The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1857-04-30
g Beautiful STORY.
THE SECOND WIFE. -.


CHAPTER I.
Much of the ensuing week was spent
in re-arranging the rooms, in order to
give them a more cheerful appearance.
( took down the portrait of Mrs. Elem
ing from its garret corner, and hung it
over the mantol in the parlor. I re-
framed the beautiful landscape, and il
adorned a little room opening from the
back parlor, which had been used as a
spare bedroom, but which I convert
ed into miniature library. I went
with the children into the fields TO
hunt for May flowers, with which to
fiji the vases and make the room bright
and fragrant.
May took her first music lesson, and
was already promising to sing "Let us
love one another" on Christmas day, at
which time her father would be home
Ellen had so far descended from her
cold heights Of reserve as to ask me to
teach her crayon drawing, and I was as
tonished at the artistic talent she already
exhibited
One morning, when I had been about
a fortnight with them, Jane came to the
breakfast table with her travelling dress
on. We were all surprised most Of
all, for I had hoped the happiness of
the children would win her Kindness al
so. But I was mistaken. "Where ayl
you going, aunty?" asked May, her
blue eyes expanding with utter astonish-
ment. Miss Jane deigned no answer
but ate her breakfast in unbroken ST.
lence, then turning to me announced
her decision:
"Mrs. Fleming, you cannot expect me
to stay here content, when I see you dai-
ly undoing, with all your might, what ]
have been laboring so hard to accomplish
These girls were growing up under my
care, discreet, sober and reasonable.
shut out the vanities and follies of the
world from their knowledge. I reared
them up in prudence and soberness.-
But Arthur Flemingmust bring strange
wife, who, in two short weeks, could by
her willy softness Of manner win theii
foolish young hearts away from their
tried friend, and fill their heads with
vanity. I will not stay where I and
my teachings are objects of contempt
[ leave you to your painting and play.
ing, your singing and bouquet making
l am not penniless, as you suppose. ]
have still home to 60 to, now that
am driven thanklessly from this one"
My eyes filed with tears at these
scornful words The children looked
wondering at me and at her.
"Don't go, auntyI Mother doesn't
want you to, whispered May, the sweet
little peace-maker.
81 don't know who drioes you from
here, said Ellen, sarcastically.
"Jane, l wish you to stay here"
said. at is right that I, Captain Elem.
ings wife, should be mother to his
children, and take their care and educa.
ton into my own hands. mean to
make them happy in their home, in
their studies, and to fit them for GOOD
and useful lives You can help me in
this work, and I will be your friend
Will you stay Jane?"
"No, Mrs. Fleming, I will not stay
where l am mere cypher. But, chill
dren, I do not desert you. If you are
ever fatherless, or in trouble, will come
to you, and you shall have your home
with me again"
The stage-coach, which Jane had Sc
cretly ordered to call for her, now rat
tied up to the door, and she took her
seat in it. She gave nod Of freezing
dignity to me, farewell of compassion
ate affection to the children, and then
the coach drove away.