The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-07-29

Il have been thinking, Mary--hem'-
here ho stopped, and worked away 70
some seconds on the string. 1t bad go
into hard knot, | suppose.
Il have been thinking, he began again
and then he waited SO long, that Mar.
wondered what he had been thinking a
bout, and whethor he would ever be don
thinking.
I Il have been thinking, Mary, that
as he had now advanced one word fur
ther, be would probably have got out th'
whole sentence, but just then widow
Green. who had been sitting at the win
dow, and seeiug Frank working SO LONG
over the gate, the kind, oficious old lad }
must needs come out, to see what in the
world was the matter with that 'are
string So Mary was left to finish the
sentence according to the dictates of hel
own feelings or Imagination. But Frank
took the more satisfactory method of fin
ishing it on paper.
How the sentence really ended, may be
inferred from the fact that the next week
Frank was busting about, with an extra
gleam of satisfaction on bis fine counte-
nance, making preparations for building
a house. A light heart u axes light work.
In an incredible short time be bad finish
ed one of the prettiest cottages you ever
saw. 1t was painted white with green
blinds, and portico all round. 1t stood
far enough from the road to allow large
garden, which was enclosed by white
fence, with little gate fastened with a
string. Behind the house at some distance,
rolled the Connecticut river, with its beau.
tifal expanse of interval land on either
side, orname nted here and there with
solitary, graceful elm. Is there river
in the world whose path is marked with
more beauty and serdure than the Con.
necticut! Among all the dwelers on its
bank, perhaps there never was happier
couple than the one who on May day took
possession OF the pew cottage.
And so, said Miss Jemima Wilkins
that was, as she was returning with others
from the wedding visit, poor Mary Green
is Mrs. Francis May! l suppose she will
carry her head pretty high now
Franks FOOL thought Mr.. A shton,
to marry girl who hasn't cent in the
world!
Years rolled on. Frank and Mary
were happy in each other, and ever ao-
tive promoting the happiness of all about
them. They had two children, Willy and
prettiest aud most in interesting
children in the world-at least, in the
eyes of their parents.
But when the sun of our prosperity
shines brightest, the storm may be gath
ering. One night as the May family
were retiring to rest, there was knock
heard at the door. On opening it they
found poor beggar, who asked the favor
'f nights lodging in the barn. He
vas rather suspicious looking character,
out Mary said, Let him stay, poer fellowl'
md Mr.. May consented. The family
hen retired to rest. little dreaming how
much their hospitality would cost them.
About midnight there was a cry of
FireP They started from their beds
md rushed out of their house. What
we're their feelings when they discovered |
he barn in blaze. and the flames just
communicating with the house
Run, Mary exclaimed Frank, take
he children to the little grove, while
zee what can be done
But be soon found there was nothing to
'e done, for he could get no water; the
veil was SO near the burning buildings
hat he could not approach it. Poor
frank stood still, and with his arms fold
ID across his breast, looked on in silent
lgony; while the ire u bling family saw
Ill from the grove. The village was a.
armed, and in few minutes almost ev-
'ry man was on the ground. But FIRE
8 a thing of such rare occurrence in the
ountry, that the people do not know
sbat to do with it.
Thoug these worthy neighbors could
10 nothing but stand with Mr.. May and
ook on, yet could you seen their faces, as
he light flashed upon them from the bla.
ing pile, you would have read in each, the
tronge-t expression of sympathy.
When all was over--when the last
after had fallen in, and the last blaze
ad flickered out, Frank turned away With
heavy heart, and went towards the
rove, were Mary and the children were
rafting.
well, Mary said he, what are we to
OF
'Do!' replied his wife, Iet US kneel
own and return thanks that we are all
afe.'
'Ah, Mary, you are right. l was
linking only of what we have lost, you
re thinking only of what we have saved.
With such treasure left to me, how can
repine, even for a moment?'
And there, on tha green grass, under ,
he light of the moon, and the shade of
lie trees, they kneeled down and poured .
ut heartfelt praises for their merciful de-
Verance.
Some of their friends now approached, ;
I'd perceislDg how they wsre engaged,
aited at distance 10 respectful silence,
II the little group arose, then they came
N and ia KING each by tho hand ooyo