The Hancock Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Ohio) 1857-1870, 1868-05-15
A Wise Woman on Impulse.

W omen are wise on q euQden.
Ben Mack made his fling ut wo-
men, sitting apart from the group
that had Rebecca Dean for its centre
under the grand old trees that shaded
Squire Deans lawn. There we're q
half dozen in the group, disposed on
rustic seats and benches, with the
shadows of night and elm-trees
around them, shadows that the light
from the wide hall OF the Bean home
stead partially dispelled. Ben Mack
was farthest in the shadow, and .
moment before had seemed widely
removed from the rest, smoking, by
Rebecca Deans leave, in an absorbed
way, as if he found all the world he
wanted in his cigar. He had turned
at Rebecca Deans last words, and by
his remark it was evident nothing
had escaped him.
Pray finish the proverb, retorted
Rebecca Dean, in clear, ringing tone.
Women are wise on Q sudden aud
fools on premeditation.'
Ren Mack threw his cigar away
and laughed a low, amused, and sar-
castle laugh.
KILLED with your own weapons, eh,
Ben 2 inquired Tom Gladstone.-
You didn't know the proverb was
double -barreled, and Miss Dean Lad
a chance after your charge si
Miss Dean is always armed to the
teeth, / think said Ben Mack, in an
under.tone.
sSelf-preservation is q law Of our
nature, and the legality of self
defense is undlsputed,' answered
Rebecca Dean, in clear, geld tones.
sSelf-preservation" echoed Ben
Mack, rising. Yes, you are right.
I thank you for reminding me. l am
going directly home. Besides. the
clock struck ten half hour since
! The gentlemen started to their
feet.
sWe take no note of time under
certain circumstances, said Tom
Gladstone, apologetically.
If MIR. Deans elm trees and GER
tain circumstances are synonyms in
Toms vocabulary, 1 beg to subscribe
to his sentiments,' said Paul Richard
son, STOPPING down to pick up Re-
becca Deans handkerchief.
sComel GOMEZ exclaimed Ben
Mack, stepping forward and speaking
impatiently. we shall tire Miss
Dean with our adieux.'
sWe? Speak for yourself man =
exclaimed Tom Gladstone, with mock
earnestness.- s
Parting is suct sweet sorrow
That shall say goodnight till 1t be morrow. ~
Then 1 will leave you. Good
night, Miss Deanp
Ben Mack bowed and moFed to.
ward the gate. The others shock
hands with the ladies and joined him
there.
The ladies under the elm-trees did
not speak until the footsteps OF the
three men died in the distance.
1t was not Rebecca Deans voice
but one vastly more uncertain and
infantile that asked: is it 50 every
evening? ?
SO !? How p asked Rebecca Desn
Her voice contained a volume, ol
meaning. All the deprecation In the
So, wasIplainly revealed by the mock.
ING echo, and q woman's suppressed
anger was in the indignant How Z
Don't be vexed with me- replied
the other woman, timidly. 'Yol
know, Rebecca, dear, / am not at al
brilliant like you are; but it seems u
me You would be happier with les'
admiration and more loye. 1 hay'
listened tonight and been amused b!
Mr.. Gladstone, and pleased with Mr.
Richardson. and hopelessly mystife'
by Mr.. Mack, and ! have admire'
you, dear, just as every body does
but have wished SO much You wer
settled in life.'
Rebeeea Dean made no reply. Sh
only sat with her head ayerted, looh
ling off into the darkness.
iHow many years have you know
Mr.. Mackr asked the woman wit
It the childish voice. -. -
Forever answered Rebecca DeaI
impatiently. Then she. correcte
10 herself and in an humble, subdue
way, as if herself had conquered ht
own putinous self: sFive year
:. more or less.'
/. You ought to know him very well
lcommented the thin voiced lady.
i don't / have tried 20 fatho