Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 14, Number 44, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 26 April 1884 — Page 6

6

&

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

i- «.

NOTHING TO REGRET.

t/Wene

The CU^nUI BU1U» wo v»u ciuuiv To comfort hearts bowed down ojr sadness, They turn their mourning into Joy, -The man who thus liven, livetli rightly,

And has few things he would forget He lives, with fqw cares pressing lightly Hedies, with nothing to regret.

EDWARD'S WIFE.

Lem Hillyard made a fine picture as he stood in the wide field holding tbe plough, while he bade old Gray halt on au upland furrow. The homely em* ploy

men

to involved in tbe cultivation

of tbe earth are remarkably picturesque when viewed from a distance, and if the said ploughman had been a student of attitudes, be could scarcely have chosen one more masterly than the present negligent position of manly ease, the effect of which was greatly enchanced by certain items of costume. A pair of redtopped high boots reaching over black trowsers up to the knee, a red flannel •hirt and broad brimmed hat, gathered charms in perspective, as viewed from an upper window of Squire Benton's house By a pair of hazel eyes belonging to tbe Squire's daughter.

Essie Benton had watched the completion of one furrow after another, noting the jaunty air of the young ploughman, Implying that work was play, a mere morning pastime. She bad marked the straightness of the forming furrows. the uabreaking billows of soft, rich loam, till a bird flitted close before tbe window with a quick, bright note, recalled her to herself, and she turned away, with the mental ejaculation: -"Why, Essie Benton! Here you are •till, and mother waiting for you down stairs with all the house cleaning on her h«nds I A deal of time you've spent but thiDgs out of doors do look so en-

?chanting

these first days!" aud, with

this very sufficient excuse for the internal of self-forgetfulness, the conscientious household fairly ditted away from said enchanting out door prospect, and went trippingly down the broad stairs. Little need had she, the sunshine of the house, to offer excuse for anything in the old, high-walled, wideroomed, loving home, that stood like a sentinel on the hill, and by tacit consent seemed to give the precedent to all the houses of the pretty hamlet, from the initial dinuer party of the season and first gathering of the sewing circle, to the inauguration of the general spring cleaning. But though in one sense exempt from duty, Essie was a home body and liked her share hi household matters. ,.

Somehow, oh, convenient word! Essie's song was the blither and her step the more elastic for having spent some time that morning looking out upon the familiar landscape in the soft brightness of the new spring time, and watching the ploughman that, through some spirit alchemy, further idealized Burns to her mind than even, in conning Professor Heed's lecture upon the Scottish bard, she had supposed possible.

Quite unconscious was Lem, however, of the gaze of the hazel eyes bent upon him from the Squire's house on the hill. He had other matters of thought this morning, and, as he bade Gray rest, gave inward expression to them. "And so Edward's wife is coming. Good-bye to peaceful reading hours, and ease, and comfort of all kinds I Poor Ed, no wonder b© wants to go to San Francisco for tbe firm but why i^ the name of wonder he couldn't leave his pretty wife with her relations, instead of sending her up hero, where she'll be as much out of place as a lily pad on dry ground, I cannot understand. It beats me I why Ed was foolish enough to get married, anyway, after the knowledge of feminine nature ho and I have picked up together, I cau't divine? and now, just as I've got the farm clear and have the luck to get rid of Mrs. Britts, poor body, for the foolish boy to come and saddle his bad bargain on me. Bah! it's bard on a fellow! On with you. Gray," and the young ploughman pulled the broad brimmed hat a degree lower over his eyes, and forgot to resume the gav measure he had been whistling with sundry finely-executed impromptu trills and variations.

Lem was the younger of the two brothers, and they never had a sister. The father, a benevolently disposed man, was willlug, after his wife's death, to take Mrs. Britts fis housekeeper, si in ply because the poor woman seemed to have no other place to go. It was true her loud tones and driving ways set the boys' nerves on edge, for they were the kiud of boys that, whether they acknowledged it or not, discovered that they have nerves. Instead of jmrwlng rebellious against the powers that be, yet she kept her place year after year, and grew to feel veritably at home In It.

This was feminine influence number one that bad shaped young Lemuel's idea of the sex. Ho never thought of hia mother in connection with other women. She was simply "mother,*' .1 and her leved memory was sacred.

There was a troop of cousins, related on the dead mother's side that used occasionally to make a descent on the farm, sometimes under the leadership of meddlesome Aunt Boggs, who was^sure the dear boys needed somebody to look after them besides that obnoxious Mrs. Britts.** Bv the way, she had never come since Ver attendance at his father's funeral. She had learned then tbe particulars regarding the will, and also of the large encumbrance on the property.

As Lem followed the plough this morning, one after another of the bright bevy that had in the old time been thus marshalled, passed in mental review before him. There was delicate Madge, who insisted upon going nutting and picnicing with the rest, though she had 2 to be carried over broods lest she should »awet the edge of her shoe, and was so afraid of snakes that she was constantly bringing op heroes to the vanquishing of crookeu sticks and trailing vines.

There was mischievous Meg, who slyly Inserted nettles between unsuspicious .looking sheets, and Insisted that the beys, particularly Lem, who was just at the awkward age, should dance wild mAsures with her down the old pbtm, with the others moged np as the audii«nce. And there was indolent Adelaide, who always kept tbe others waiting, sand invariably instituted general ^searches for missing arthdes at the last :moment. Moat dreadful of all, there 1 i'was one wit, whose ambition and ability

Jacoorded in saying smart things, and who, from long habit, found the impulse 'irrvsmabie, whatever and whoever the janbject of ber murderous fire.

Mrs. Britts uniformly resist*! these iast tbem but havbe otherwise than girls, snd notdariug open retaliation upon the "master." spent the «riais of ber wrath npon the ludtlsBs Jboys.

Edward stood upon the defensive towards Mrs. Britts. resisted the girls' unreasonable demands, and assumed indifference generally But Ixun, with tbe inward spirit of a martyr, got up early to do "the chores," that he might do double duty as entertainer on all sorts of excursions for it was a point of honor with him that his mother's relatives should never want full courtesy at his bands, and Mrs. Britts' fire was received in silence.

Things went worse at the farm each year. Edward left and went to the city. Lem finally paid off the mortgage, kept up the fences, and built new barns, while the solace of his resting hours was found in Shakespeare and Euclid. In herited intellectual tastes asserted them selves despite disadvantages. "If father was here to know about Mrs. Britts' going, I don't think he would object, since that sailor son of hers has turned up again to make a home for her. Good luck to him!" further soliloquized Lem. "But now Ed must needs cut up this little caper of his. San Francisco for him ana country air for his wife. I wish I were Robison Crusoe. Upon my word I do," and, by way of emphasis, he gave a better illustration of subsoiling, than, strictly speaking, there was any necessity for. "Dinner time, by Jove?" I was about to chronicle as tbe ejaculation that expressed the recall to time and place at this juncture of meditation, but truth obliges me to state that though Lem had picked up an acquaintance with tbe classics, it was not the Olympic deity that on this occasion he called upon to attest to the correctness of his ejaculatory assertion. It was that far more mythical personage, "George," that was in this instance appealed to In corroboration of tbe statement. This little iact is mentioned for the sake of accuracy.

It was indeed high noon, and old Gray being straightway released from durance vile, and receiving the usual rations, the proprietor of tbe soil proceeded to the house that stood among tbe elms, and, with the usual misgiving as to which mood might be waiting him, encountered Mrs. Brifts. "Be you a-goin' to Deerfield very soon?" asked that individual, as she placed a dish of baked beans on tbe table "'Cos I want to be a-bemmin' them towels and gettin' things done, and I want some more cups and sassers (Melindy broke a good many,) and thread, and nutmegs, and raisins. But you men alius thinks a woman's wants of no kind of 'count. I don't 'spect to get them things till Edward's wife is here on the spot."

Lem let her have her say, which, as usual, was extended then, as he helped himself a second time, vouchsafed "I shall go over to Deerfield this afternoon, and I'll get the things if you'll tell me what you want." "Goodneds, if that ain't too much I ben a-talkin' to you the last two weeks, and you a-askin' what I want." "Some towels, I believe you said," returned Lem, composedly "how many shall I get, and what quality "Well, not too fine nor too coarse, neither, middlin.' If you get 'em too fine, they won't wear well, and if you get 'em too coarse, tbay won't do for company, nor dry good?' "How many shall I get "Well, that's as you say 'cording to the cost." "Do we need a whole piece, or a dozen towels asked Lem, in measured tones. "Well, perhaps so jest as you think about it." fj|j$

Lem was silent. "And about the raisins, be sure you get good ones, not like them seedy ones you got afore and the thread, don't you forgit that." "Skein thread?" ventured Lem, innocently. ,, "Skein thread 1 I guess not. I shan't sow with skein thread, that's certain," "I wish, Mrs. Britts, you would just ride over and select for yourself." "You'resmart, Lem llillyard, to think of me goln' over to Deerfield after that skiftish horse of yours. I wouldn't get Into a wagon and out again for all the thread in Deerfield, either. 'Tain't for myself I'm wautln' it. You alius was mighty 'trald to do errants." "Did you say what color, Mrs. Britts?" returning gallantly to the charge with a spice of the inquisitorial in his tone. "Why any color you're a mind to, if you're a goin' to git a supply. White, I wan't most of any." "Coarse or fine?" and the young farmer rose from the table. "Well, middlin', middlin' '11 do. Don't getHbat kinky thread all glazln'. I despise it,"

If you want to get into nebula, juBt undertake to do errands for a woman," quoth Lem, as he put the harness on Jip. "Never got a thing right in my life, and clerks have a pretty deal of fun. They're welcome to it if they can enjoy it," he added, benevolently. "Seems to me I

Srs.

a great many things don't see what Britts does with al]L. She says they're "poor quality and don't wear weU.' Well, her sailor son may have the future pleasure. I'll have the Raystons in as soon as Ed's wife goes, and I'll have a den and be boarder. Ed's wife, she's another," and the bevy he had been contemplating in the morning, again rose before him.

As the purchaser of promiscuous commodities puzxled over a huck aback and Coat's cotton, the flippant young man behind the counter recommended: "rthink your wife will like this, sir. Shall I put it np?''

something

spoke ont of his eyes plsiner than he knew. Perplexed, pretty sure that whatever he might select would prove the wrong thing, and indulging at the moment in a mental tribute to feminine nature in general, taking text from Mrs. Britts in particular, the clerk's flippancy was a little too much for Lam's equanimity, and the deep eyes emitted sparks ont of their deliberate gam, that wrought a quick confusion of speech, ont of which—-"No offence. Beg your pardon, sir?" with mounting color, alone was intelligible and Lem landed afterwards riding nome by moonlight, at hia own momentary fierceness.

It was unexpectedly at last, as regarded the hoar, that Ed's wife came, and Mrs. Britts declared **8110 was all in a flurry like." Mrs. Edward's husband came in with her. and yes, it was so verily, there was a baby. A small, carefully handled bundle brought to horrorstricken Lam's recollection the fbet Ed. had mentioned when he wrote last fall that they had "a little son, a veritable Hillyard, and be wished pa coald have lived to see him.** Poor Lem. Not only to have a pretty, delicate woman left on ha tends, bat a baby also. Where could Ed's wits have been when be made tbe proposition?

Be contrived to bide bis consternation bv redoubted attention to their comfort, brightening the fire oo tbe hearth in tbe damp, seldom osed room and seconding Mrs. Britts' hospitable intents of whatever kind, having a continued horror, meanwbile, lest tbe small handle should escape from its prssent blissful somnsmbnlism sad give example to its local power*.

It was astonishing to ses Ed so calm

with all this responsibility upon him, but then he was about making it over to bis unfortunate brother ana escaping therefrom himself just like Ed. quite one of his old tricks.

The day was advanced when they arrived, and Ed. must be at Deerfield to catch the train at nightfall on bis return. ah be had just come to "see his treasures safe in harbor," be said "and to take a look at Lem and the old place."

Jip was brought to the door in fine style, and Lem, soothing his restiveness ant waiting his brother's pleasure.,.

So long was the parting between the husband and wife that the young man sitting in the buggy concluded that he had made a mistake, that Ed had not looked out tbe window as he drove up, and nodded a speedy coming. He left Jip and came awkwardly enough into the sitting room, just in time to catch the unmistakable sounds of a sob and to see tbe dinging attitude of the tearful young wife, as, clasped in her husband's arms, her head sunk lower and lower in momentary abandon. It was the first parting, and the journey has been tiresome for her strength.

Lem retreated, a cold perspiration starting at every pore. "She's homesick already, and she's one of the tender little ones! Whatever am I going to do I'd rather have a termagant to do with and be done with it, then a fellow needn't care. Wboa/ip!"

At length the brother came out. Lem did not see what Ed did, that a little figure stood at the window smiling brightly through tears, and holding in her arms the wee Eddy, whom she was prevailing upon to engage in all kinds of loving pantomine in good-by to dear papa. "I'm so glad to leave them with you, Lem," spoke the brother as they drove down through the elms. Addie isn't strong, and this pure air and your good care will bring ber up wonderfully, I feel confident." "Do you think she will be contented ventured Lem, uneasily. "Don't you think she would feel more at home with her own relatives? That is, if she gets lonely," he added, at a loss. "She will not get lonely," asserted Ed, confidently. "She will be better contented here than anywhere else. Her uncle, who was ber guardian, never forgave me for detecting that he bad made unlawful use of her property and her aunt, at heart, could pot pardon her for marrying me instead of a man, with greater worldly prospects. She would not go to them for the world, and there are no other relatives but a sister, who is boarding at a fashionable hotel. This is the very place for her." "My prospects were very fair for our wants when I married," Edward resumed "but Swinston's smash up was bad for me, and I can retrive more now by accepting this offer to San Francisco, even for a few months, perhaps, than I can by keeping along in the old way for years. Addie is glad to have me go for the sake ®f the boy, as the chance seems likely to give us a start. I have the decision into her hands. I would rather leave her with you, Lem, than with any one in the world, and Providence permitting I'll be back in the fall, and we'll see then what is to be done."

The brother's trust in some way refreshed and strengthened Lem, and the two parted one in heart, as in boyhood days. "She is all the world to him, that's one comfort, and its not to gee away he goes, but only that he may come back as »be wants to," was Lem's cogitation, as he let Jip have his own way back.

Nevertheless, though his brother's words had made his heart grow warmly, there was misgiving as be thought of the tears and the loneliness of the delicate wife, and last, though not least, of responsibility of sbaiing joint charge of that baby.

Lem opened the parlor door. The fire had a ruddier glow, for the night was chill and Mrs. Britts was in her best mood—a mood, by the way, whifeh continued for many days. The high-back-ed rocking-chair was drawn out of its usual corner. Addie's plaided shawl, was thrown over tbe wooden back, relieved its usual ungainly look. The Maltese cat -lay purring on the hearthrug, havipg been admitted for Eddy's entertainment, and that young gentleman sat on his mother's lap apparently highly interested with an India rubber a

He was a fair, bright-eyed, curly-head-ed,

sunny*

hearted little fellow, and

seemed not in the least abashed by his presentation to his uncle. Addie looked up expectantly. "I thought perhaps Edward would send back a line by you," said she, in explanation, with a bright face but sligbtlv tremulous voice, and Lem produced the note which bad been hurriedly scribbled at the depot.

It was wonderful how natural it seemed to take tbe baby while she read it, and Lem was delighted to find that he found the small representative of his dreaded order quite safely. "However," "this is one ol the exceptional intervals. He will surely come out of this quiescent state presently," and though the hour before Addle said good-night and took

morrow will begin in earnest. Pretty little mother. It is hard for Ed to go and leave her. I'd rather she was a vir ago. I wouldn't feel so sorry for her."

It was curious to Lem, tbe next day to find how entirely at home Mrs. Edward seemed. It was difficult to believe she had only arrived the day before, and Eddy being a healthy child, and having been cared for almost exclusively by his

Swsrting,

ntie mother, hsd not, by neglect, or or mischievous tossing, been tsught unreasonable ways hence, although clouds did sometimes rise in bis infantile horizon, sunshine quiet predominated and though Lem regarded the first few days after tbe arrival of his new charge as the portentous calm before a storm, he could not bat acknowledge inwardly that thore was a great charm in said calm if such calm would regularly intervene between storms, why, on the whol*, a favorable balance might be struck.

Lem went into Mrs. Edward's room to repair a curtain fixture, and in this esse tbe offending article in question might be forgiven for the frailties of its kind, in that it showed to

Lem's

TEKRE HAUTE SATOMAY EVMfM MATT,

eye that

which it was good for him to see. "That huge trunk had something worth while ioit,n be reflected, as he noted the choice pictures, tempting looking books and a few tasteful ornaments that lent to the homely room such a charm as I*m could not have conceived possible. Tbe high, old-fashioned bed bad been made such dainty bands that it looked nnany bed that Lem bad ever before

&

A delicate bit of needle-work in a .. furnished basket Mood an old.__Joned light-stand, which bad been a courtship present from his grandfather to his grandmother, and a few spring violets in a tiny vase, gave a subtile charm that Lem waa vaguely yet delkiconscious of. You must find tbe toss pretty," be ssid, glancing like a boy from one trifle to another. "It need* fixing up I suppose, bat? baveat much skill in that way."

Tbe admiring glance bad not been lost on Addie, and sbe was glad oi an

dows exquisite views to be enjoyed from them. She "would like," she said, "if he had no objection, to hang this engraving, there was no good place for in ber room, down in the parlor. Mrs. Britts, she had noticed, had a fondness for keeping tbe rooms in accustomed order, ana she had not ventured." Then Lem read at a glance that the air of comfort which had for a few days prevaded the room of state had been banished through that functionary's readjustment. "Give me tbe picture, and I'll hang it for you," was his comment and, as he looked for the best light, he heard the winning toues through the open door saying: "I have a picture there is no good place for in my room, Mrs. Britts, and Lemuel is so good a3 to bang it in the parlor for me," and then be understood that Mrs. Britts' nature had not been revolutionized by her prospect of going to live with her son Ben, but rather that Addie's care to yield dues and appreciate all favors as well as study weakness, had evoked hitherto unknown placidity.

It was an unwelcome interruption to the general order of things at the farm when a rather peremptory scrawl arrived from Ben, stating bis readiness to be-

§ayhousekeeping,

in and announcing the he would appear in person to conduct his mother to her new home. He had been more expeditious in arrangements than at first seemed likely, and Lem had given him carteblanche in regard to time.

The Raystons, a family to whom Lem had proposed to rent house room, were not yet ready to come, and the consummation which Lem had regarded as so devoutly to be desired, really appeared in the light of a calamity. He could take care of himself very well, but the pretty little woman in her tasteful morning dresses, and with her quiet, gentle ways, and the helpless baby, who was to take care of them Lem felt his responsibilities. "I think I'll try to get Sarah Mann to come and stay," ne said. "I don't want none of her kind interfering with my work," began Mrs. Britts, inconsistently "but 1 suppose it's not for me to say. Things won't be kept up the old way," and the speaker actually wiped away a tear with tne corner of her apron.

Sarah Mann was not to be obtained, however. She "had too much to do at home," she told Lem, and, when he was

ger

one, volunteered the Information to mother, with a toss of the head that she "wasn't going to be maid to the fine lady that was there to be waited ofi," in which decision the mother coincided.

The matter was under discussion at table, and Addie made a remark. "The little girl that brought the berries seems strong and willing, and she is used to country ways. I think I could get along with her till he could do better/' "Why, she's a mere child," said Lean. "No more fit to manage a house," struck in Mrs. Britts, and comparison failed her. "Certainly not but sbe seemed fond

we could do better^" answers Addie. Which little speech produced a most bewildering impression upon Lem, that his brothers wife actually proposed to take the helm herself. "This looks squally," said the young man, as he went out in the direction of the cornfield. "Whatever that young creature could do in Mrs. Britts' place, I can't see. Might as. well try to hang a web of linen on a grass stem," and he pulled a stern of tasselled grass, "as to turn all this work on her."

However, the little Hannah was engaged to come. Addie would not have her till Mrs. Britts should be gone. That personage reigned to the last, and Addle humbly took instructions the last days before she left. What a leaving it was, to be sure. The removal of so many traps must leave the house quite bare, Lem was sure, and he was nearer right than he knew. Sewed ap bags, corded boxes, close bound bundles there was no end to them, and Lem wondered at the amount of baggage a women contrives to accumulate. Ben said they would stop in Deerfield and stow away in drygoods boxos or some other receptacle. His mother seemed very anxious to depart when once ready and did not betray the emotion which some of her previous expressions might have rendeied likely. And now began the new regime.

Lem spent the remainder of the »day in search of, not exactly Emerson's "Angel to do housework," a very human personage would have satisfied him, but a grown young woman who knew how to make bread and butter, was an ignis fatuus, that at sunset he was hearsly weary of pursuing.

To his surprise, a very comfortable supper, and an animated cheerful face on tbe part/f Mrs. Addie, awaited him on his return home. As he sat down to the table a quiet sense of privacy and borne enjoyment stole over him, and Mrs. Addie presided with a very delightful air of at-home-ness.

So much of his day's experience as seemed profitable was recouned, and he sympathizlngly wound up with: "Is the little girl good for anything at all?"

Now Lem had a sudden consciousness that this was an unfortunate question. not all "held." various as it had been in kind, unvaryingly roused Mrs. Britts' most rasping criticism, and when Lem had frequented the sewing circle, bad he not heard from all housekeepers that kept domestics the ssme harsh testimony? He felt thst he had perpetrated a blunder in making the inquiry.

But Addie's report wssnot unpleasant to hear. "She is tbe most willing child I ever knew. I had liked her disposition from the first, and shs has been very helpful to-day."

Scarcely any answer under the circumstances could have more surprising. Present bearings were incomprehensible, but the household machinery moved ss if oiled.

Lem gallantly did t&e first churning, and next day Mrs. Edward brought him an advertisement of a patent churn ahe had somewhere seen used, and sbe at length obtained a suggestion that she should ride over to Deerfield with him and see if tbe advertised patent were the wmft

Essie Benton, who bad early called on Addle, regarding her neighborship ss the most ehai ming acquisition In the world, and whom Addle bad almost domesticated at tbe farm, seconed the motion, snd bore testimony^ the utility of an article of the kind in use at home. She also volunteered ber services in care of Eddy and superintendence of tbe little maid daring their absence, and the matter was decided npon.

Tbe result was tbe purchase of a patent churn, the ase of which Hannah was quite equsl to, and, before summer was over, through similar moans, tbe labor of "working over" was correspondingly lightened.

It waa not long before Addie proposed that Styles, tbe "hired band,** who bad been sent elsewhere to board, should again. Hannah proved a

treasure, and was older and stronger than she looked. Addie's gentleness and patience had won her quite, and, having great fondness for Eddie, her work necomes love work, than which there is no better quality under the sun.

Essie came down one morning to bring a fresh magazine, and found Mrs. Addie surveying a pile of soiled clothes.

Lem came in from the garden shortly after he had caught sight of the jaunty little hat and sacque, and he had learned to know the light footfall on the path beneath the elms. "It is a pity Mrs. Lundy cannot come," she was just saying, and she interrupted herself to give him a bright "good morning," and turned to Addle again, "but if you will use1washing fluid for the clothes, I think Hannan will find herself equal to them," and addressing Eddy, who was claiming attention, "Uncle Lem can take berries and milk for his dinner on such an experimental occasion, can'the Eddy? That is the way I should arrange it and the brisk little air of capable decision was so becoming to the petite 'speaker, and the solt, mirthful glance of the hazel eyes was so bewilldering, that a great appreciation of the proposed diet took possession of Lem's mind at once. "I will send down a measure of the fluid by one of the boys," she said, upon leaving, "together with the receipt for making it," and her a certain amount of helpful sunshine seemed to have passed from the room when she had left it.

Lem absently turned the leaves of the magazine, and Mrs, Addie had a doubtful look on her face. She had been sorting the clothes, and she had a proposition to make which she hesitated about presenting, Presently she spoke: "There is a strife in prices among the Deerfield merchants since the openiug of the'new store,' Mrs. Harding tells me, and I see the prices quoted in the Republican are remarkably low. Don't you think it would be well to improve the opportunity to make some purchases for the home

Lem laid down the magazine and looked uncsmpreheadlng. "Some towels are needed very much, and the table-cloths and sheets are very nearly out."

Lem's bewildered look rather increased than diminished. "I am sorry I did not bring mine they might as well be here as packed up where they are," continued Mrs. Addie. "It's wonderful bow things do wear out!" said Lem, and men have been known to make the same remark with far less occasion. "Yes, and when they once begin to go there is no check," coincided Mrs. Addie. "Such a heap of things as I got in tbe spring," continued Lem.

And Addie, who had studied profoundly to economizing the using of the same and yet satisfy her love of freshness, had patched andoalculated capabilities until sbe was able to enumerate from memory without effort,the exact supplies of the house in that direction, which, in a matter of fact way, she proceeded to do. "Oh," said Lem, relieved, "you have overlooked them you'll find quantities in some of the drawers."

Edward's wife was doubtful. I am sure you will. Have you looked in the old wardrobe drawers, upstairs? Mrs. Britts kept the best things up there "It was there I found the linen sheets, but nothing more," stated Mrs. Addie. "Perhaps Mrs. Britts used some of her own things for the house. She had a great many." "Are you sure?" "I went into her room to take back the camphor bottle after Eddie's fall the day before she went away. There were heaps of table linen and of white cotton lying around, and I only glanced at it, but 1 should judge it to have been beautifully packed with articles of the same kind."

A light broke upon Lem mind, and he rose and walked across tbo room. "That is where 'poor quality' things went l" he exclaimed. "Addie, one piece of sheeting first day of April," and he went on enumerating supplies and dates, recounting, too, from memoranda, the purchases made in the fall, and wound up with "Now, is it possible these things have been used up, worn out in this family since these written dates

And shocked, sympathizing Mrs. Addie protested it certainly could not be possible. And the two inspected empty drawers and chests, aud drew iuevitable conclusions.

Lem was irate in the "inner man" and justly. Mrs. Britts was now in another State, and Ben was not one to make such a loss good, even if convinced of it. "After all the consideration and forbearasce she has received, I would not have believed it possible," philosophized Lem, and he subsided into the ejaculation, "I'm sorry for her J"

It afterwards developed that tbe missing articles were meanwhile proving very useful in the boarding house in which mother and son held joint lnterests.

Lem looked over tbe quoted prices, and concluded to take Adaie's advice regarding "new store" opportunities. "Here is a memorandum of articles most needed perhaps it will be some assistance to you," she said.

Lem took the paper sbe handed bim. "The first division is of things that seem absolutely necessary, the secsnd, only desirsble. You have purchased so many things this year, that perhaps they can be dispensed with."

Lem looked at the neat list, in clearformed band, each article with its quality and exact quantity so accurately stated, in undisguised sdmiratlon. "That's very pretty little piece of paper," he aaid, approvingly.

Addle laughed, "f should not suppose you would think so after your late experience," and there was a womanly, sympathizing expression in the eyes raised to his own. "What's this last item?" queried Lem and Addis glanced over bis shoulder. "Ob, tbe moreen to cover the lounge! I began to put it down and then erased it, the list looked so formidable after all yon have purchased this year."

Lem looked at tbe chair cushions made from some eld laid-away curtains, and glanced from them to tbe lounge. "I guess I'd better get it. Tbe old lounge is pretty shabby, and you've made tbe chairs look so nice." "Mrs. Edward bad a steamed padding in process, snd she was obliged to give it sttent ton. "Essie," sbe mid, interrupting a gay frolic that young lady was having-with tbe juvenile representative of tbe family, "will you add moreen for the lounge to this memorandum

And Essie begged tbe

losnof

Lem's

pencil, and a very grave and becoming took of consideration .came over her pretty features as abe spoke: "Let me see. I remember bow many yards it took for ours, but this Is wider, and sbe measured it with ber eye, and pinned a bit of bright color on the paper against the statement of tbe number of yards, color of the sample, and gave it to who regarded tbe act with scarcely admiration.

Be look the paper from bis jweket psper ir while waiting for Jip to dlsonss his oats.

"I declare that's the handsomest little piece of writing I ever saw!" And after an interval of profound meditation: "Queerest thing iu the world Ed's wife is taking care of me a deal sight than I am of her, I'm afraid.

me a deal sight better Why,.

she's a perfect little general I" Lem certainly had the virtue of sincerity. He felt himself master of the position as he entered a store and read off article number one from the paper. A holidayprocession was passing, and Jip, fastened to a street post, was uneasy. "I'll fill the order, if you wish," said the clerk, and the list was made over to him, aud Lem went his way. Returning, the packages were ready for him and an additional one was handed him. "This is the moreen: we hadn't it, and I went round to Steam's for it," and he tendered the bill according to advertised prices in agreement with Lem's stipula- "'0, tion. "I'll take that little document there,"and the purchaser pointed to the memorandum on the shelf behind tbe counter,. '1 and he deposited it in his pocket-book. as carefully as he would have done ». bank note.

Every article pleased the pronouncing:. committee of two, aud Eddie particularly approved the bright moreen. ft

In compliance with requests, Lem» |. transferred Essie's sewing machine from. tbe house on the bill to Mrs. Addie's^ present domains. "If you'll take the-i' trouble to move it, I'll come down aucb ithelp this blessed little woman to put these things in shape," Essie bad said "she approves of modern inventions^ you know."

And so it was that in the wide old hall,., where the sunlight came in the morning, and stole away in the afternoon, Essiesat setting the pearly stitches with amazing rapidity, while Addie basted, and Lem, what time he could get from the* field, played games with Edward, Jr.* and the long, bright,, happy hours werefull of sweet home meaning, and the days were very good.

You see how it was, reader, better thanI can tell you, how air and earthend sky had new influences for Lemj how softness and sweetness and a subtile blessedness seemed to come to his soul in anew strange way.

And weeks and months, of which I have not space to tell you, went by, and Addie grew strong, and the only shadowon that bright summer was an illness^ that came to little Eddy, when the an-

fels

seemed waiting to take him home ut the blow was spared, and in thewatchings and tbe waiting and the comfortings of hopeall learned to know each other's hearts the better.

It was an Indian summer afternoon,. Lem came from the postofflce with the' regnlar letter from Edward to his wife. As he walked along he bad gathered some of the brigbtautumn leaves. They were of rare beauty this year, and one of varied shades be twirled before the little Eddy as he told some village news. Thechild triumphantly snatched the bright leaf, whioh had been held beyond nis-.'J reach, and laughed aloud. Presently ho brought it to Exsie as a mark of favor

5

apparently, judging from his pretty, gracious nmutier of presentation. Then with some whim of childish cautiousnessor regret for Lem, he drew it bnck again and tendered it to its first possessor with more emphatic "Ou-u," and while Addie read her letter, and Essie donned the little hat with this piquant wing and sought her shawl, Lem played at hide' and seek with the child.

The slow twilight was coming on, and Lem walked down through the elma with Essie—he of ten walked up the hillside with her now. She talked about the village news, the advancing season, and Eddy's gaining strength, but he was absent, and when he spoke there was a new tone in his voice, and it. thrilled tbe little figure besldo him. "I cannot talk to-night, Essie," he said, "I cannot put away tbe one absorbing idea or dream of happiness, that must proveitself to-nfght whether it be indeed an idle dream or whether it may become* a blissful reality. I cannot longer bear suspense, nor ought 1 to wish that you would, unasked give me a sign I have, coward like, waited for, that you could regard me more than as a common friend. You.

here, and when he spoke again ho asked* "will you be my wife?" There was no answer, and as they walked ou tbe momentary silence grow intense. "Do not answer me now," he said. "Perhaps 1 could not bear it now," hit* tone was very calm "but if you can wy yes. give me back this little leaf. He" handed bor the brluht-tinted leaf he bad still held since receiving it from tbe little child. "If you keep it, Essie, 1 shall find strength to bear it. You will bw true to me, and let your heart speak."

Tears were trembling on tbe long lashes of the downcast eyes soft glow and paleness alternated on tbe delicato cheek, but this Lem did not see. Presently a little hand reached forth to^ autumn leaf, a wavering, trembling little had, and with it the giver gave herself*

And up tbe hillside the two walked on together, and knew not they were* toiling up, and when tbey turned at tbo gat&of Essie's home, and looked downwares towards the weat, the sun, wbicb had been bidden behind clouds, broko forth again in a very flood of radiance, and hill, and stream, and wooded plain of silver bitb and green-boughed pine, were bathed by living brightness.

Lem stood uncovered, and tbey looked from tbe fair country that lay belowand met each other's eyes: and heart, spoke to heart, that which each catt speak to none other but the one, and peace brosded as a dove, and Life ba£ spoken to them anew.

Mrs. Addie rejoiced, and so did Edward, who came In early winter, ana was present at the marriage. I would like to tell you all about it, but my heart

joice for bim without multiplying

WThe

Squire respected and liked the

ybung man, whose course he had noted from a boy. He was glad a stranger bad not taken bis sunshine away from her parents in their old age.

Tbe oid-fasbioned farm house grew fresh with renovations In the springand Mrs. Addie and Edward, Jr., an# later,*a little blue-eyed sister, come wad spend some weeks each summer. For Edward has a pleasant home within-twenty-four hours'Journey.

Tbe little human blossom that gladdens "the old place" bears the name or Addle. She sometimes gets the fsmilr Bible, and in ber Sunday amusement oi turning over the leaves to find the pictures, she discovers, under the one mM--riage entry, a bright-tinted autumn leaf pressed on tbe pure, white pag0untarily sbe looks up, from habit now and says, "Yes, mamma, I'll be tareful 1' It is verrsscred, that bright leaf.

And Lem says, often in the homs hours, "How much I owe to Ed", ward's wife 1"

Th* univMiarveHTrt. ^Tbe Hop Flat* ter is tbe best

porous

Only 26 da.

plaster ever made.'