»truek on the bead with ft hanl ball, e^t up a doleful cry, which caused the teacher to look out and bid tho truants ha*len to thoir homes.

While the tnmult vn at IN height, two of the school children quietly left in company. One was a slender, matfnetlcalfy beautlftil girl, of perhaps nfteen summers, and tho other a bey 4 who would rather have been cailod a vonng mao,) abaut three vcars older. The yonitgman (we will gratify the poor fellow, as it coats a*hing,) w&fc

loog iiwgod pair substantial toot*, with wktah be acraped and tramp?* a tolerable path. That tfcls was a labor of tare would not have requlml the sham«Bl«eruiinr nor the shrewdeat ftiietysi*

yoii ueod not take so maoh

ptina in makln well enough whose daintr fttt imprinta in the br**d twwka of bwcom-

hellere It nowt TUM «a.H DnhlMtHt k*

ytppfr look as If'you wiahed to soeiteobedj Pj

*l5SilJj,yat thta remarki meelaurlv. that Bob Jonos sMold dare writ* letter* to berl All at once h«» n!4 ~-m If talking to himself: «1# I dosvt puneh H«h*e big white •¥JM h'ack for htm then it's euriui

fellow? Whv, that's almost mean. Poor Bob! What is the reason n?»»*y not write to in*. If be chooses, without having his eyes blacked I"

TMohanl'anitlv. ni)lV WM smile—

A high rail fetwe

1

further

the

whimper heard, •$.

But a thrill, like a strain of music, Through all my belli* stirred .. flAnd down In ray heart, an echM

1

Went singing to uud nt. And the words It limit lied had In theip

tone «f the Louj? A«o—

side, and *tood ready to assist

fair

Julio,

flhfe

top

rail,

dread

nimbly reached the

and the treacherous thing turn­

ing at the Instant, she WHS precipitated into tho oagerlv extended arms of Richard, who considerately clasped her form ni re o'.ost ly and reverently, ]erhap», than the necessities of thecasa Ueinsuded. 8he lau«he«l t.cwitehlni.ly, and he was

full toil) ptt-d not to relax li

liokl. llow ho wish-d that a thousand fences were to climb, and that every top rail would contrivo to turn at the proper time.

Presently Julia's younger brothers and-sisters'came along at the top of their speed—cloaks undcomfoit* tluttering, and flaxen locks streaming on the wind. When the wild creatures overtook their sister, tho excitement was over,^ and they had nothing to do but pull* like very porpoises. At turn in tho path, an unpretending' fanner's house, with the usual outworks-barn, crib and shed —were visible.

Only look there—there's a sleigh at our

bouse—somebody's

Of coiirso, sho ohjiH toil ait fir^t to tho arrangement, but was not hard to pera

Soon she was with her uncle in the sleigh, dashing «ff in lino stylo to the tinklo of merry bells.

Uncle Charles" was a haughty-look-ing middle-uued man. Ilo did not deign to turn his head toward the humble youth who was patiently milking the cows. Hut tliore was a young face by his side, delicate in outline, yet bloom ing and rounded with perfect health, that turned with sparkling eyes and a confidential tenderness tcrthe poor boy, making his heart to flutter with an indefinable but great joy. In a few moments the sleigh was out of sight round a curve of tbe^ road, and the rippling music of tho jocund bells diod dreamily awav.

Richard hastened to got through

witli his work tor tbo evening—a long, bitingly cold night was fast coming on

pleasure—ay,

his brow wrinkled thought. lie sat for a Into the fire.

to bo mossed

jw.had s0lWy Sri ft so over

lt-and settlepn oach rail until It looked like a nerfo*wbflp wall. A few heavy app!icitlonAr Jack's itfota displaced the greater portion of the snow, and his coarse coat sleove to sorapft away the remainder. In a moment ho was on the

come," shouted

a chubby, wavy haired, cine year-old boy, of tho rear guard. ltichard looked momently blikk and sad then be said: "I know the horses from here it is your l.'nclo Charles. I rockon he is going to give you a sleigh ride."

When tbey drew near the house, Julta asked Richard if bo would hurry and

bring

up the cattle, that she might get through with hor evening's work speedilv, and not cause her uncle to wait long, iii case he wished to take her out. Dick (we call him so by way of variety) started after tho refractory kine through a dismal stock fieltS.

By the time be reached the cow-yard with its proper occupants, Julia was there with her pail. "I'm going." said she, and her look was well pleased.

There, give me tho puil. and I will do the milking in your place," said the gallant Richard "go, and away."

5

II. ,*,7 4

I vRichard was a "bound bov.'J Ilis mavter was Mr. John C.ennet, the father of the enchanting Julia. When he arrived at the age of twenty-ono years, he was to be the owner of a good horse, with suitable caparisons—a full suit of "Sunday clothes," and twentyfive dollars cash. With this property he was to commence the "war of the manv with one." At the opening date of our story, lie was in his nineteentij year, and it'ciincd to bo ambitious. Ho was taking the last quarter of the year's schooling mentioned in his indentures, and had some expectation of getting through the arithmetic.

Mr. (ienuet had alwaj'.s treated him well, even to kindness, and it Avas not without hopo that he loved Julla. Feeling life and strength strong and asplr'it not im-

ing within him, he deemed possible that lie might, within a few years of his majority, find himself in a bit nation, IH tho natno of love, to de mand her hand. Her parents were not wealthy, and «bo bad inanv brothers and sisters, Consequently, the gulf between them was not impassable.

Two or threo years ago she had con fessed her love for him—it was a childish love, of course.

Tho question now arose, was It nothing more? And to that question, facts would not return an answor, nor would pbilosophv.

When Dick's evening work was done, be Joined the circle around the Are. A small basket full of plump, brightcheeked apples, were brought from the cellar bv one of the children, and a pitcher of excellent cider was warmed on tbe hearth. The conversation, as the applee disappeared from tbe basket, and the ddor from the pitcher, *as#free and cbaerfttl.

Dick was rather thoughtful. There was a sum in "compound interest" that bad sorely puzzled him during tbe day, and it would not quit entering his mind and tangling his skeins of thought, even by the quiet fire. And from this stubborn problem his thoughti would stray after a sleigh drawn by a pair of fiery black hordes, that bad lnrn« tbe flower of the household aw«y on an excursion of

to join in a dance,

lie did not like the haughty Charles/' The children wore merrily chattering over tho apples and the "old folks' having each taken a coxy corner, and filled a cop with warm cider to tbe brim, were drowsily exchanging common*

6lings.remarks

•agbtitfetobel •tore tfee otter*.

—Itf* the rmw1

uO,dear

•Uncle

lace about common-place

The conversation rambled on, and Dick had not followed Its sinuosities at all, when his attention was eoddenly excited to intensity, by hearing the old lady *&v: **'ItWery good in brother Charles, but somehow, dont Jnat see how alia mu be spared. It would seem lonesome wlthout^er,"

Tat. J*ne won't yon ov«r tmlt athinkingthatwayf lfortClHtrle#, lie wants to do a ftw fco u»-he^ got a plenty money to do It, and all that. Why idjonld we object and go to raising a eifty tilt" ..

Wru, w»tL Jons I ka»« mjfmn faultsand waya of being w»k, and mtr ffcinn'MJ tiutldothink Charlescaftt or won't do *t by all oar children, he m+obf

AU&ntiUeeefcotiid bo

dont think so. If the

r*n to* pat4* Am way of gettla* good edaaettoa, eha mast jpt )t—tb*»V*U end Uaeuw® will do the best we

WB

me! TVm 1 know we'll

thins be* bad. How nan I get along without her. I wonder The corner of Dick's mouth Ml to an

Then he aroee and lefVtbe house. The wind waa screeching over the white doad fields, f»d groaning among the spectral trees. The anow toad been Inclined to melt wbon it feil, btilr now it waa crusted with «thin layer Of perfect ice that crackled bharply beneath the feet. His brow was hot, and tbo keen vigor of the blast was grateful in its vigor. The eudden idea that Julia would go away and become a fine lady, and be lost to him forever, struck him like a weight ot lead.

Could she e^er again be loved *0 well? .... Must she speed from his reaeh like a bird on bright winga soaring?

Tho sky waa clear, blue and deep Scattered along the horizon, a few wan clouds were hovering, nnd o«e, vast, pale and ghostfJv was on high, rushing past the stars, 'it bore a striking resemblance to a ghostly human figure, pros trato and with outstretched

lesi striving to clasp an object that taun'tinpiv floated just in advance. This ohjeot wait by turns a sceptre and crown, and a golden goblet a fleece of gold a death's head and cross-bones formless mist—nothingness.

Returning to the fireside, he found tho old po plo again engaged in dis cupsing Julia's prospects. How he wished to take sides with the old lady Could tho dear girl bo kappy without him?

Could she? Even as the thought pass od his mind, she was hapny in the bewitching dano?—floating like a vision of poetry on tho sweet waves of music and she had not even a wandering thought of him. ...

That Infernal "Uncle Charles" had al ready lifted her beyond tho sphere that was fitted for poor Dick!

When she returned that night the clock wa« almost on the strike of 2, Dick had the prrsumption to bo waiting for her. He had kept the tire well replenished, and its red light glimmering around tho apartment teemed to smile a welcome cheerily. "Uncle Charles" stepped in along with his niece, and as it was very cold, ko concluded to stay till morning, and asked Dick to take care of his hor*e«.

Had our hero suspected such a dismal job for his pains in keeping up the lire and snoozing before it, he would have been in bed snugpnough. But ho made a requisition on his philosophy and fortitude, and did as requested. Ho had been anticipating a fine chat with Julia, as she warmed by tho lite, but that was all over now when lie returned from taking care of the horses she had retired —so had "Undo Charles.

Then lie heaped ashes on the li*rce g]owiug coals and sought his rest. That night gaunt phantoms of disap poiutment haunted him in dreams.

The ripe grapes of joy that in vicb clusters had hung near his lip were snatched un tasted away.

l.ikc birds on rapid wings, a few days swept by: it was determined that Julia should certainly go to a boarding school.

Then "Uncle Charles" came in his car riage and bore her away. Dick swung back the gate that oponed on the turn pike, for the carriage that contained his lost treasure, and as it passed, it almost seemed to him that the wheels bad rolled over his naked heart.

Julia, looking through the glass at the side of the carriage, said "good bve"—it was a mockery.

Dick had not had tho courage to speiik to her as he wished, and now she was gone. H« felt that a wide, cold, and angry stream swept sullenly between their destinies—that stream was the World. Modest to a fault, he reckoned himself below his true value. That by any possible turn of fortune, be might ever associate witli persons of education and refinement, that he could be a fit mate for tho new peerless Julia, when rare accomplishments, befitting and adorning her nature, bad placed hor high among the gay and the grand seemed to him as absurd to love a star, and sigh for wings thatvhe might gather its rays of glory.

Julia was not one of those immaculate persons (found oftenest in novels,) who cling to first lovo with de it bless tenacity. The school to which she was sent was an aristocratic affair in the vicinity rf great city. Many of tho gay, proudly beautiful, and fashionably educated girls of the citv, were students there, and it was in their society that "Uncle Charles" wished his pet to move. With this view, be spared no expense for appearance's sake.

Her rare beauty and natural refine rnent, combined with her display of wealth, won »he regard of the belles from the city. "Uncle Charles" frequently visited her, and was delighted at the rapid development of her pride and graces, ller first vacation was spent in the city, where tho bloom and sweetness of her exquisite beauty at tracted much attontion.

Richard lost his ambition to pet through the arithmetio. The inspiration thRt had strung hifl nerves for warfare with difficulties had gone tbe fireside clrclq lost its charm.

A solemnity gathered on tbe brow of the father anrt the smile of the mother was often sad their first born, the in carnation of their brightest hopes and sweetest dreams had tied.

When spring time camo Dick labored In the fields, guiding the sturdy plow through the dark soil. Tbe circling hills were green with the new leaves that ban tiered the wilderness,

TERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.

& painful

nuns,

hope

I

their

crests—bright with eternal purity was tbe sky, and gorgeous tbe purple doad* that swam Inltsfar doeps and the em orald tinted plain was crossed by rivu lets that sparkled like akeini of silver. On the air was tho fraaranoe of blossoming orchards and tbo sleepy hum of ltees, blended with the song* of birds. Tbe meadows were sown with dandeloirs, and tbe dim wo ids, flowered with tals of snow, and hearts of gold, tempted tho wild bee and the humming bird

But for those things Dick cafed vwy little* It wss not fun to hold plow all day long, stumbling after it over the clods. The wheat fields were green with a rich harvest promises-be looked at them, and thought of tho atera toil that must be endured when tbe summer's sun hid ripened thorn, fn bis melancholy houra, be would have pres tarred that theaky should be black and scowling, tbe trees blasted sud batten, the streams Inky and the bloasouis bHghted. The beet afltections of nil heart beiag checked lb tttetr Am oufr gnablng, flowed back upon their fou|»r tain—waters of bitterness.

When Julia visited her parent* she treated hltn with an air of conscious superiority that wottnded and atung hi tit mora titan tbe most perfect neglect could have dotwt but he wma always glad to see her oome, (or her presence was sunsfrV»f/P ber frmiljy^

"IV.

horse saddled.and bridled—a suit of g.wd ojotbee ana twenty-fire dollars. Such

I* an Inventory of mcbartT* prop-

ty-flrat birthday, he left the aoenes of his youth forever. Mr. Gennet had offered him good wagea to remain but afiar through a dim new, he beheld golden mountains looming. It Was his resolve to accnmu• lata a fortune beforo the glory of youth had fled—then he would study until MB brain Crisped hi his skull, but all that scienpe and all that art could give should

Anu thMHMab, then, he would stand upon cnS**mo)ntain peaka with Julia herself, and look down in pity—aye. acorn—upon the groveling multitude of ,nfn-

AnibHipn. at first crushed by«disapp*nntnrlent, had arisen in its might and overshadowed reason itself. ....

A year had wheeled away on Time's eternal march, and yet no word from the wanderer, when a letter with a black wafer rf acbed Julia. Its postmark was indecipherable, and the mysterious and dismal mark of death that it bcre invested it with an awful charm.

She hesited to open it, but after takiug it often in her hands with that purpose, at last broko the dark seal. A scalo of rough gold foil to tbe floor.

Tl letter was from California. It told her that Richard White had died in tho mines, and that bo requested that his last words, with a &eale of gold to form a plain ring bo sent^ier.

Hut the last words she could not lead. The black wafer had been placed over them, and In opening tbe let-tor'tbey were destroyed.

She looked back over the past, mournfully now, and a sorrow so bitter that it forbade tears settled in her bosom.

Soon after this a slender hoop of gold circled her ring finger. It was significant, not of love and hope, but of something priceless cast away.

Did refinement and intellectuality, and onlarged views of tbo world, add to her happiness? Who now was to make smooth ber path through the frozen and desolate places of life?

The light of experience shines only on the past. How like tbe slab of a tomb, crushing us into darkness, is that cruel word—too late.

The dead past will not bury its dead.

Kitty, Graves' Lesson.

I don't caro a straw what Fred Marston thinks," said Kitty Graves, with a ro«s of IKM pretty head.

uYou

girls are

making fools of"yourselves about him. Ho is just what he looks, a brainless fop, without a thought beyond his glossy shirt front or elegant dress suit. I do detest such namby-pamby creatures!"

Kitty 1 Kittv!" said Grace Barnard, tapping her lingers reproachfully with her fan. "Aren't you ashamed of your self?" I'm sure everybody elso thinks he is perfectly splendid." "Oh, of course," retorted Kitty, "You

§id

»j6i

III.

irls think anybody is perfectly splen who dresses well and has money enough. Thank heaven, my aspira itions soar higher than a traveled coxcomb grace's intended rejoinder was lo3t in a start of surprise, for there, right before them, stood tbe person they had been discussing.

Excuse mc, ladies," be said with a dignified bow," I havo coughed several times but Miss Graves was so intent upon uncovering defects which hor charity could not bide that, she utterly ignored my attempts to be hoard."

Kitty flushed scarlet. He could be sarcastic, she felt, even it' he was without brains, and the delicacy of his retort cut deeply. But with a irue wo manly desire to have the last word, she answered:

It made very little difleronco, Mr. Marston. I am conscientiously averse to backbiting of any kind, so your appearance does away with tho necessity of my repeating ray words." "Oh, Mr. Marston!" interrupted (i race, who fancied she saw a splendid opnoitunity for making an impression. "Kitty is very hasty, and often indulges in such talk without meaning half what she sa\\s. Please don't think sha was in earnest."

Kitty, who fathomed ber intentions, cast a scornful glance at her, but any reply she intended making was anticipated by Mr. Marston.

Tnd#ed, Miss Barnard," said bo with a half incredulous smile, "1 havo too high an opinion of Miss Graves's sin ceritv to think your suriniso correct, (food morning." And with a courtly bow ho walked-away.

Kitty Was surprised to find him not only roady at repartee, but also master of himself. With a little pang for her hastiness, she strove by taking a long walk to drive tho remembrance of tho unpleasant conretemps from her mind.

Graco Barnard, her cousin, was a fair specimen of that very largo class of voung ladles'who aro always captivated by ah eligiblo masculine. Kitty she looked upou as a formidable rival, but this little affair at once put all fears of herasi^e. Of course, after what had happened. Kitty stood no obance. Hor intenso satisfaction in regard to the affair she found Impossible to keep to herself, and 40 imparted, in confidence, of course, the whole etory. with auch additions as her lively imagination could Irtvent, to hall' a dozon of ber Intimate friends. Before the next night everyiwdy knew it, and was talking about it, the girls ot tho neighborhood—most of thom—rejoicing over Kitty's discomfiture.

That week a grand ball wa-«tobegiven In Mayville, and »»tl agreed that after what had happened, Kitty would hardly think of going, especially as Fred Marston waa to oe present. But Kitty defiantly determined to be present. 80, after an unusually elaborate toilet, she appoared in tho ball roam. There was no mistaking tbe mysterious smiles and whispers, which greeted ber ontrance, but, although tho flush on her choek doepened a little, no other sign of em barrassment was perceptible. A wall flower, who bad been delegated by an envloua clique, to sympathise with ber and make her position as unpleasant as possible, advanced toward her. Kitty saw at a glance the Mate or aJKiirs, and looked around for some chanco of re "Good eettolttg, Miss Graves," said a quiot voice at ber elbow. She turned and saw Fred Marston.

MI

have been looking fof you aouie time/' Mid be, pleasantly. •'Will yo« Walter*

Dire wa» the perplexity and m*uy

were the surmises of the ladies of May

'T,X"K^n of

ber partner tfonyotaad anlmstadl^

00 dlflereut topk* until she waa ciali for another 0auee, and all the evening

Bg

P^"Manrtd*T hoverod around her at •bough on purpose to stamp

Mfi»l*e"

the report so indoatrtously spread by Graco. Not won* of explanation paw Od between them. But Kitty under* stood and approfclatfct .hi* kinanean, rot memlMring ber rudmxwi of tbe procodj«g evening. Her roioa trembled, and *or cheek grow orUuwm as, the asked him to call on bet morning. It requlnw a great

unomi, ana Iu partimt set the n*xt] mat deal of!

morning a

hand her Mr. Mareton's card. She went down to the parlor at once, to find Grace entertaining him. For moment she shrank from what she bad determined to do, but ss soon as the customary greetings bad been made she said, courageously, sever heeding Graoe's meaning smile:

Mr. Marston, can you forgive my rudeness of yesterday I find on a nearer acquaintance, that my estimate of your character was entirely without foundation, and wi&h to acknowledge my mistake."

Please. ?ay no more," ho answerd gently. "\Ve areall apt to judge hastily. Dob*t" you thinlc so, Mias Barnard

Grace could hardly answer for astonishment and vexation. She gave a half unintelligible assent, and in.a few moments left the room.

As tho door closed Fret! Marston turned to Kitty. "You have redeemed yourself nobly, and like a true woman," said he, "but it was not necessary."

I think differently," was her low reply. "You taught mo last night what true nobility is." I don't think I over knew before."

He looked a moment into her peidtont face, and then said softly: It. was not so much iiol/ility as it was selfishness. Would you like to kuow why?"

She made 110 answer, and he went on: It was beeauso I rejoice in an opportunity to be by your side. Your frankness was prolific of happiness to one person, at least, for it secured to him an evening's pleasure. I wish you would bo equally frank now, and tell me if we can ever be more than friends?"

It was not a hard question to answer, and Fred Marston was satisfied with that reply 1

A Wife's Mistake.

Mrs. Hopgood prided herself 011 being 0110 of the best house keepers. She was one of those rapid housowives who pursue an atom of dus1 as a hunter might pursue a stag. No bold-naturod fly ever dared to buzz within ber dainty walls. No cat purred upon her hearthstone. Plants were ibooed because their leafless wpuld fill. Canary birds wero ruthlessly excluded lest tbey should scatter seed! Sunshine was regarded as an arch enemy. "It brings flies, and fades the carpets," said Mrs. Hopgood.

As for Mr. Hopgood and tbe children they lived mostly in tho kitchen I can't havo tho boys' muddy boots tramping the carpets, and tbe girls sewing in tho parlor," said Mrs. Hopgood. "As for Hopgood, ho don't caro whore he sits One place is as good as another where he is concerned."

Tho Hopgood family also took their meals in the kitchen. I've got a dining room as nice as anybody's," said Mrs. Hopgood, "with recarved oak side-board, with a marble top and silver, polished till it's hotter than any looking-glass but where's the use of turning things, all upside down, just for one's own family? Common crockerywaro and good bone-handled kni ves aro just as good for every day use." "Mamma." said Elsie Hopgood, a cherry-cheeked girl of sixteen. "I should like to sit in tho parlor sometimes. Mrs. Montfort and her daughter use theirs every evening, and it looks pretty and pleasant there." "Stuff and nonsense!" said Mrs. Hopgood, sharply. "I keep house myself after my own fashion, and I give others leave to do tbe same."

But mamma," pleaded Elvie, "I was thinking how I should liko to invito all the girls hero some evening and have tea and afterwards a little danco. I've been asked out so many times without responding that I'm really ashamed to go.

Then you bad better stay at Home," said Mrs/Hopgood, polishing vigorously away at the stem of her silver card receiver. I think I see myself, with all the young folks in town, dancing on my Brussels carpet, and cake crumbs and melted cream daubed over everything."

Elsie'made no answer but lier countenance fell. I wish 111:1 was like anyone else,".sho Raid to herself, the tears obscuring ber eyes. "I wish alio was liko Kate Tickett's mother, who lets her havo company every Thursday evening. John Eitou wants me to marry him. If I was married, I could have .a house of my own, and do as 1 pleased."

Mother, said Mr. Hopgood, a week or two afterward, with a troubled face, "is it true that our Elslo is out walking with John Elton, evening after eveuing? lie is a worthier, dissipated fellow, and no fit associate for any girl."

Morcy upon us I 1 don't know," said Mrs. Hopgood, with a perturbee! face. 'I supposed she was with lvato Pickett or Clara Montfort. I'm a great deal froo busy with pickling and house keeping to run at a giddy girl's heels the whole tjme. But I'm going to commence leaning to-morrow, and then I'll give her enough to do to keep her out of tnlsehiof."

Mother,"said Isaac ITopgood gravely, "sometimes I think that if we made homo a tittle more attractive to our children—

O, nonsense!" petulantly interrupted his wife. "I suppose you'd like us to have tableaux, like Mrs. Monfort or a magic lantern like the little Miekfards. Our children haven't been brought up that way."

And Mr llopicood said no more. Mrs. Hopgood was, to use ber own ex pression, ••In tho thick of the house cleaning," the next day,wish the carpeta rolled Into heaps, tbe floors spattered with soap-suds, and her head tied up pocf door sudden

with a pocket-handkerchief, when the ly opened. "Takecare of uty pail of noap-$uri» and soda I" cried she, shrilly, "0! itV you, is it, Ally

Ye*, mother, it to ine," said Alexander, her oldest eon, who had just gone into business as junior partner to his father. "I say—do leave off washing a minute, snd attend to me Ryenon'a in town~-my old ehom, you know—only for one day, and I've asked blm to dinner." "Tri dinner!" elmo&t streamed Mrs. Hopgood, dropping her brush in consternation "Alekandac Hopgood, aro

Sou

«H. TO.*

crasy Of course I can't nave blm dinner. Just look at tbe condition the house in.** 0, bo wtortiMnd that, mother. Ryemocr Ai »tlowinffcly good fellow. Just let kiar stt down Jo po^ hick .with tho

*0 nothing of tb» sort. Ate*.

romiM easing her lip* "Ysn know 1 «o not approvaof inviting company at any tlmeTrtilJ lens at such a period as thia. Tfyou have been fool enough to ask him you may get out of tbe scrape tbe bent Tcajr jfOU rani"

Hut, loU*t want 1

wldt

bravery to make a con foes km of having bling awav with the onw» done wrmg, but Kitty waa deter minima I And Alexander went out, slamming to rtyjM, the d»H»r. -.»» &

any tnoro otapwioH on

the«tihj4-&," aald Mm Hopgood, dab.

By George," quoth Alexander Hopgood to himself, "if I can't ask a friend to my home, there's at least tbe alternative of inviting htm to a hotel. I never did such a thing before, but I don't seo how else I can manage,"

So Alexander Hopgood ontertained Mr. Ryerson at tbo hotel, and gave an unlimited order for iced chainp«gne and dessert. And the upshot of it all waa that Alexander Hopgood was brought in at sleven o'clock at night, by two of the#waiters, hopelessly intoxicated.

Don't bo 'f-f-fraid, mother!" stuttered he, brandishing an empty bottle, as be Ix-eamo dimly consciousof ber white, scared face bending over him. "Go on with your washing! It's a deal jollier at tbe hotel'than it Is at home. Freedom forever! Hoo-oo-ray!" "O, what shall I do!'' sobbed Mrs. nopgood, when the waiters were once more out of the bouso, and the roll of the cab wheels had died away. "To think—only to think that one of mine should ever disgrace himself thus!" "It's your own fault, mother," s.id Rennv, the second son. "You wouldn't let Ally bring his friend here."

Hold your t-ongue," sharply retorted Mrs. Hopgood, wincing beneath tbe

Prick

of this homo truth. "Call Elsie, need h^r help." "Oh. mother!" pfpod Fannie, tbo youngest girl, running down stairs in frantic haste, "Elsie ain't here."

Not here!" "No, mother she hasn't be#?n to bed at all—and there's a nolo on her table directed to you."

Open it, mother," said Isaac IIop-

Sor

pol,

huski'y. "This is a doomed wight our household. My God has our home become so distasteful to our children that tbey will fly from it like rats from 1 falling bouse?"

Elsie's note was short enough. It read: Dear Mother—I am tired of living in tho kitchen. I have run away with John Elton, and before you TO me again I shall havo entered upon a new future."

Mrs. Hopgood broke out into

Eelp

4wild

hysterical sobbings. Mr. Hopgood read the liurridly scrawled paper with a face old and* set liko steel. lturi away with John Elton 1" be rc-

cated slowly. "Poor Elsie! then God her for ho is as gfeat a villain and scoundrel as over lived, and she has sealed her own doom. Mother, mother, this comes of your housekeeping."

It wasn't my fault, Isaac," sobbed Mrs. Hopgood,'rocking herself backwards and forwards on a chair into which sho had dropped.

It was your fault," retorted her husband almost savagely. "You made tho name of home a mockery to your children you shut up your soul insido of a scrubbing pail, and now you aro reaping the bitter harvest."

Of course poor Alexander llygood was unable to lift his throbbing bead from the pillow the next day, and his mother never left him until afternoon.

When at last sho came down stairs, the parlor blinds wero thrown wide open, a flood of sunshine streaming in, toe table neatly set in tbe protty dining room, with flowers on tbo table, and new games and puzzies scattered around.

Mrs. Hopgood gazed around with a bewildered air. .She hardly knew her own home. "This is tbe way in which wo must live henceforward,' mother/' said her husband cheerily. "Let iu the light and sunshine t^ach Ben and Fanny that homo is something more than an empty name, and try, in far as wo can to retrieve tbo "errors of our past life."

And Mrs. Hopgood mutely bowed hor head. 1 will try, husband," she answerod.

LO VK STORIES.

For the average man or woman a true love story never loses its charm. Do we not live over again tbo pleasures and tbo romance of our own youth, whether 111 tho pages of printed books iu those ever fresh volumes, the lives of our children? It is a great mistake to let go our hold on any of the easily attained pleasures of life and of them all what so easy of attainment as books? It argues, 'huleod, a mind botn selfish and narr.»w, 110 mnttor with bow many historical facts it may bo stored, to lose interest in the old*, ever now love story with which the heart of the world beats fir ever. It is lovely story too—the loveliest in the world. Tbe sky is bluer, tbe flowers* are more fair, and the fields wear a softer green, when the li^bt of this one supremoexperieuco transfigures them. It was divine, in its day, for oaoh of us in turn and tbe tales that recall tho ancient rapture an*'not without their charm for the oyes that lead thein Mirough tbe sneclaclcs of old age. It i.s something to have been In Arcadia but be has never himself been there who can read with a sneer or without cmo-

tion the simplest record of a genuine experience of the heart, honestly and faithfully told.

AFTER MARRIAGtV

A philosopher writes: The girl is generally educated on novels, and her ((•si. disappointment comes in on tho uuiet indiffcreifce of tbe husband after the honeymoon. "•You love roe longer,"said a bride of a few months to her better half in hi* gown and slippery. "Why do you ask that, Pusa?" he asked quietly, removing a cigar from his lips.

You do not caress tne nor call mo names yon no longer seek so anxmsly for my company,"

WHS

tho tear­

ful answer. My dear," eontiunod the aggravating wre cb, "did you ever notice a roan runniug after tbo car? How bo does run—over stones, through mud, regardlew of everything till he reaches tbe car and weixen"hold and swings on. Then be quietly seatn hlmsolf and reads his

^^Amf what does this mean "An ilbtstraflon, my dear. TMfear fa as important to the man after be gets inn* when he ia chasing it, but tho manifestation la no longer called for. I would have shot any one who nut himself in my way when in pursoft of you, as I would now aboot any one who wonld camo between on Imt, as a proof of my love, yon insist upon mv running after tho car. f/carn to smoke, my dear, and be a philosopher. Tbe two combined clear tho brain, quiet tho nerves, open the pore*, and improve thedigestion"

THJCKB ia something ao aanaibla iu the following that it ia worth setting down. The young woman who deliberately goea late to church to attract attention Ss aba scrapes down the aisle ia a foolish virgin, The,young man who planters hla hair down straight to a low, retreating re bead, bridges bis no:*u it a ®yogtassos, and wears aloud capo, when he Somen late to a concert, and strike) attitudes at the audience before tho door while ho glares about for a seat, and then stalks to it with the proud air 6f a prias mule at a county Mr, is a snob.

Kkftow grease make# wealth increase.