Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-06-30
MY STEP-MOTHER.

81 wonder what papa has gone to Glen
vile 50 soon again for. Do you know, Mrs.
AIlcn?' asked of the lady who had acted
a hou>ekceper m our family for the four
years that we three children had been writ
ten 'motherless. y
4 did not ask him., she replied
Her cvasivc reply increased my suspicion,
and after twiriing my napkin moment, |
said well, we sometimes know the reason
Of things, and therefore are not obliged to
ask for information
After moments silence she replied
'No, Nellie, do know for what pur-
pose your father visits Glenvillc. "
But strongly suspect, persisted. ''and
sodo /. Doyotl not p
''If 50, do not think it best to say any
thing about ii.
Two days after papa returned, and after
tea We gathered in the parlor, for papa is a
lawycr and iii not stay in his office evenings.
Mis-. Ailcn took Ter knitting, Florie was
but not to read. had told FIoric that the
next time papa asked me to sing | would
sing the piece called 4 Cannot Call her
Mother, and as | was momentarIly expect
Inc such request, | was trying to get up
sufficient courage to do so. But papa sat in
his easy chair, with his head thrown back
and us eyes closed. | stole look at him
and whispered to FIorie, doubtless papa
Is isthinkiag Of the fascinating lady who is TO
te the fIure Mrs Gordon. Before Florie
could reply, papa opened his eyes and asked
me to play, and rose with little flutter-
ingof the heart to do so. | took up pile
OF music in order to gain time, and looked
II over. then laying it down upon the music
s,aai struck the first note to the prelude
or the piece | had said / would play. Be
lore began the words, Mrs. Allen left the
loom She knew what it vas and thought
1t might lead to remarks that she would not
Ike to hear My voice never once faltered
Is sang It with as much feeling as could
throw into the words When had finished,
there was perfect silence in the room for a
lew moments. | finally began lively march,
hut papa Interrupted me, and said in pleas
ant tone foa need not play any more this
eTenin-, Nellie, for me- | hope ynu did
not sing those verses because they expressed
your oEn sentiments, did you?'
/ 10 not know what difference it can
make to any Que whether these lines express
Cur feeling or not, | replied rather eOldly.
1t MI make some difference with your
.ltlTe happiness" be continued. Il am to
Ae married soon, and of course that will
make the lady your mother. Are you not
prepared to receive as such any one | may
select ard give her the affection Of daugh-
tar2H
t.oH burst into tears, and though / felt
1ehokinE sensation in the throat, replied
with some spirit: "0f course | shall treat
'"e luiure Mrs. Gordon with respect if she
'sn Command it; but have mother, tho
sLe &c IN her grave, whom | cannot forget,
" others can, with such apparent case
Nellie, you forget yourself, if you mean
10 inSnua,e that | have forgotten your
ll''her have not nor never shall; but
you could not understand my feelings if |
should explain them; therefore viii say
~ more. You can act your own pleasure
+''e' loving her, but you must not forget
''al 'he will be mistress of the house. How
= - with you, my daughter?' turning to
t-'F'e' and his voice had teaderer tone
'1al When he spoke to me; do you share
your sisters feelings?''
v, papa! do not want a new mamma. ~
W ny do you care, Florie %
Because she will spoil all our plans and
MAKE Us do Just what we do not wish to, and
"a'ih Us all the time, and-and'