The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-11-28
son determined to open the way for Miss Per.
kins, by saying
when did you see Maria Pendergrass?'

when did you see Maria Pendergrass"
We'll, let me think Miss Perkins spoke
almost indiferently. IT'S now three or four
days, l believe, since was there. Yes, now
I remember. It's just four days. saw her
on Tuesday
That was the memorable day!
In the morning or afternoon ? inquired
Mrs. johnson.
1T was in the morning. Why do you
askT And Miss Perkins looked curiously
at her friend.
Mrs. Johnson's eyes dropped to the floor.
you haven't seen her since?'
Mrs. johnson looked up with more con.
fident manner.
Not since nor have heard OF her being
out any where, which is little curious, now
come to think Of it, for she goes about
great deal, you knew. As Mrs. Jenkins says
of her. She's always on the rum
Maybe she's sick remarked Mrs. John
son.
Il shouldn't wonder; for don't know Of
any thing but sickness that would keep her
three days in the house. By the way add
cd Miss Perkins, smiling. don't you remem-
ber that funny speech you made about her
Hester once?'
No; what was it?'
I've laughed about Il hundred times
since It was so ludicrous, and yet so true.
Hester, you know, is as homely rs mud
she is not handsome, certainly replied
Mrs. Johnston. 'But. she's good ; and that's
worth far more than beauty
Just what you said afterwards, to take
the cutting edge of of your funny speech
What was the speech? l have entirely
forgotten it,
you said that you could make better
face out of dough. la! ha?
1T was thoughtless and unkind. and.by no
means expressed my real feelings towards the
child. Ludicrous ideas often present them.
selves to my mind, and have the bad habit
of clothing them in language at times when
il were better to be silent
Somebody who heard you say this was
kind enough to tell Mrs. Pendergrass.'
'Oh, no!' Mrs. johnson looked surprised
and grieved.
It's true; and she was very angry about
it,
Il don't wonder said Mrs. Johnson
1T was thoughtless in me to make the re-
mark, but wicked in the one who repeated
it,
Wicked and malicious replied Miss Per-
kins, who thus thought to divert all suspi.
cion from herself.
After that, conversation tagged.
Il wonder if Mrs. Pendergrass is sick?'-
Mrs. johnson had been silent for some min
utes, and the remark evidenced considerable
interest.
Il shouldn't WONDER said Mrs. Perkins.
Suppose we call over and see her2'
To this Miss Perkins assented, and Mrs.
johnson made herself ready with particular
dispatch.
'How's your mother?' Miss Perkins asked
of Hester, who opened the door for them.
She's right well. Won't you walk inT
You may bo sure Mrs. Pendergrass started
when she saw them, and turned all manner
color. Mrs. johnson, as she advanced to-
ward her, said
win you answer me a question, Mrs,
Pendergrass She spoke calmly and re-
spectfully.
Certainly; say M was answered, with
some little show Of offended personal dignity.
who told you that l had spoken unkindly
of your daughter''
miss Perkins, was the firm answer.
'Oh, mono; Mrs. Pendergrass, you for
get. 1t wasn't me; you forget Miss Per
kins was all in flutter.
Not at all. My memory is very clear on
the subject. You were my informant, and
nobody else.'
what did she sayI' inquired Mrs. John
son.
why, that yon said my Hester was as
ugly as SIM
Il never used the language, nor anything
like it, was positively answered.
'Oh, but Mrs. johnson, did you not say
that you could make
Yes, Miss Perkins. I did utter that thought.
less, silly speech; regretted it in moment
afterwards. And also said that she was
good, and that that was best Of oil. Did
you tell that, also?'
No, Mrs. johnson, she did not, evil mis-
chief maker that she is = said Mrs. Pender-
grass, rising and extending her hand.
Mrs. johnson grasped Il, and replied
Forgive my foolish speech, that had In 1t
no real meaning, and would have done no
harm II there had been no evil tongue to
bear It to your ears
And forgive my hasty words. uttered in
blind passion said Mrs. Pendergras. Il
have been sufficiently punished
And 30 have I. As for your Hester. l
have always liked her and have said, many
and many . time. as Miss Perkins well
knows, for have said II TO her, that wish
ed my Ruthy was as thougtful Of her mother,
..a Al Lind among her hrnthera and aiaters