The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-01


strangely still seemed the little graveyard en-
closed by its nicely white washed fence. The
squire grew thoughtful.
'.Was your first wife buried here?'' asked
Margaret Maria in careless tone. The squire
nodded yes
..How old was she when she died?" she re
sumed.
'sFifty six
She forgot that the toi-worn woman, who
slept under yonder mound. had been his COM
panon for many a year The old man turn
ed away his head, and the moisture gathered
in his eyes. They came in sight of the old
homestead, large, two story house painted
white, fences and all an unmitgated white, un
relieved by green window shutter bush or tree.
The arrival made quite stir at the farm house.
Susy Martin, the old mans favorite, was the
first to welcome them.
'Hey Susy, glad to see me, amt you? and
this is your new mother Susy burst into
tears and nestled in his arms. '.Susy, Susy,"
whispered the old man, s.for my sake. May
be | have been very foolish" The young
girl raised her head and looked into the brides
face. She offered her hand, and was about to
kiss her, but the new Mrs. Martin courtesied
somewhat fashionable, and sat down. Susy
brought in two tallow candles and placed them
on the table, which Margaret Maria contrasted
with the gas light at home. A few moments
after tall, square shouldered man entered
leading little boy by the hand. Mr. Martin
somewhat embarrassed, rose and introduced
him s'Mrs. Martin this is my son David"
'Why mother, how do you do?" said the
young man, in a dry sarcastic tone. Halo!
here Charlie, come and kiss your new grand
ma" The ehild fixed his large wondering
eyes on the stranger, and felt the constraint
around him, though be could not have ex-
planned it. Susy came in soon to tell them
that supper was ready. Such a table! Marga-
ret was astonished. The bill Of fair was as
comprehensive as Kirkam's definition of a noun,
including everything that can be known or
mentioned; turkey, chicken, pies, nut cakes,
sweetmeas, all side by side, and large white
biscuits, that would have been mistaken in
the city for loayes, and sliced up accordingly.
The squire seemed to be eating for all time to
come, insisted that the hired help should sit
down at the first table, declaring that he would
have no innovation in bis household. Accor-
dinghy the bride found her elbow in very
close proximity to Andrews coat-seeve. Al
ter supper they returned to what was called
the 'sgreat ROOM She sat down in the cor
ner of the fire place, and looked rather pouty.
''And this thought she, is marrying for mon
ey. What good will fortune ever do me
here among these pine hills? Q, Harry Blake!''
and from the embers, there rose a gladstone
young face, and with a sigh.she thought of a
great heart she had so cruelty thrown from
her, and trampled beneath her feet.
"Well my DEAR said the old man, clapping
his hands together, ssnow don't this look like
home? You havn't got acquainted with the
neighbors yet-real nice folks, tell you, and
tomorrow must go right about starting that
other sawmil.'
Days passed, and the bride began to fee
much like Gagged bird Never was a fine la.
dy more out of her element At fret she bus'
ed herself in re-farnishng her house, and soo1
all the extravaganza ofthe city found its wa,
thither. The greatroom was fitted up for
parlor chimneys were taken down, in short
there was general everturning and upturnin:
sufficient to bring a about complete domestic mil
lenium. But no one gained anything b,
way of happiness. susy got tired of the wore
style, the old man missed some home comforts
the piano got out Of tune and there was nobod
| to tune it, the two maid servants took it int
their heads, to- leave just at the busiest time
and they could get nobody for love or mon
ey to fill their place; SO Margaret Maria wa
obliged to lay aside her diamond ring and g
into the kitchen. The old man was foolishl.
indulgent, begged her to spend all the money sh
wished. She proposed aremova to the city
"Risky piece of business" said the squire, ''nev
er get into abetter neighborhood than this. Be
sides I've found aspace on that middle creek 70
another wmill-capitol fall ofwater there
She grew9yery lonely. Two or three time
during her intervals of leisure, had she take1
from its secret hiding place, faded bouquet
the souvenir of an early love, while the old maj
was accustomed, of a sabbath evening to gaz
on a lock of silvery hair, and to molsten
with tears. At last two stout Irish girls wer
imported from the city, and the same trip th
squire also brought home an elegant silver te
service. Margaret Maria threw herself int
! the rocking chair and declared that if it wer
not so horrid dull there, she might yet be hap
py. t.La,' said the squire, why not max
party?" "Yes," chimed in Susy, ''we'
have all the neighbors.'' s'And | tell yo
what, we'll show them style" said Margare
MARIA, Seetihg e'o4oeh Su0so 'Iey
open theire eyes once in the world. If ba
only some my Of city friends
'sNice folks here said the squire, "tha
last saw mill is turning out more lumber thai
all tie rest put together
''susy," said Margaret Maria, ''you mus
have an evening dress. Pink satin would b
pretty for YOU Susy' cherry lips were part
ed with an exclamation of wonder. Why
didn't you ever hear of such a thing? and yo
must have it short sleeves" '.What in win
Iter?" O.
'.Why you poor little heathen,' said Marga
ret Maria, and all at once her benevolent feel
ings were aroused, and she determined to max
something out of the girl. awe will have An
drew for the porter, you and l will receive tn
company as elegantly as possibly, and We WI
take careto have a magnificent table.
I I The whole house was alive with prepara
tons for the coming fete: invitations were sen
out=and Margaret Maria was in her element
The squire had but one direction to make, an
that was not to Slight anybody. The pink sat
in was procured, and it really made Sue
look tike some fair young rosebud. Marga
ret Maria put on her bridal robes and was hel
selfagan. .....
I'M