The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-04-14

7 ture in his mind ard the words, Than
you. DEAR were still echoing there in
! kind Of low music. He was very muc
subdued in feeling, almost sad and ther
was an air of languor about him as
came into the room where his wife wa
at work getting supper ready. that sh
J observed as something quite unusual.
Jane take your fathers coat AM
bang it up said Mrs. Crandall to th
eldest daughter.
| The girl obeyed, but there was no af
lection in her manner, and she moved il
a listless sort Of a way toward her father
and reached out her hand for his coat
Mr.. Crandall gave her the garment, say
ing Thank you, DEAR
The words were spontaneous, not o
design and spoken with tender utter
ance. He was but repeating the tone
that was still sounding in his memory.
That instant life seemed to quicker
through the child's frame. She gave
one glance of surprise into her fathers
face. and then stepped away with the
coat like one pleased to render seevice
Mr.. Crandall was surprised at himself
and for an instant, half ashamed of wha,
he had done as if it were a weakness.
will you have glass of water 2
asked Jane, coming back to her father.
If you please
Mr.. Crandall wondered at his own
reply. An almost cold, abrupt yes OF
no. was his accustomed answer to near.
ly all questions.
How lightly did Jane trip from the
room. In twinkling she returned with
cool glass of water for her father, who,
as he received it from her hand, said,
Thank YOU
To the child, unaccustomed to such
an acknowledgement for any service,
those two little words felt to be a sweet
reward.
The fathers altered manner and the
way of speaking was perceived by the
children as we'll as by their mother and,
as if by some magic. the whole of their
lives seemed changed.
'Shall l bring up your slippers 7
asked Jane, returning to her father.
Yes, that's good girl; my feet are
aching with these heavy boots he re-
piled.
AS Jane left the room with a SPRING
ing step. Mr.. Crandall commenced draw
ing 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 the SER
vice rendered their father.
i will put one into the closet, and
John the other
What brave little men Z exclaimed
Mr.. c., really pleased at heart, and man
ifestlng his pleasure in the tones of his
voice. Pm thousand times obliged
to you.'
Jane returned with the slippers in a
few moments, and STOPPING down drew
them upon her fathers feet. When she
rose up. with cheeks glowing. and eyes
dancing in new light. Mr.. G. thought
her face looked really beautiful.
Thank you. DEAR The words came
now really from the heart.
Mrs. Crandall looked and listened,
wonderingly. while a strange glow pre-
yaded her bosom. What could be the
meaning Of all this +? In quiet. pleas
ed way. the children gathered around
their father, one climbing upon his
knee.
What have you been doing all day.
Jimmy p asked Mr.. G. of the child.
Playing answered the child.
Have you been good boy p
Not all the time.'
L am sorry: Jimmy must try and be
a good boy all the time. What have you
been playing 2
oh, everything. Horses and dogs.
and turning up jack. as mother says
Mr.. Crandall laughed out at the reply,
saying
You turned up jack most of the time.
| suppose
well, guess did
Mr.. Crandall laughed again. The
spirit of good nature was transferred in
to every heart. Even Mrs. Crandall,
who was unusually in fretted state of
mind, felt its genial influence.
'Jimmy's been right good boy to.
day. said she. in an approving voice.
& L