The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-09-04


as she took the child, and began taking off little
blue silk hood, and various layers and wrappers
Of outer garments and having given tWitch
here, and pull there and variously adjusted and
arranged him, and kissed him heartily, she sat
him on the floor to collect his thoughts Baby
seemed quite used to this mode Of proceeding for
he put his thumb in his mouth las IL il were quite
thing Of course) and seemed soon absorbed N
his own reflections, while the mother seated her.
self, and taking out long stocking Of mixed blue
aud white yarn, began 10 knit with briskness.
"Mary, theed better gil the kettle, hadn't thee ~
gently suggested the mother.
Mary took the kettle to the well and soon re-
appeared, placed il over the stove, where It was
coon purring and stesming sort Of censor Of hos
pitality and good cheer. The peaches, moreover
in obedience to few gentle whispers from Rachel
were soon deposited, by the same hand, in stew
pan over the FIRE.
Rachel now took down q snowy moulding board
aud tying on an apron proceeded quietly TO
making up come biscuits, first saying to Mary
Mary, hadn't thee better tell John to get q
chicken ready 2" and Mary disappeared accord
ingly
she went on with her biscuiis
"Oh, she's bettern said Ruth; al was in, this
morning, made the bed, tidied up the house.
Leah Hills went in this afternoon, and baked
bread and pies enough to last some days, and |
engaged TO 90 back to get her up this evening"
II will 20 in tomorrow, and do any cleaning
there may be, and look over the mending," said
Rachel.
'Ah! that is well,r said Ruth. "Pve heard"
che added, "that Hannah Stsnwood issick. John
was up there last night must go there to-
morrow
"John can come 10 here to his meals, IL there
needs to stay all day" suggested Rachel.
Thank thee, Rachel; will zee tomorrow but
| here comes Simeon
SS0eon Halliday, tall, straight, muscular man,
! in drab coat and pantaloons, and broad brimmed
I iae,-17E entered. 4-..v..-v.
q How is thee Ruth 2" he sslo, warmly, Is ne
spread his broad open hand for her little fat palm
" and how is John7n
ooh! John is well, and all the rest Of our folks"
said Ruth cheerily
"Any news Father7n said Rachel, as she was
putting her biscuits into the oven.
"Peter Stebbins told me that they should he
along to night with friends" said Simeon signih-
cantly, as he was washing his hands, at neat sink,
-" Indeed ~ said Rachel, looking thoughtfully,
and slaucing at Eliza.
"Did thee say thy name was Harris !" said
| Simeon to Eliza, as he re-entered.
Rachel glanced quickly at her husband, ss Eliza
tremulously answered "yesn Her fears ever
uppermOst, suggesting that possibly there might
be advertisements out for her.
"Mother - said Simeon, standing in the porch,
and calling Rachel out.
"What does thee want, father said Rachel,
rubbing her Aoury hands, as she went into the
porch.
"This childs husband is in the settlement, and
will be here to night said Simeon.
snow thee doesn't say that father? ~ said
Rachel, all her face radiant with joy.
ats really true Peter was down yesterday
with the wagon TO the other stand, and there he
found an old woman and two men; and one said
his name was George Harris and, from what he
told of his history, am certain who he is--he is
bright likely fellow too.
"Shall we tell her now ~ said Simeon.
Let's tell Ruth, said Rachel. "Here, Ruth,
| come heren
Ruth laid down her knitting work. and was in
| the back porch In a moment
ruth, what does thee think 2" said Rachel.
! q Father says Elzals hnshapd is in the last CON-
| pany and will be here tonight"
burst Of JOY from the little quakeress inter
rupted the speech. She gave such bound from
the floor as she clapped her little hands, that
two stray curls fell from under her quaker cap,
and lay brightly on her white neckerchief
"Hush thee dear |" said Rachel, gently " hush
Ruth Tell us, shall we tell her nowp
SNOW TO be sure-this very minute Why,
now, suppose twas my John, how should feel
Do tell her, right OFF,
"Thee uses myself only to learn how to love
thy neighbor, Ruth,o said Simeon, looking with
a beaming face on Ruth.
"To be sure. Isn't it what we are made for ?
IL didn't love John and the baby, should not
know how to feel for her Come, now, do tell
her, do; ~ and she laid her hands persuasively on
Rschels arm. "Take her int thy bedroom,
then, and let me fry the chicken while thee does
| itn
Rachel came out into the kitchen where Eliza
was sewing, aud opening the door Of small bed
room, said, gently, Come in here with me, my
daughter, have news TO tell thee"
The blood flushed in Eliza's pale face; she
rose, trembling with nervous anxiety, and looked
towards her boy.
"No, no." said little Ruth, darling up and seiE.
ing her hands Never thee fear, it's good news,
Eliza-go in, 20 in." And she gently pushed her
to the door, which closed after her and then
turning round, she caught little Harry in her
arms, and began kissing him.
"Thee'll see thy father little one. Does thee
know IL Thy father Is coming" she said, over
and over again, as the boy looked wonderingly at
her.
Meanwhile, within the door another scene was
going on Rachel Halliday drew Eliza toward
her, and said-"The Lord hath had mercy on
thee, daughter thy husband hath escaped from
the house Of bondage"
The blood flushed to Eliza's cheek in sudden
glow, and went back to her heart with as sudden
q rush. She sat down, pale and faint
Have courage, chidr said Rachel laying her
hand on her head "He is among friends, who
will bring him here tonight"
"To. nightp Eliza repeated, "to-nghtp The
words lost all meaning to her; her head was
dreamy and confused-all was mist for a mo-
! ment.
When she awoke, she found herself snugly
tucked up on the bed, with blanket over her,
and little Ruth rubbing her hands with camphor.
10.