Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1866-02-01

neighborhood must have been as wise as
himself. How ever could he have managed
IL - and Nettie burst into fit Of uncontrol-
able laughter in which we both Joined. In
the height of our merriment, Aunt Janet
entered the room. It was well she was so
deaf, or she might have heard what would
have vexed her.
James and the parlormaid waited on us
at dinner in a state of much amazement.
Their ewes seemed to be fascinated to her,
however much they might try to look the
/ other way. James was quite nervous, too,
poor man, and absolutely jumped every now
and then when my father roared out piece
of politeness to the lady by his side; but he
did his best He did not attempt to shout
to her. for he was so proper-minded foot
man. that he would have died rather than
lift his voice and below in the unseemly
manner REQUIRED so he employed dumb
show,-Ifting up her wine-glass to her no
tice first. and then holding sherry and Saut-
erne before her in beseechlng manner,
that she might elect between them. Nettie
watched him gravely, but unluckily her
ewes caught mine, and spasm of silent
laughter passed over her face. She did not
laugh, however, and her potato did not
ment was only deferred however, for Aunt
Janet bethought herself OF the bag that
hung by her side, and drawing thence a
tube with bone, ear, and mouth pieces lifted
thereto, she said to my mother, !" Please,
use my tube, and shall hear you;" and
uncoiled it as she spoke.
"Take that end to your mistress" said
nv father to James but never did tyro TAX
\ r1 1cn1
Portable than did James as he handled the
unknown instrument. He seemedto expect
q shock as he half dropped it by my mo-
theirs plate.
"Gently!" said Aunt Janet, who had the
other end in her ear, and James started
worse than ever. No nelp for it; Nettie
must laugh but with great skill she sue
ceeded in producing violent fit of cough
ing that made the tears run down her
checks.
NV father explained the cause Of my
uncle's marriage to us in thel evening after
our guests had retired. s:
"She was Samuel Martens only child, )"
he began.
Ellis partners ?" said my mother. 81
eyes When he told me that much,
saw daylight at once. Old Marten died in
India over a year ago, and she came home
"That makes her so brown said Nettie.
"I thought she had an Indian sort Of look"
"Her fortune, of course, is very large;
and not knowing into what hands she might
fall, he thought it would be well to marry
her; and she as woman Of sense, saw the
wisdom of the step. Jacob has acted q very
sensible part; so now all that remains is for
us to be civil to her; she deserves it," IF
"Did he say anything about her deafness,
papa ?"
HNo, child Why should he
/ "Did you ?"
"Nonsense! What does it signify? He'll
only lead The quieter life for it. A wife's
tongue-Now, Mary" said he, looking at
my mother,-s now, Mary, you know what
L'mean."
81 was not saying anything, DEAR" said
my mother; she led my father in chain of
silk, that was as strong as iron. What
wonder it is that women should ever be ig-
norant as to where lies the secret Of their
strength. How few men can resist the
might of gentleness Ny mothers gentle
craft was partly natural, partly won loyalty
from the Holy Book that teaches so fully of
the "soft answer" that is stronger than
triple shield against the thrust of wrath.
After day IJr two, Aunt Janet took up
the habit of coming to the morning room di
rectly after breakfast, and spending the
whole forenoon there. At first, we were
rather q silent party after she appeared
No matter how deaf your companion is, it
is generally some time before you can cast
off the mistaken idea that half of what you
Sc Loon I'D oof nod
sharp sort of look about her-unlike the pa
tent, waiting look that deaf people usually
acquire--that we were absurdly silent in
her presence for while.
Nettie broke the ice first, and made some
remarks as to Aunt Janet's personal appear
ance; but when | started, and looked at the
poor lady's face, it was evident that all
sounds fell idly alike on those dead ears of
hers. "Do you know like her? +" said
Nettle abruptly one morning, when my mo-
ssOf course, she's the greatest old fright
that ever was seen; but she is kindly and
good-hearted, l am sure"
My mother looked panied; F." Nettie, don't
speak of your aunt SO. Never mind her
looks: she cannot help them"
81 suppose she cannot, mamma, and yet
a sort of instinct makes me blame people for
being ugly"
at isn't her face I mind" said Jane,
who had taken strong dislike to our aunt;
g but her voice is dreadful. Her voice is
like the tearing Of calico, and sets my very
teeth on edge" Our aunt was sitting knit
ting quietly by the fire all this time.
'"She cannot help her voice." said my
mother: "you should try and look at
peoples pleasant side, Jane"
81 don't think she has pleasant side"
My mother made no answer, but turned
and shouted little of the morning news
from the paper, to amuse our aunt. Pre-
sently Tom entered.
in my pocket. Will you sew it up for me f"
eyes; only come closer. Now, stand
still,-do stand still, Tom, dear,-I am
pricking my finger"
" How long is she going to stay ?" asked
Tom.
GAS long as she pleascs, my mother re-
piled. 0
How on earth do you manage to amuse
of you girls shut up in a room with her
morning after morning, for something. She
would mesmerize me-"
"You pain me, Tom, when you speak so.
There is nothing attractive about your aunt;
but I am sure she IS very worthy person,
and deserving of your respect" said my
mother.
What for hooking the old gentleman ?"
I" Tom" said Nettie, "do you think that
is Aunt Janet's hair, or wig 2" lin a con
fdential tone.
"a wig, to be sure said Tom, deter
minedly.
81 cannot bear it, Tom" said my mo
/ Their ssyou must really 60 out Of the room.