The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1855-04-04


hours ride in an express train left them
within ten miles of the place. A car
riage was hired at once, and they pro-
ceed. As they enter it, Mr.. Lawrence
observed gayly, "Our horses, poor as
they look, can easily carry US there by
noon-we shall be in good season for
the chicken pie |"
And shall, doubtless, do justice to
it," responded the wife. 81 hope it
will be wide and deep"
Never fear-I know them of old, -
said he, and giving the word to the dri-
yer, they were off, and after passing
many rich and pleasant field, and now
and then under the shadows of patches
of woodland, they turned about noon
into what seemed a long, grassy lane.
A beautiful light played in the hus-
bands eye as they rolled along, and he
whispered softly as though be feared to
break holy spell, this is the homo
stead road. I've played on its sunny
banks many an hour with the only
brother heaven ever gave me; and along
this we passed when we carried him to
his little grave. o, it is lined thick
with autumn flowers, but thicker are
the spring-time memories chat cluster
here" and he turned his head and
wiped away tear.
A moment after and they drew up
before little low-roofed house, brown
and messy, but neat and cheerful, with
rich festoons, of clinging vines hanging
all about, and garden path radiant
with blossoms. but to the surprise of
Mrs. Lawrence, no one came to the
gate to meet them, nor did any one seem
waiting on the threshold A shadow
passed over the love-lit brow of her
husband, and as he assisted her to alight
he said, pettishly, "my letter must
have failed-what a nuisance are these
country mails. But we shall find them
home, for mother never goes any where,
aud drawing his wife's arm within his
own he led her up the grassy pathway.
just as thy reached the s5eps. the door
was opened and little old-fashioned
woman, dressed in short gown and
petticoat "-advaneed to meet them
Ere Mrs. Lawrence had time to conjec-
ture who it might be, the wrinkled hand
was clasped by her husband while the
words, my mother, my dear mother
my son, Harry, Harry my dear boy, is
it p revealed to her in whose pres
euce she now found herself.
And is this your wife, said the old
lady, turning to her kindly and taking
her to her bosom as she would long ab-
sent daughter. you are welcome
child. God bless you and spare you
to him these many year, for I know
by his looks you have made him happy
indeed. Come in, children, come in, ;
and she ushered them into a cheerful
kitchen, and was soon busy in assisting,
them to rid themselves of the dust that
had gathered upon their clothes and in
carrying off outer garments to her nice
spare room.
But why in the world, Harry said
she, when they were comfortable seated,
didn't yon let Us know that you were
coming, that l might have fixed up
a little and had something good for
your dinner. You'll have to take farm
er's fare now-it's pot luck to-day
If its only some Of mothers cooking
it will do, 1 know, said the young wife )
for Harry has talked of your victuals
at nearly every meal since I've known
him. Aud I've come on now, not only
to see you, but to have you teach ne
your ways, that I may make him love me
all the more, You will show me, won't
you now, mother p
That I will, child said the old Ia
dy kindly, her heart won completely BY
the gentle ways of her new daughter.
But if Harry thinks my cooking will
taste as it used to do he will be mista-
ken, I guess. Now that he's lived so
long in the city and fed on its dainty fare,
mothers homely meals won't relish SO
WE'LL
Yes they will mother said her sen.
emphatically. And want V hile am
here now, you should cook just as you
useo to j; / want the old-fashioned taste
"Well, I'll try and suit you boy, but
90, now, and I'D father; he's some
where about the farm, and be spry, for
dinner viii soon be ready. and she
hustled about to complete her pre2a-
rations.
Mrs. Lawrence watched her intently
The cloth was soon laid, and neatly,
too, but in the same style which had been
prevalent when the now aged woman
came q blooming bride to her home
The linen was faultlessly white, but it
was home, made, and not as fine even as
that which her son used for his servants.
The dishes we're free from lint and
fairly shono,' but they we're common
blue edged white ware, such as her
son used merly for baking upon, while
the cutlery, though polished with labor,
was of such an uncomely shape, that it
seamad to the observer she could never