The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-07-27

4
ality was now before him. The husband and
father, whose presence bad frightened that
home, he knew. in a general way. as a thriving
man of business, who came. frequently, to the
establishment where he worked. ,..
His face wore. generally. grave aspect -
little sour he had thought. He had not
given him credit for mnch kindness of feel
ing; and was. therefore. the more impressed by
what he had seen. '-.
| The sweet, musical way in which Thank
you, dear | had been said. reciprocally by
mother and cbiiden, many times and on all
occasions of service rendered, no matter how
small, had found an echo in his mind. where it
was continually repeated. until Thank you.
dear I as he unused at his work, came almost
to the lips in vocal utterance. @
When Crandall went home at nightfall, he
was still dreaming over the picture in his
mind and the words, Thank you, dear were
still echoing there in a kind of low music He
was very much subdued in feeling, almost,
sad /; and there was an air Of 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 her eldest daughter.
The girl oheyed, but there was no affection
in her manner, as she moved. in listless sort
of way, toward her father. and reached out
her hand for bis coat. Mr.. Crandall gave her
the garment sayirg-' Thank you. DEAR
The words we're spontaneous. not of design
and spoken with tender utterance. He
was but repeating the tones that were still
sounding in his memory.
What instant life seemed to quicken through
the child's frame !! She gave one glance of
surprise into her fathers face, and stepped
away with the coat like one we'll pleased to
render service. f.
Mr. Crandall was surprised at himself; and.
for an instant. half ashamed of what he had
done, as if it were weakness. sF
Will you have glass of water asked
Jane. coming back to her father
If you please -- -ze-.-.=-
Mr.. Crandall wondered at his own reply al
most as much as his wife and children wonder
ed. A cold abrupt yes, or no. was his ac
customed answer to nearly all questions.
With what light feet did Jane trip from the
room. In twi,kling she was hack. with a
cool glass of water for her father, who. as he
received it from her hand, said, Thank you. ;
| To the child all unaccustomed TO such an
acknowledgment for any service, these two lit
tie words we're felt to be a sweet reward.
The fathers altered manner and way of
speaking was perceived by the children as we'll
as by their mother; as if by magic, the whole
sphere of their lives seemed changed.
Shall bring down your slippers p asked
Jane returning to her father.
Yes, that's good girl he answered, my
feet are aching in these boots .-.-t ar
As Jane left the room with q springing step,
Mr. Crandall 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 a reward
for service rendered their tired father.
IN put one in the closet, and John the
other s.. --.. - -..a
What brave little men exclaimed Mr..
Crandall, really pleased at heart. and manifest
ed his pleasure in the TOTES of his voice. I'm
thousand times obliged to you.'
Jane returned with the slippers in few mo.
ments, and stooping 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. ,.-s
.Thauk you, DEAR The words came, now,
really from his heart. ..
Mrs. CrandelI looked and listened, wonder
ingly, while strange glow pervaded her bo.
som. What could be the meaning of all thisf
What new spirit had come over her husband
In quiet, pleased way, the children gathered
around their father, one climbing upon lis
knee. ..,... -.. .....- ..-...
What have you been doing all day, jim
my asked Mr.. Crandall of the child.
Playing, was the simple answer.
i Have you been good boy?'
Not all the time answered the child.
4 I'm sorry Jimmy must try and be good
boy all the time. What have you been play
] ing p ..-..-.... ...-. .......-.... ....
d oh, everything. Horses and dogs, and
turning up Jack, as mother says. -.a d..
;. Mr.. Crandall laughed out at the reply, say
ing, You turned up Jack mostly. l suppose.
WELL guess did,
} Mr.. Crandall laughed again. The spirit Of
good nature was transfused into every heart
!, Even Mrs. Crandall, usually in a fretted state
of mind, felt its genial influence.
> Jimmys been a right good boy to day, SAID
she, in an approving voice. His turning or
Jack hasn't amounted to much asr 'ss
Mrs Crandall was moving busiIy about, al
: this time, preparing supper. Jane, who nevel
3 willingly gave her mother any assistance, ant
who was rarely called upon because she grum
Q bled whenever asked to do anything, now said
9 Mother. can help you 2 --ls.
J.. 8 Yes dear That dear which had fallel
e so unexpectedly form the lips of her husband
d had been echoing inithe mind of Mrs. Crandal
d ever since, and now it came into uttteranc,
e quite as spontaneously as in the case of he
e husband. Yes, dear you may finish settini
e the table. while dish up the supper.
e Wondering almost as much at herself as q
her husband, Mrs Crandall, after seeing jan
3 moved with pleased alacrity about the table
went into the kitchen. and soon all was ready
D. Quite enough to satisfy that appetite had Mri
Crandall prepared but her thoughts turne