North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-03-04

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pleasant word with them, but we see the
same thing every day, and get lonesome
sometimes, and wouder why we were put in
to such lives as these"
kind of work she has to do. That's like
plowing and sowing, and driving horses that
is heavy work, to be sure, but then you're
strong to do it. But we haYe such particu-
lar careful work. Now there is bread bak-
ing-you don't know how much worry there
is about it. You must take 50 much into the
account, the kind of wood you have to make
your fire, the yeast; all these allowances for
this. You must let the bread rise Just so
much, and fix the dampers just right, and
handle it so careful. Why, DR.. D. told
me that it's like managing chemicals and he
said men that work with chemicals were the
most nervous kind, because they were always
full of thoughts and care. Then there's pre-
serves and pickles, and cakes and coffee
You don't know anything about what care
and trouble it is to get them up SO nice, when
you sit down and cat tie light, crisp pastry,
and drink the coffee, creamed to the color
that suits you. You don't know how trouble
some it is to feel so much care always on you
nor how much patience and watching 1t takes
before turkey to roast is done to turn "
Mr. Jones looked steadily at his neigh
bor while she talked. She paused moment
to replenlsh her fire. He sat in kind of
maze without offering her any assistance
Finding ne did not speak, she continued:
"And so you see, with all these things /
don't think much about what's going on out
side, that you and John talk about, though
often wish | could. And | think somehow.
Pm like our old hen, spoke oc, for don't
mind much about myself l see that Pm
getting to stoop more every year, and there
are gray hairs on my temples, though Pm not
thirty yet. The wrinkles are so plain, too,
on my forehead. Pm sorry John thought
it was pretty years ago. remember how
straight and slim used to be, and had nice
brown hair and red cheeks. Dear me there
hasn't been bit Of color in them for years.
John is always good and kind, but he don't
know how worried get, most every day, and
when | speak short and fretful sometimes, he
looks surprised and says, What Mary, is it
you speaking in such voice as that 2"
Mr.. Jones looked up in wondering sort
of way. "Why, | never thought woman's
work was very much any way. But see
yu're right. According to your strength,
you have the hardest times. We work hard,
but then, as you say, we are stronger and
have more variety; then at evening We rest.
Pm glad you spoke so, Mrs. Brown. I'll be
more cousiderate toward the women I'd
advise you to keep a hired girl, only they're
such cross, vexing things"
"No, | don't think So" Mrs. Brown repli-
ed, hired girls are abused, too. They have
the same troubles that | have always. No
wonder they complain sometimes, who have
cause always. We ought to be sorry for
them, and remember their troubles. And
then John can't afford to keep girl, wo'd
not let him. No, there's no way for me but
to keep on working and worrying till can't
do anything more, and then they'll lay me
away where it is quiet, and shall rest. But
and her eyes grew. bright, "my children will
grow up tall and strong, and if my life goes
to nourish theirss suppose it's all the same.
And yet sometimes wish my life had been
brighter one."
A rough hand fell upon the woman's head
but its touch was gentle as her mothers
might have been; firm, manly voice said
Your life shall be brighter one, Mary,
God help me to make it So"
She turned quickly, exclaiming in her sad
| sweet voice:
John, John p