Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-04-07


whose presence had frightened that home, he
knew in general way as thriving man of
business, who came frequently to the establish
ment where he worked. His face wor3, gen
orally, grave aspect, a little sour he had not
given him any credit for such kindness of feel
ing and was therefore the more impressed
for what he had seen.
The sweet musical way in which thank
you DEAR" had been said, reciprocally, by mo-
ther and children, many times and on all occa,
sions of services rendered no matter how
small, had found an echo in his mind, where
it was continually repeated until thank you
DEAR" as he mused on his word, come most to
his lips in vocal utterance.
When Crandall went home at nghtfal he
was still dreaming over the picture in his
mind the words, "Thank you, dear" were
still echoing there in kind of low music. He
was very much subdued in feeling, almost sad :;
and there was an Dir or languor about him as
he came into the room where his wife was at
work getting supper ready that she observed
as something unusual.
Jane take your fathers coat and hang it
up" said Mrs Crandall to the eldest daugh-
| ter.
The girl obeyed, but there was no affection
in her manner, and she moved in steSS sort
of way to her father and reached ont her
hand for his coat Mr. Crandall gave her the
garment saying Thank you, dear"
The words were spontaneous, not Of design;
and spoke with tender utterance He was
but repeating the tone that was still sounding
in his memory.
What instant life seemed to quicken through
! the child'S frame. She gave one glance of sur
/ prise into her fathers face, and then stepped
! away with the coat like one pleased to render
a service.
Mr.. Crandall was surprised at himself and
/ for an instant, half ashamed Of what he had
/ done as if it were a weakness.
! "WlI you have glass Of water ?' asked
Jane, coming back to her father.
! If you please"
/ Mr.. Crandall wondered at his own reply
An almost cold, abrupt Eyes" or "no," was
/ his accustomed answer to nearly all questions
| How lightly did Jane trip from the room
/ In twinkling she was back with a cold glass
of water for her father, and as he received it
! from her hand, said, Thank you"
To the child, all unaccuStomed to such an
acknowledgement for any services, those two
little words were left to be sweet reward.
The fathers altered manner and way of
speaking was perceived by the children as well
as by their mother and as if by magic, the
while of their lives seemed changed.
Shall bring you up your slippers 7" asked
Jane, returning to her father
Yes, that's good girl, j" he answered, my
feet are aching in these heavy boots"
As Jane left the room with springing step
Mr. Crandal commenced drawing off his
boots They were no sooner laid upon the
floor, than two little fellows caught hold of
them, each desirous of an approving word as
reward for their tired father.
| "Ill put one in the closet, and John the
other"
What brave little men p exclaimed Mr.
| Crandal really pleased at heart, and manifest
! ing his pleasure in the tone of his voice. "I'm
a thousand times obliged to yon."
Jane returned with the slippers in few
moments, and STOPPING down drew them upon
her fathers feet When she rose up with
cheeks glowing, and eyes dancing in a new
! light, Mr. Crandall thought her face looked
really beautiful.
| "Thank YOU, dear" The words came now
really from his heart
! Mrs CrandaIl looked and listened, wonder
ingly while strange glow pervaded her bosom.
! What could be the meaning of all this In a
quiet, pleased way, the children gathered
round their father, one climbing upon his
! knee.
what have you been doing all day, jim
my ?" asked Mr. CrandalI of the child.
! "paying" was the simple answer.
y" Have you been good boy?"
! "Not all the time" answered the child
al am sorry Jimmy must try and be good
boy all the time. What have you been play
ing"
"Oh, everything. Horses and dogs, and
! turning up Jack, as mother says"
! Mr. Crandall laughed out at the reply say
ing =
"You turned up Jack mostly, I suppose"
"Wel, | guess ! did,"
! Mr. Crandall laughed again. The spirit of
good nature was transferred into every heart.
/ Even Mrs Crandall usually in a frettlng state
/ of mind, felt its genial influence.
! JimmyS been right good boy to-day"
said she in an approving voice. His turn
/ ing up Jack hasn't amounted to much.'
! Mrs CrandaIl was moving about all this time
preparing supper. Jane, who never willingly
| gave her mother any assistance, and who was
rarely called upon because she grumbled when
ever asked to do anything, now said, 4" Mother,
can help your"
"Yes dear" That dear which had fallen
SO Unexpectedly from her husband had been
echoing in the mind of Mrs. Crandall quite as
spontaneously in the case other husband.
Yes dear, you may finish setting the table
while dish up the supper.
| Wondering almost as much at herself as al
. her husband, Mrs Crandall after seeing Jane
move with pleasing alacrity about the table,
went into the kitchen and soon all was ready.
Quite enough to satisfy the appetite had Mrs.
Crandal prepared but her thoughts turned
upon something else-someting that would give
her the opportunity to ask him if she should
| not get it for his supper