Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-07-01

40 WISH, ana ner voice assumed an earnest
tone, " do wish you would take me to see
her, and let me serve an apprenticeship with
her. l assure you I would willingly cook as
she does, if only knew her way and then
it is too bad too here we have been married
almost two years, and | have never seen one
of your relations. Come, let's give up going
to New York this fall, and 60 out in the coun-
try to your fathers wont you 2"
Mr. Lawrence did not answer at once. He
was, i'll truth, little ashamed of the only rea-
son which had so long deferred hm from in
PRODUCING his wife to the paternal homestead
She was city born and city-bred woman,
had been nurtured in affluence, and always
mingled in fashionable society and he did
hate to have her see the contrast between his
humble home and country6ed relations, aud
her stately residence and genteel friends. 1t
was reason to be ashamed of, and he knew
it, for not hoer were the associations that
cluster around the city home, nay not as holy
were they as those that clung to that low
brown home, with its messy caves, its arch
ing elms, its ripplng spring, its beaming gar
den, its Struggling orchard, its broad sweep of
meadow, and its dim old forest, so like pic
ture, with its lights and shades.
And well too did he know that in all that
makes true men and women, in sterling integ-
rity, in tixedness of purpose, in warm devo-
ton of heart, the aged parents, whom he had
left years before under that humble roof
would stand to say the least, side by side, with
those who had claimed the young affections
of his wife,
Yes, Mr.. Lawrence was ashamed of the on
ly reason that had deferred him so long from
introducing to his parents the gentle one whom
their only son had chosen for his life compan-
ion, and so though he put her off with all ex
cuse at dinner, yet afterwards when they sat
together on the sofa, enjoying that half hours
chat which he always allows himself, he assent
ed to her wish, and that day week was decid-
ed upon as the one which should present Ma
ry to his friends, and as she laughingly, yet
earnestly said, present her to some of her mo-
theirs vctualS.
"I will write them to-day. They have a
mail on Thursday, aud if they do not receive
it then, why Saturdays will carry it, and as
they are always at church, they can get it on
Sunday. We must always make some allow
ance for country mails. But if they get it on
Sunday, there will be time enough ere Tues
day noon, for deal of cooking and I'll tell
you Mary, such chicken pie as you'll see in
the centre of mothers table"
"You havn't eat since you were boy" in
terrupted she pleasantly. 40, am so glad
you are going shall make me new check
apron this afternoon, for mean to be in the
pantry all the time. You'll never talk of mo-
theirs victuals after this visit"
"Only to say this tastes like hers, and that
will be praise enough l suppose" said the
young husband, now all good nature, kissed
the soft and beautiful cheek presented, and
went on his way, feeling for time quite sat
isfed with his darling wife, although her vic
tualS did not taste to him like boyhood'S board.
The next Tuesday morning found Mr.. and
Mrs. Lawrence on their way to the olden
home of the husband. -Four hours ride in an
express train left them within ten miles of the
place. A carriage was hired at once and they
proceeded.
As they entered it Mr. Lawrence observed
gaily" Our horses, poor as the look, will easily
carry US there by noon-we shall be in good
season for the chicken pie"
"And shall doubtless, do justice to it," re-
sponded the wife. hope it will be wide
and deep"
Never fear-I know them of DID," said he
and giving the word to the driver, they were
off, 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 long grassy lane. A beau
tiful light played in the husbands eye as they
rolled long and he whispered softly as though
he feared to break the holy spell, " this is
the homestead road. have played on its
sunny banks many an hour with the only
brother that Heaven ever gave me land a long
this we passed when we carried him to his lit,
tie grave O, it is lined with autumn flowers,
but thicker are the memories that cluster here,
and he turned his head and wiped away
tear.
A moment after and they drew up before q
little low-roofed house, brown aud messy, but
neat and cheerful, with rich festoonS OF cling
ing vines hanging all about and garden path
radiant with blossoms, but to the surprise OF
Mrs Lawrence, no one come TO the gate to
meet them, nor did any one seem in waiting on
their 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 nuisance are these country mails =
But we shall find them home, for mother never
goes anywhere, and drawing his wifeS arm
within his own he led her up the grassy path
way. Just as they reached the steps, the door
was opened and little old-fashoned, woman
dressed in short gown aud petticoat' advan-
ced to meet them.
Ere Mrs. Lawrence had time to conjecture
who it might be, the wrinkled hand was
cIasped by her husband, while the words, my
mother" my son Harry, my dear boy is 1t
you 2" revealed to her in whose presence she
now found herself
Taking her to her bosom as she would a
long absent daughter, you are welcome,
child. God bless you, and spare you to hlm
these many year, for l know by bis looks
you have made him happy indeed Come ln'