North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1865-05-03

| latcu I'D tue CorIleTS ; IOT the e4tent vi All
sons and his fathers sweepings had been to
brush the centre of the room, somewhat to
the disadvantage of the rest,
She did not look up as Arson entered but
Ire sat down and deliberately but furtively
watched her, For some time she seemed un-
conscious of his scrutiny but presently she
turned, and crossing both little hands upon
the top Of the broom handle, said, with a
mixture Of bravado and archness too natural
to be mistaken
"Well, Anson, what do you think %
The young man laughed and looked annoy
ed in the same breath
Then it is you, Barbie 2" he said. II was
suspecting something of the sort"
Not TIL I looked at you," said the girl
r"guishly, retreating as he approached.
"Do you think this is quite the thing Bar
bic 2" ....as g.. .....s
'Shure, an why ant it the thing for a
poor girl to be getun' her livin' daccntly and
honestly 2"
And that was all he could get out of her.
Having acknowledged her identity with
Barbie for an instant, she was the most un-
approachabIe "Biddy" the next, and would
have nothing to say TO him save in that char
hcter.
''Does your father know of this, Barbic p
What would he say 2'' persevered Anson,
anxiously. .
"Shure, au' it's not me own fader would be
interferin w,d me, would he 2' said Biddy .
In vain were all remonstrances with the
rognish and wilful girl. She persisted in be-
ing Biddy, even to him and main tanned dis
tance between them very different from that
between him and Barbie in her own proper
self Annoyed, provoked, chagrined, almost
angry, the advent of his father forced him to
retire from the kitchen, for fear of betraying
Barbie, which he would not have done for a.
great deal.
Ii was several hours before he could return
to the house, his father having Joined him,
and upon one Iretext and another detained
him. When at last they entered together,
kitchen, and sitting room, both of which had
been in most untidy state when they left
there, had under gone such q remarkably
renovating process that old Joel drew back at
first, thinking he. had set foot in somebody
else's hous instead of his own. Supper was
smoking on the table such suppe, as old
Joel. at least had not been seen for months,
To crown all Mrs. SheIenbarger was sitting.
propped with pillows, in great easy chair,
and looking wondrously contented, and with
reason the poor lady had not woman's
hand about her before, since her illness.
They lived in such an isolated, inhospitable
manner, that very few of their nelghbors even
knew that Mrs Shell lenbarger was not as well
usual. Biddy as she called herself had
tidied the poor lady up i'll wonderful man.
ner.
joel Shellenbarger sat down to the daintily
spread table, and made most hearty and
keenlE relished meal, gIancing askance at
Biddy meanwhile. Anson, strange to say,
ate very littIe, and he watched Biddy askance
too.
This was only the beginning of the reform
this daring girl instituted. First, however, as
much for her own peace of mind as Anson's
knowing that mother and son were fast
friends and always of one opinion-she told
her secret to Mrs. Shelcnbarger, and fairly
W heedled her into approval. 1t is true that
that she shook her head at first, and looked
wondrously shocked. But it was so charming
to have those little soft hands futtering
about her, and see such brightness and CON-
fort spring up around, that she could not, for
her own AXE, help countenancrng as much a.
silence cnuli, Brddy's mysterious presence.
havn't time to give you all the particulars,
but having made good beginning with true
Irish facility, Biddy established herself IN
verv short time completely in the good graces
of the old man. He had lurking liking for
neatness and order, and Mrs. ShelIenbarger
wasn't a very tidy housekeeper. Under the
new reign, order grew out Of chaos the
house seemed in holiday garb all the time,
and an atmosphere of social cheerfulnsss per.
vaded everything.
One mo rning Biddy had said something
about leaving the day before-the old man
ended grumbling complaint of Ansou with
never seen any good como of eddlcation
yet If it hadn't been for that college busi-
ness you might have taker a liking 10
sensible girl and she to YOU" He glanced at
Biddy as he spoke, She turned scarlet, and
came near dropping the dish she was holding
1t was not the first time Arson had heard
slch insinuations, and he rather enjoyed Bid
dy's trepidation.
" See here, father" be said roughshly, just
you pick me out a wife, and see what will
come of it."
THE only girl worth having, wouldn't you
1 dare say-would Won R,ddv2D Tcol ..;a