Indiana State sentinel., 1861-01-16

positions he was wont to practice upon the tenants
and neighbors, as well as an arch description of
most of the " characters" thereabouts. Then he
continued to learn all about Jessies little school,
and her ailing mother, and he smiled to himself,
in the twilight to observe the pride of her mien,
when she alluded to the high position from which
unforeseen reverses had compelled her mother to
descend
"TLen.v she said, suddenly pausing with feel
ing as if she had been almost too communicative,
&" If we could only cross yonder lawn the gates
are close by, but we shall have to go quarter of
mile round.
"Why?v asked the stranger.
"Mr. Talcott will not allow travellers to cross
here-he SAYS it is private property
| 81 fancy shall dare Mr.. Talcott's wrath, said
the getleman, laughing as he pushed open the
wire gate that defended the forbidden space. cit
is perfectly absurd to make people 60 quarter of
a mile out of their way for mere whim.
They had scarcely entered the enclosure when
they met an unlocked for obstacle, Talcott him
self, who was prowling over the grounds on the
qui uiue for trespassers.
..Hallo, here,'' growled he; '.just turn back if
you please This isn't the public thoroughfare. y
The stranger held Jessies arm under his own Il
little tighter as if to repress her evident incina
ton to "beat retreat" He was disposed to
maintain his position.
shouldn't go ahead" he said pertinaciously.
''There is path here and | suppose it was made
to walk on
"Not for vou." said the agent contemptuouslys
$50 go back as fast as you cam
"Is it possible that people are made to travel a
circuitous and unpleasant route, for no other
earthly reason than your caprices, sir! asked the
gentleman, looking down at the little man, from
the altitude of his six feet, with kind OF laugh
/ 4 =. 90 4Qr.H
that Others had rights and conveniences as well as
yourself"
"Can't help their rights-nothing to me, y
snarled the agent, planting himself obstnately in
the path. 81 forbid all passing hereP
"But ] suppose Everard Hardwiche may have
the privilege of crossing his own land? persisted
the stranger, still presenting the half contemptu
Gus smile that had from the beginning made the
agent so uncomfortable.
Talcott grew, not exactly pale, but yellow with
CONSERVATION.
"Mr. Hardwiche-sir j not did know-we did
not expect"
"No--I know you didn't my good man. Be 80
kind as to step aside and allow me to pass with
with the lady. Miss Jessie don't forget that |
need -Our services few minutes vet When We
reach the house, prolong my walk to your cot
tage. Nay, don't shrink away from me-are we
not to be very good friends?"
| ne prettltSt g1fl Il ever saw IN my lie, was
his internal comment, as he at length parted from
her at the little gate, where burning bushes" and
dark green ivy were trained together with all a
woman's taste.
The Christmas SHOWS lay white and deep on
the farmhouse elves-the Christmas logs crackled
ON the hearth, where Mr.. Woodbridge still gazed
dreamiy into the glowing cinders, and Mrs
Keturah's knitting needles clicked with electric
speed.
"That mortgage bothers met bothers me, "
he murmured almost plaintively. "Well, s'pose
it amt no use frettin'; but had thought to live
and die in the old place where my father did afore
me. The Lords will be done, though. Some
how things hain't prospered with mel don't seem
! to get along"
You'd ha' got along well enough, guess,
responded Keturah, who belonged super eminently
to that class of people known as Jobs comfort
ers "if you'd only looked after your ps and qs a;
| told you. You always was too free-handed, ant
now you see what it's brought We tew."
| "Wel, well, Ketury, we never did think alike
1 on some things" returned the old man. Let,
talk about pleasanter subject What do yor
think about our school ma ANS marrying young
Mr.. Hardwiche tomorrow? Didn't i always tel
you that Jessie Morton was born to be lady?
may be onlucky myself, but, anyhow I'm glad tC
hear of little Jessie's luck
YOU'D great deal better keep your sympath,
for YOURSELF growled Keturah. whats othel
folks luck to you, I'd like to know? There
some ones knocking at the door-see who tsl'
1t was little note, brought by one of the
school boys, under Jessie's care. Where's my
glasses? | can't sea as well as l could once Shov,
the candle this way, will you, Ketury?" And
fitting his brass bowed spectacles upon his nose
the old man unfolded the note and read, in Jes
sizes delicate chirography:-
"Do nc. let that mortgage disturb your Christ
mas day, tc- morrow, dear father Woodbridge. i
will never haunt your hearthstone again Mr.
Hardwiche will send you the papers soon, to de
stroy. This is Jessie's Christmas present. hav,
not forgotten those golden pippins' nor all tn,
other kindnesses.''
"Aha, wife, said the old man, smiling and try
ing to brush away unseen, the big that icoulG
come, "what do you think Of my investment.
nop?"
Keturah's reply was neither elegant, nor strictl,
speaking, grammatical, but it was significant. Sh,
said simply,
! "Well, neverp