Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-03-11
From the Watchman and Reflector.
RuTH MAYS LESSON.

An you great, seIl-Hlleu, aInletlc me
strong in purpose and in Judgment, laug
, ing to scorn those who would oppose 20
how many of you have been under subjectit
to the most timid and tender of woman
creatures Well for you if that subjectio
through love and common sense, was so pc
feet that it is remembered yet.
The room was neatly furnished that
the furniture was handsome and of a goo
quality. Even baby's little chair, from whic
be usually crowed good humoredly over b
dinner, proved the good taste of Ruth an
Newell May for the design was as perfeC
and beautiful as the eye Of art could desire
There was, however, an air Of neglect owe
the pretty apartment that told either of vast
ed time or a failure in the love of ORDER
Dust covered the chairs and tables many lii
| tie articles were strewn around, and altogeth
er, Ruth May, with her carelessly adiuste
morning gown and the babys almost fright
full temper, carried with them depressing in
1ueDce that might have been felt by an.
stranger who had CHANGED TO enter there.
Presently the door opened, and an untid,
child, whose eyes and face we're almost bidder
| by the masses of her curling black hair, en-
tered with something in her hand which sbt
gave to Mrs. May, and was then retrea ting.
Kate" spoke her mistress, shortly.
The girl turned round, half sullenly.
Haven't you done the dishes yet ?"
Noem," shouted the pouting child.
" You are lazy, uugrateful girl. Here
when 1 am sick this morning, and hardly able
to see for my head, you dawdle about. Yor
deserve a whipping, and if 1 was your mother
l. give you one"
The child lifted her head. A small patch
of red showed in the halfhidden cheeks, and
the eyes flashed angrily but she did not an
swer.
There, go, you wicked, wretched child ]
cannot help you any, and wouldn't if could
Some children of your age would have got
through and done all the chamber work by
this time. You're not worth your salt, and
I am sorry ever took you. When you've
done if it's any time between this and noon
come in here and put things to rights. It's
as much as can do to attend to this cross
child"
The girl went out more doggedly than she
catered, and for the space of few moments
she threw things round at terrible rate, until,
having gave vent to her temper, she cried,
passionately, " 1 hate her," and went more
steadily about her work.
Newell May came home to his dinner in
quite happy mood. The little-bound girl
had tidied up in a slatternly way the baby
was in the best of spirits, and the grave No
vember sunshine made the room more bril-
liant
Well, Ruthie, darling, how's your head ?'
be asked, after kiss.
Oh, dear, it's done nothing but ache,
ache! don't get moments peace. And
Ally has actually been wicked to-day
Naughty, naughty boy T' she said, almost
sternly, yet softened by the laughing blue
eyes that met hers so saueily, and the red lips
that tried to crow, as the chubby hand, white
and round as SNOWFALL, beat the plate be-
fore him with a silver spoon.
"I'm sorry you won't be able to go to the
party tonight, I'm afraid"
oh. yes, that's the only thing that will
cure it, It's strange; but excitement acts
just so upon me-"
+" 1t does, does it? Then I'll tell you some
news" he said, laughing. Aunt Cathy, is in
town."
Oil" Ruth's fork fell from her hand
" She isn't coming here"
"Dear, dear, why, child, you look as if you
were frightened at the idea. Where else should
she come? Is it likely that should leave
my only dear relative to the cold courtesy OF
strangers when have so good wife; so
pretty home? Besides, am sure you will
like Aunt Cathy."
a am so sorry r' cried Ruth, almost with
petulance, just at this.time, too, when the
house is all in disorder, and have got no
help at ALL"
Why, there is Kate"
alt might as well be stick OF wood. Kate
is the most disagreeable child ever saw
Ste does noting but by my compulsion. L ac-
tually dread to leave the baby with her
although he usually sleeps so soundly. If he
should wake and cry, she would as lief put
him in the fire as not, I do believe"
."Oh, J" Kate loves baby, I guess
Smooth out the wrinkles, my dear. can count
three already"
al dare say you begin to find out my de-
fects," said Ruth, Grossly. " And I suppose
I must give up the party, too"
No; Aunt Cathy would not hear of it.
Indeed, had to promise her we would go, or
she would have staid at the hotel. As it is,
she will be here by four, and you must make
her welcome, Ruth"
Ruth did not look up with smile, as she al
ways did when any proposition pleased her,
and Newell went off to his business, feeling
nor was it strange that every
thing seemed to go wrong with him that after
noon.
At four Aunt Cathy presented herself
Ruth had done her best. In her neat gown,
with the flush of sudden exercise on her cheek,
her head ache almost gone, Ruth looked quite
beautiful. Kate, under the scolding system,
had been galvanized into quicker motion, had
set tie spare room TO rights, and made every
thing seem jublant. The baby, attired in an
exceedingly rich embroidered blue cashmere,
to whose ornamentation and that of other very
fine and labOrious work the head aches might
have been imputed, if traced to the right
source, never was so playful and rosy before.
In truth, it seemed as if the glory of his morn
ings unmanly triumph had suficed for the day,
and he was on his behavior until somebody
crossed him again. Aunt Catby was delight
ed. How pleased they must be to see me
the welcome is SO cordial !" she said to her
self,
Aunt Cathy insisted that Ruth should go to
the party, and Kate was charged, in voice
that seemed very harsh and unlike the sweet
tones Of her nephew's wife, to sit and attend
to the baby and mind what Mrs. Cathy said
Poor Kate had pushed back the tangled
curls from her face an that hut for the suIIen