Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-11-13


on:
aBut, may 1 ask, as this picnic was to be so
splendid an affair, and as every body was going,
why Miss Devine stayed away 2? 1t can't be
possible that she takes no interest in such
vanities no, she spoke with too much enthu-
siasm just now. What then keeps her at home
might know ~
seemed so foolish not to tell him the plain
truth. But then to do so would look Like
oraisiDg ones self; so faltered out
81 could mott had to stay with grandma"
''You wanted to go then 20
ssIndeed / did, SO much"
s.And why couldn't some one else stay with
grandma? There are eight other members OF
the family, believe, are there not"
eyes, but there was one else that could,
except Bessie mother-and-and--I did
not want either of them TO miss the pleasure"
"Why not Bessie as well as-pardon me,
what is the name To
"Faith. if you please. Oh it wouldn't
have done at all to have Bessie stay. She is
the belle of the country you know, SO pretty
and agreeable /; the celebration would have
been nothing without her. Father would not
have allowed it either, he is so proud Of her.
| am too; We all are. And think you will
admire her when you see her; indeed you
can't help it. Everybody does.'
He seemed slightly amused at my enthu-
siasm.
ssNo doubt; but must caution you that, as
general rule, don't like beauties. And
to return to the picnic. Why could not your
mother stay ~
s.She wanted to. Indeed, / had hard work
persuading her to go bu knew she needed
the rest and refreshment. She works so hard
for all.'
esThen it was at your own request that you
were left at home 1t was voluntary sac
rilice ~
alt is hardly worth calling sacrifice," I
said, hanging my head with thrill of shame
at the remembrance Of the outbreak he had
witnessed.
He must have remembered it too, for, bend
ing over to look into my flushing face, he said,
"Was that what you was crying about :"
81 was very silly and very wicked but l
had struggled against it all day. 1 could not
help it, indeed.''
And | glanced up timidly. What was it in
his eyes that made my own fall abashed before
them, and caused the blood to flush so rosily
in my cheek / could not tell; he only said,
very softly, "Poor child 20 Yet 1 felt that
another moment would bring repetition of
the outburst, so springing up hastily, said:
ssI must go to the house now, and see it
grandma has walked. Will you come 2 l can
give you some cold ham, biscuit, and cup of
tea for your supper, and little music after
wards, If you will stay and wait for the party
ssI don't know but that l ought to say mo,
thank you > but am not going 10. The offer
is too tempting. l am particularly fond of cold
ham and biscuit, and fonder still Of little
music afterwards he added, rising to follow
me.
ssIt will be a very ordinary performance, l
warn you,'' 1 said doubtfully, as went on.
ssI am not bit taanted, you know. Lucy is
the smart one."
ssAnd Bessie the beauty What depart
ment then, do you claim 20
7 IN Charles
calls me a Jack of-alt-rades. | think pie
making is my peculiar accomplishment. You
shall have piece of my cherry pie for your
supper, that is if you indulge in the art
Gle at that meal l know it isn't just the
thng.'
He laughed.
ssI think l will try piece, at all hazards.
This is the house, is 1T no. And is that
grandma at the window 2"
"Yes."
And | hurried in to ask, anxiously, if she
had been long awake, and if she had wanted
me.
s.No child, not at all. But what gentleman
is that you have with you Seems to me l
know his face /; anyhow, he's as handsome as
a picture.''
Before could answer, he was at my side,
hat in hand.
"Grandma, this is Mr.. Liston-a son OF |
mothers old friend, don't you know 2"
son. Well might have known. He's her |
very image Do set down and tell me how |
your mothers health is now. And where are |
you living 2'' she asked, with face full of
interest.
And knowing that grandma, once reused to
would make most admirable |
hostess, slipped away to perform one or two |
highly important duties. First, spread the
supper table with a delicate damask cloth, and |
the dainty, abest china" Then cut the ham;
set the tea to draw bring from the spring
house pot of fresh, delicious butter select
from the pantry plate OF mothers snow white
biscuit, and my own nice looking cherry pie
and then, after having given an approving
glance at the toute ensemble of the dining room,
fly up stairs to brush my dsordered curs,
bathe my red eyes, and exchange my chintz
dress for the more appropriate blue
lawn.
Descending again to the parlor, l found
grandma descanting, after fashion OF her
own, upon the virtues of each member of the
family entered, in fact, just in time to hear
her say, with emphasis
ssWeli, don't care what other folks say
for my part think little Fay the slower of the
flock !! %
And to catch the strangers grave-'I do
not doubt it,
That would not do at all, thought; so l
interrupted the conversation by the announce
ment of supper.
1t was certainly the pleasantest OF all pleas
ant meals. We fingered around the table till
we could no longer distinguished each others
features in the growing twilight, and grandma
declared that her bed time had slipped past
unnoticed. Then conducting our guest to the
parlor, left him till had seen her comfort
ably settled for the night, and heard her say,
with her good night kiss:
ssThis has been very pleasant evening,