The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1860-11-22

posieS, tife uSai oiu Motner pOuiSu eC
from little old-fashioned urn into tn
china cups and saucers, which still re
mained from her "setting out" Oh
each side were ranged daughters, VIII,
with their husbands and little ones, cam,
up yearly to the homestead and sa
down beneath its blessed roof-tree
AT the mothers right hand sat FRANK
the only son, the child of their old age
who last week returned from College
his studies finished, and the honor O
his Alma Mater clustering about hi,
brow. 1t is q beautiful scene, wher
thus we see the aged, who hav,
borne the burden and heat of the day
sit calmly down amid those who ris,
up and call them blessed, and spend tn,
the evening of their days in peace
Voices mingled in pleasant harmony, a
each inquired of the other of the wayl
through which they had passed, ant
the hopes and aims of the future. A
a little lull in the murmured converse
Mr.. Washburne gravely addressed his
son. /" Frank, as your education i.
now finished, and you have choser
your calling for life, there remains an
other important step to be taken, anC
it is time you directed your attention
to the subject"
"The choice of a wife, you mean,
suppose, sir" replied Frank, smiling
Yes my SOD, the choice of some
wise woman. who will aid you in max
my home-some one who will brave
the storm of life, by yodr side, and in
sorrow or JOY be your sympathizing
friend and companion"
al have expected this suggestion,
sir, although have not waited for it
my choice is already made," returned
the young man.
This announcement was met by an
eager Who ?" from Franks three
sisters, and an inquiring glance from
his mother
Mary Wood, who is to graduate to-
morrow from Rosedale Seminary, has
consented to adorn my farmhouse in
the Far West, and to become my com
panion for life." said Frank"
Is she prctty?" asked sister Sarah,
who had reason in her earlier youth
for pardonable pride, in consequence of
her natural beauty of face and figure.
"Very pretty" replied her brother,
eff am competent to judge, with eyes
which love proverbially renders blind"
"What are her family" asked sister
Ruth, who had unbounded reverence
for the name and pedigree ofthe Wash
burne's."
"Mary Wood is an orphan" return
ed Frank. "Her parents lived long
enough to commence the harmonious
development of the elements of true
womanhood and she has been enabled
to finish her education, as | believe, in
accordance with their cherished plans. !"
81 hope she is amiable," added
Franks youngest sister, Grace, whose
face was the index of the pleasant spir-
it within.
81 am quite sure she is, Graeie,' .
said Frank, "but, mother, why don't
you ask somewhat of my bride elect?''
he asked, noticing that she was silently
musing, with troubled brow.
1 don't know, Frank l am afraid,
though that she will have too much ed
ucation for farmers wife," replied his
mother, shaking her head gravely.
"One who has been constantly in school
improvin' the mind, knows nethin' at
all about the duties which your wife
must meet and discharge. Now, when
your father and commenced, as you
are about to do, we had nothin' and we
both had to work. While he plowed
and sowed, l spun and wove, and be-
fore harvest commenced, made a
great store of butter and cheese. /
cared for the wants of all my little chill
dren, and the burden of my house
work required my unceasing efforts.
Had / been dedicated, suppose
should have felt too fine for such a toll
some life; and now, Frank, do you
suppose the lady you have chosen can
do for you as your mother has done,
with all her fine eddication ?"
"She could scarcely do as well, ,wheth-
er educated or not" returned Frank,
affectionately. "But wait and see dear
mother. l have great hopes that Mary
w OOu SOOu cciiSC Will lCdo hCi w -
performance of duty, for which an ed
ucation if rightly applied, will be of the
greatest service. AS hope to initiate
my dear fathers example, in my future
life, although / set out with greater
treasure than he enjoyed, thorough
education, so l trust my wife will ac-
cept my mother as her beloved exem-
plar."
Mother, we need have no fears for
our son." said farmer Washburn, cheer
fully, to his wife-and now, as of old,
his strong spirit sustained her despond-
ing one, and the family conversed hap
PLY until the old clock struck the hour
for retiring.
CHAPTER III.
That was pleasant sight, when on
the following day, eight young maid
ems stood up to receive the highest re-
ward of their teachers, and to be given
to the world trained and prepared as
far as possible for its duties and trials
Especially interesting was it to the
Washburne family, who were seated in
a. group, and endeavoring to decide
which was their brothers. choice. AT.
ter whispered conference, Sarah and
Ruth decided it must be Georgine
whose naughty bearing and brilliant
beauty rendered her conspicuous a
mongst her companions. Grace believ