Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-04-23
CLEARFIELD. WEDNESDAY, APRIL %, 1856.

the woodlawn, and the next forenoon went with
him in carriage to the railroad station; and
there not only wept as she parted from him,
but actually embraced and kissed him!
"What in broad day light!' exclaimed
grandma W. s.Well, if ever heard or seen
the.iike on't.'
Little Nell, the old lady's youngest grand
child. wondered to herself if it was any worse
in broad daylight than at other times. Per-
haps you will wonder, too. We did at least.
There was large attendance that afternoon
at the weekly meeting of the village sewing
society. Everybody went that could possibly
leave home. And what chatterng there was
when the bustling of assembling was over
There was but one topic, but that was allen
grossing-ths widows beau-for the gentle
man must be her heau-or at least ought to be-
Everybody had something to tell, something
to wonder at But suddenly every magic tongue
was hushed; an universal stroke of palsy seem
ed to have fallen on the group as, looking up,
they perceived the very lady about whom they
were conversing so eagerly, standing in the
doorway.
s'Good afternoon, ladies,' said she in her
usual quiet way; "I am glad to see SO large
and happy a gathering. 1t is a beautiful day
for our meeting"
And then she proceeded to the table and
helped herself to a block of patchwork, inqui-
ring for the sewing silk, which having receiv-
ed. she sat down in the only vacant chair, and
commenced hemning a red bird with yellow
wing on very green twig which latter had al
4 r.
white cloth, and the whole when completed,
was designed to form the twentieth part of a
bed-spread. She seemed all engrossed with
the birds bill, and spoke to no one. Every
body wondered if she had heard what they
were saying when she came in but her placid
countenance soon treasured the most fearful.
and every one longed to commence person
al attack.
Old grandmother ". was the first to venture.
She meant to do UP the matter very delicate
ly, and in so round about way that the lady
would not suspect her of curiosity. So she
began by praising Mrs. C's dress.
'Why, it's really beauty. Where did you
get 7''
81 bought it.''
sHcrc ?'' inquired the old lady.
sNo.''
'sWhere then 20
''In the city, last SPRING"
"Oh, you did, did your But thought you
was never going to dress in anything but black
again?''
All scrutinized the lady's face in search OF
a blush, but it continued as usual, while she
answered-'sI did think and say so once, but
have finally altered my mind.''
':You have, eh! What made you 20
sob, had good reassns.''
Here the hearers and lookers-on winked and
looked very expressive at each other.
eBut did you not spoil your beautiful white
dress the other night, wearing it away up to
the burying- ground ?''
81 did not wear it,
Here was damper for the old lady. She
had such a long lecture to read on extrava-
gance, and she determined to do it, too, when
unfortunately for her eloquent strain, Mrs. C.'s
dress hung up in her wardrobe all the time,
and she had worn an old black silk.
After a while the old lady took fresh start.
She would not be banked again. She would
find out all about that beau before she went
home, s.that she would.' She began by say
didn't he '''
.sIIe did,
ssHe did not stay very long, did he!"
sNot so long as 1 wished him to stay was
the reply. And how the ladies did look at
each other. 1t was as good as confession.
eswhen did he comea''
esSaturday evening"
severe you looking for him 20
81 had been expecting him for a fortnight
or more"
ssWhy, du tell if you had then, and you
never told ont either. Had he any business
in the place 20
ssHe had,' replied the widow.
ssWhat was it ?' This was rather more di-
rect and blunt than the old lady had meant to
put, and she forthwith apologised.
But the widow interrupted her by saying
go, I'd as lief you'd know as not: he came
to see me.'' --a.
o, widow c., your good name did go down
then. Be careful what you say next, or you'll
have only remnant of character left to go
home with, and remnants go very cheap.
s'He did, did he? and he didn't come for
nothing else, then. But was you glad to see
him ?' queried the old lady.
ssIndeed was. 1t was one of the happiest
of my existence"
"Well, well,' said the old lady, hardly know
ing how to frame the next question; sswell,
we'll, he is a very good-looking man, any way
e'I think so, too, and he's not only good
looking, but he's good-heartcd-one of the
best mon ever knew" observed the widow.