Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-09-15

think that you cared for him l''
"What if 1 have Z I'll never tie myself to
poyerty-never
The result of this conversation was that
Margaret Maria resolved to give Squire Martin
an affirmative answer, and the widow took
down her curl papers and indulged in a food
of tears.
CHAPTER II.
A bridal in church-and the wind sighed,
but they chilled not the heart of MargaretMaria
as did the presence of the wintery old man at
her side. She thought Of Harry Blake. Strange
that his face should come between her heart
and gold as she drew near the altar. Then
came tide of womanly feeling to her soul,
and she gave a sigh for what might have been.
But she heard the rustling of her costly robes
she passed up the isles, she felt the pressure
Of her diamond ring upon her finger, and re-
signed everything for a thirst for wealth.
Meanwhile, the old bridegroom stroked his
| black wig and chucklcd over his purchase as
the prettiest little trinket of bride that money
ever bought And there stood Harry Blake,
| gazing on the scene, not tearfully but with
| wonder that he could ever have loved that
| soullcss woman. The bridal tour was a superb
| affair, but it was tedious to the old man, who
! longed for the quiet at home. The cars stop
| ped ut an insignificant station on the Erie Rail-
| road, and the Squire started to his feet.
| "What, do you live here ?'' asked Margaret
| Maria.
sNo, ten miles farther into the country"
| She heaved deep sigh.
| They found carriage waiting for them at
| theldepot or rather a wagon, familiarly known
| as a democrat. The Squire shook hands with
the driver, talked familiarly with the team ster,
| and then Introduced them to his wife. Mar
| garet pursed up her lips, and hardly vouch-
safed bow. 4 light ladder was procured at
| the station-h house, and daintily she climbed in
| to the wagon. Everything looked mserably
forlOrn. The roads were rough, great clods of
| mud pelted her bonnet, and as far as the eye
could stresch she could see nothing but steep
| hills covered with pines and hcmocks. The
| further she went, the more unsuitable seemed
| her costly Clothes and before she reached her
| journeys end, she felt that all she would ever
| again need, would be warm wooden shawl and
| hood. Her husband tried TO divert her,
| pointed to this sawmill and that as his, and in
formed her that he owned every inch of land
from the depot home, but she only grew all
the more forlorn. They scarcely met human
being all that long lonesome way, and passed
but few houses; and these were small, rude
| ones occupied by the squire lumbermen. The
squire now commenced to talk with Andrew,
the driver, inquiring how many trees they had
| cut down. If the sawmillS were all gaining !;
indeed he seemed perfectly absorbed in his
| hobby business.
At length they drew near the grave yard.
How instinctiyely we pause in the country as
| we approach the resting place of the dead, and
strangely still seemed that little graveyard en-
closed by its nicely white washed fence. The
squire grew thoughtful.
"Was your first wife buried here 20 asked
Margaret Maria, in a careless tone. The squire
nodded yes.
ssHow old was she when she died 20 she re-
sumed.
.Fnty-,ix.''
She forgot that the toii-worn woman who
slept under yonder mound. had been his COM
panion for many year. The old man turned
away his head and the moisture gathered in
his eyes. They came in sight of the old home
stead, large two story house, painted white,
fence and all an unmitigated white, unrclicv-
ed 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.
ssHey, Susey, glad to sec inc, amt you? and
this is your new mother.'' Susv burst into
tears and nestled into his arms. 'sSusy, Susy,'
whispered the old man, ''for my sake" "May
be | have been very foolsh.'' The young girl
raised her head and looked in the brides face.
She offered her hand. and was about to kiss
her. but the new made Mrs. Martin courtesied
somewhat fashionably and sat down. SuSy
brought in two talow 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,
ssWhy mother, how do you dor" said the
, young man in dry sarcastic tone. "Hailo
here, Charlie, come and kiss your new grand
mas The child gazed his large, wondering
eyes on the stranger, and felt the constraint a
round him, though he could not have explain
ed it. Susy came in soon to tell them suppe
was ready. Such a table Margaret was as
tonished. The bill of fare was as comprehen
sive as Kirkhams definition of noun, lnclud
, ing everything that can be known or mention
\ cd, turkey, chickens. pies, nut cakes, sweet
. meats, all side by side, and large white bis
- cults, that would have been mistaken IN tn
city for loaves, and sliced up accordingly. Th
;, squire seemed to be eating for all time {
= u come, insisted that the hired help should al
sit down at the first table, declaring that b.
| would have no innovation in his household
= Accordingly the bride found her elbow in
. . very close proximity to Andrews coat sleeve
= After supper they returned to what was caiie'
the great room. The bride sat down III In
| corner of the fireplace, and looked Tathe
, pouty "And this,' thought she, isis marry
ing for money. What good will fortune eve
do me here among these pine hills2 Oh, Hal
!, nv BlakeI'' and from the embers there rose
y gladsome young face, and with sigh sil
thought of the great heart she had so crueii
- thrown from her, and trampled beneath nc
- | feet.
? s.Well nv DEAR said the old man, clappin
/, y his hands together, ssnow don't this look lik
home 2'' You hav'nt got acquainted with u
neighbors yet-real nice folks i tell you, an
tomorrow 1 must 60 right about starting thi
> other saw mill.
:, CHAPTER III.
Davs passed and the bride began TO fe
70 much like Gagged bird. Never was fine !;
90 dv more out of her element. AT hrst she b'
, sled herself in re-furnishing her house. an
:, coon all the extravaganza of the city four
"a | their way thither. The great room was htte