The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1867-12-19

hand, and watching for us, and all al
once remembered that she must have
been anxious; there were bears in those
woods, and the next winter one was
killed in the very path where we walked.
"When mother saw US coming, she
smiled, and came down to the road to
meet US, and shook hands with Ephraim
in such friendly way that my heart
danced; / had been thinking what il
father and mother should not approve
Of him,
"Father was friendly too, and while
they sat in the forenoon, and talked
mother made some of her cream bis
cults for tea. Now knew by this that
, Ephraim would find favor in her eyes,
J because in our house all unnecessary
labor was forbidden on the Sabbath
J and no small thing could have tempted
: mother to break over this rule. When
| went to call them to supper, knew
that Ephraim had been speaking to
father, and that he was kindly disposed
. towards Ephiaim. Father named me
in asking the blessing, and Ephraim
also, speaking of him 80 tenderly that
it brought the tears to my eyes.
"AlI the rest of that summer is very
dear to remember. When / think over
my life, much of it seems misty and far
away; but that summer is as distinct to
my mind as it was when its roses had
but Just faded, just as sweet and won
derful in its sunshine, its blue skies, its
fresh-blowing winds, its birds and flow
ers, as it seemed to me then, only now
l know what it was that so glorified it.
"Ephraim had a much greater flow OF
spirits than had. was grave beyond
my years. But l caught the love of fun
from him, and mother and father won
dered at the changein me. ] think q
girl always changes when she is engag-
ed. A whole world OF feeling that has
slept is now awakened. Even shall
low women bloom out for brief time,
and sparkle and shine wonderfully. To
be sure they fade full soon oftentimes,
and only the dry leaves are left ofall the
charm and fragrance.
"And 80 autumn came, and winter,
and with the winter the frolics which
Ephraim was SO fond of, and which he
persisted were as innocent as church
going. But father was so disturbed
when spoke of going that l gave it up
at once, and told Ephraim that, as long
, as / lived at home, l could MT feel right
! to disobey father So at first Ephraim
stayed contentedly with me, but by and
by the old love stirred. A bit ofdance-
music started his color, and set his feet
in motion, and it was plain to see where
his heart was. l was sorely grieved
at this; nay, was more than grieved
l wanted him all to myself. IcouId moi
bear that he should need anything but
me. Ephraim said l was exacting, and
l thought him cold and unkind. And
f so there gradually grew up GOODNESS
between US; and yet the GOODNESS was
all on my side. Ephraim was always
| gentle, even when l was pettish and
cross. For so l was. 1t was partly
physical. / was not well that winter
l did not sleep, or when | did by fits
and starts, woke frightened and cry.
/ ing. Now, my doctor would call il
nervous sensitivenessi but ten people
did not give fine names to their humors,
and mother only looked serry, and sale
she was afraid | was growing ill-tem.
pered.
"While things were in this state,
Ephraim's mother invited me to come
, and stay a week with them. l did nj
feel acquainted, and l was shy about
/ going; but Ephraim urged it, and moth
| er advised it, and so at last consented
to go.
II was a good deal mortified that
J had nothing nice to wear. My bes
! gown had been in use two winters, anC
there were only three breadths in the
skirt, and Samantha Lee said that no
| body in Boston thought of making W
| less than four But mothers wise coun
sci recoDciled me. She said that tht
Aliens knew we had no money to spend
on fine clothes, and would only expec
me to be clean and neat and we'll be
] haved.
"Ephraim, too, praised me boldly t.
nv face, and pretended to think tha
= nothing could be SO becoming as my
faded hood. 1t was yellow silk, ant
: was made out of turban that mothe
had worn when she was girl.
/ "After was in the sleigh will
! Ephraim, all my unhappiness and anx
. iety fled, and l enjoyed every bit of tht
= ride. 1t was a lonely road, and part o
| the way it went through the wood
: where the lately fallen snow lay in pur
white sheets that were written all owe
! with the tracks Of birds, and rabbits anC
] other wild animals; and the stillnes o
D the great woods was 80 deep and solemn
. that our love-talk was silenced, and w
f rode on singing hymns. Then out o
the woods, and sweeping down into
s hollow where pleasant farms were mes
a tied snugly together, and 50 up tc
q Ephraim's door. Mr.. Jacob Allen wa
: forehanded farmer, and the house wa
4 by far the best in town.
/. 0When we d4oveup to the door, Ma
t rv Allen was at the window, watching
: for us. She ran out to the sleigh, an(