The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1865-08-24
From the Lady's Friend.
CHERRY LAWN,
BY HATTIE HAMMOND.

BY HATTIE HAMMOND.
I had recently purchased residence neal
The sea-shore, far removed from the noise
and tumult Of the great city but within
hearing Of that mighty anthem which com.
menced at the creation Of the world, and
will continue until "thereshall be no more
sea-"
A beautiful green lawn on the west side
Of the house was nearly encrcled by cher
ry trees. From this the place derived its
name-Cherry Lawn. The house was q
large old fashioned structure, and one day
as I was wandering through it, fancving
what might have been the joys and sor-
rows Of those who once dwelt beneath its
root, 1 came upon a bright little room
which occupied one corner Of the dwelling.
Beside a window that overlooked the gar
den was a chintZ-covered chair, much worn
and defaced, but still making comforta-
Bile seat. In front Of 1t was an old writing
desk occupied by letters much faded by
time. opened several Of them and found
them filed with expressions Of gratitude,
but at the very bottom Of the desk came
across small manuscript, written in a
delicate female hand, but more easily de-
ciphered than the letters had been. 1t har-
monized we'll with my peculiar state OF
and investing the whole place with new
interest.
It was as follows.-- .. .. .....-. ....
"CuEnRv I.wS J,,,.--,..'.- ~
sI have commenced housekeeping to-
day. nv twentieth birthday. lam delight
ed with the placeand expect to be happy,
ue,y happy. Indeed I could be happy
anywhere with my dear husband. Even
parting with the loved home circle, altho
it caused IRE to shed some tears. was but
a passing cloud when I thought OF all the
happiness in store for me with my own be-
loved. ....
sThere is one thingthat has annoyed ne
to-day, and that is the appearance of the
woman who occupies the other part OF the
house. fear that cannot like her ~ well
as Charles wishes to have me. He thinks
her very beautiful and interesting, and
shall try to think so, too, for his sake, but
could not avoid an instructive shrinking
from her as she followed me about from
room to room, while ] was arranging the
furniture. Her children, too, are noisy
and ill-bred, and troubled me great deal
1t surprised me that she did not take them
into her own part Of the house. but instead
of that she laughed when they did any
mischief Once could acarcely keep tho
tears from springing to my eyes, wheI
Charles gave them a little keepsake G of mine
which they Immediately destroyed. Il
was but of little real value, but highly
priced as the gift Of a friend.
"But those little trials are not worth
mentioning, still cannot help hoping tha
Mrs. Martin will not constantly favor u:
with quite so much Of her company.
fear this wish is rather selfish, for know
Charler enfoyed her society, but there
were many things about which I should
have asked his advice, or called upon hin
to admire, had we been alone. s.
"Indeed, he did not seem to care mucf
how or where the furniture was placed
and could not expect him to he SO child
ish as am when he is so much older; still
child rs am, Mrs. Martins conversation
sounded to me weak and vain, almost en-
| tirely about herself
"But why should dwell upon the onl.
dark cloud in my sky, that is so full o
sunshine. Perhaps 1t Is because I am D
much disappointed in her, for though
from Charles description that she woul'
supply an older sisters place to me, and
cannot help regarding her as selfish an
frivolous woman. -,.,...-.
| "15th. Mrs Martin and myself are +
share thesame kitchen during the summer
morningnow that her husband is absent
but gives her children . lunch when the
are dressed, and allows them to run sbou
while they are eating 1t.
81 made some gridd1e cakes this morn
ing for our break fast, and as soon ~ the
were up they made a rush for them an
commenced helping themselves. wa
about giving each acake and sending thez
away, but my husband took the plate an
let them snatch all its contents, laughin
heartily with their mother to sec them 81
the cakes ~ fast as could fry them unit
thsir keen appetites were'satished. ITh
eagerness with which they seized the foo
was perhaps ludicrous enough, but som'
how I could not join in the laugh. M
husband did not appear to notice my sob.
face, but Mrs. Martin did, and think
gave her pleasure.
"August Is fear that am CROWN
illnatursd. ! was always fond ofchifdre
but not such ooarse, rude children ~ Mr.
Martins. Although blame their moth
for their illmanners, it prevents my likir
to have them with me. lido not hsve.s
opportunity to say dozen quiet words
pny husband il . day. Whsrsv.r hs go