The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-03-15

plant Her mind was not eommen, mol
yet, at that ether extreme, that Of being
intellectual. 1t was an even mind--s
finely balanced one-a mind whose width
and depth was wide and deep enough ts
take in the true issue of the truest life,
Here was happy home; humble and
neat, simple, but elegant in its simplicity
1t was made sweet by love, and that free
easy Independence which is experienced
| by those whe live within certain limit
and feel content not to &c out Of it, know,
ling enough ia enough, and more is su.
perfueus addition.
Only one shadow lay acrsss this little
home-enly one cloud reached aswn-
ward, seeming to deluge it with darkness.
But Marion locked the skeleton, up and
turned the key, and though it was still
there she tried to think it cssld not pick
the lock. q 9 i $50 3.
John Elner came in presently and sat
Down by the shaded window. The ssft
summer breeze stole gently in through
the green honey suekle without, and the
white curtain swayed languidly up and
dewn, back and forth. The .temple. curl
of Johns black hair which Marion was
proud Of, was lifted caressingly from his
full forehead, gently as her dear hand
was went to touch it. He was tall
slender fellow, yet finely built, with full
broad chest and slender sinewy arms that
looked as if made fer protecting just such
a thing as Marisn all through the days of
her life. His hands did not lock much
as if they had worn kid gloves, bat they
were just such hands as a weary woman
would cling to for assistance and uphold,
ing when trouble was near er hope had
failed her. He sat very quiet, with the
soft, scented air blowing over him, and
looked about tho sitting room. 1t was
very pleasant Marion's pretty trifes
were scattered here and there-pictures
of her drawing hung in modest frames
made of pine cones and shells against the
wall, There was a mirror in its dark
polished frame that had often reflected
her face-there was her low rocking chair
she had sat in every evening and rocked
their baby to sleep-her work basket,
with an end of sdging hanging by the
side. Then he locked at the rattle, and
tsok it up and shook it, Itseunded like
a funeral bell. The slipper he touched
as revsreEtly as a little child puts out
its hand to touch the white face. of its
dead mother. Marion came in smiling,
with pink flush on her cheek, she had
been making tea.
"Why Jehnl Ysu here? Ysu came in
SO silently, never heard you, your Tea is
ready for ysu.p 8 ss
She came close up to him as if to draw
him with her. He took her hand and
drew her to his knee; he locked long and
gently iAts her clear ivy blue eyes, and
then he asked her: ...-.
"Do you love ne, Marion?''
Playfully drawing his face against hers
she kissed him fer an answer. ......
She drew him closer and shuddered as
she embraced him.
eIf there were no skeleton therel''
thought Marion.
John Elmer sighed and put her from
his knee, and rose up and followed her
into the kitchen. No silver graced their
table, but the plain queensware dishes
were sretlessly clean-the table linen like
snow. A freshly gathered bequet stood
by Johns plate, composed of honey
suckles and late roses, and few leaves
from Marion's only house plant-a rose
geranium The fare was simple but
savory. Marion poured Johns tea, and
watched him drink it feverishly, but he
would not eat.
"What is the matter, DEAR are you
sick?" questioned she. ks cess 8
"Only tired" said he with weary
look. H
After the table was cleared and the
kitchen once more in order, Marion went
in and sat dswn on her husbands knee
and looked tenderly up in his face, say
ling: z
81 know you work too hard John.
You must be careful Of yourself. Seme
of these days you will take sick and die,
and then what. will become of pser little
Gracssand me? Oh, John, it would kill
me to lose you'll and a tear fell wilfully
down against her cheek.
Her husband did not answer, but he
felt truly that such tender flower need
ed tender and loving care, OF it would be
tblighted. He looked out Of the window
the Landscape locked dreary.
81 am sure you de- not feel we'll; what
can I do for you2' a ai
Jshn Elmer forced her anxious face
down upon his bosom that he might not
sl L.