The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1869-07-01

palu WHEREABOUTS.
"The master, ma am" said the good
natured Ann, with a broad smile.
''Suge ma'am aud he said he'd be after
taking all the children down the river
as it was such fine day. They were
jist wild to go the darlings!'
"Down the river!' gasped Mrs. Ste
fame, feeling as if she could not believe
her ears, That '.down the river trip
had been long looked for and eagerly
discussed pleasure to be shared by the
whole family and by her! And they
had gone and left her!
"You see ma'am you was in such a
beautiful slape, that the master would
not have you disturbed" went on the
stupid but good natured Ann. "And
so he told me to dress the children,
myself, and l did. And very pretty
they looked the little darlings."
Clear the breakfast things away"
said Mrs. Stefane.
"Yes ma'am. left the table for you
thinking you might be hungry after
your slape. Won't l bring you a cup
of coffee, and a fresh roll or two"
''No, thank you"
tan egg now, ma'am, or a taste Of
fried ham. TT cooke it for you in a
minute ma'am."
~ want nothing--nothing" and
Mrs. Stefane fally ran from the room,
for the ready tears were even then in
her eyes.
This then was all they cared for her
she thought as she gazed around her
own chamber. Ann had removed the
clothes during her sleep hut the room
was Uttered and untidy and as it was
washing day, she could not call the
girl from her work to attend to 1t.
Still less would she slave there her.
self, while her trnant family were en-
joying the fresh river breezes from the
deck of beautiful steamer. The
room might go-What did it matter?
What did anything matter?
And then she sat down again and
leaned her head on her hand, and a
thought of the lace kerchiefs, and the
India shawls and the silk dresses of
Judge Howelrs wife, till her heart was
full Of burning and bitter thoughts
against those whom she really loved
far better than life itself.
Going into the parlor after dinner
was over, she still pursued this useless
and almost wicked train Of thoughts,
Whitticr's "Maud Muller" beautifully
illustrated was on the centre table
She took it up with 4 sentimental as
)cct that was rather ludicrous in a
stout .:wcll-to do" mother Of Il family
ike her. .....
"Ah me! ThatI the Judges bride
night be-
She repeated once or twice after the
90 ok had dropped from her hand.
He would dress me up in silks so line,
And praise me and toast me over his wine.
And then she looked down upon her
vell-worn alpaca dress and sighed again
"Poor Mrs Stefane.'
The "Judge's BRIDE was a beauti-
iul girl of eighteen, who had accepted
lin eagerly. in spite of his iron-gray
lair and fifty years, because of his
wealth and position he could offe".
And "the Judge" dotted on his bride,
Is only man of that agei capable of
loing! The rom ance Of his youth
vas q vanished and forgotten romance
o him. And If any one could have
shown him Mrs. Stefane as she sap
,eared" on washing day of which l
write, he would have been ono Of the
lrst TO propose that the "woman should
,e sent to a lunatic asylum without
my further delay.
But Mrs. Stefane knew nothing of all
his, aud sat and sighed over his men,
Try and her one last chance offorune
III twilight gave place to dusk.
Then, fOrthe first time she reused
erself sufficiently from h er reveries 10
ronder why her husband and children
ad not returned. .. ..
She rang the bell. Ann came in.
The girl looked pale and scared, and
ad evidently been weeping.
"What is the matter asked the
distress, when sue caught glimpse of s
er face.
The girl hesitated.
"Answer me!'
Ann wrung her bands .wildly, and
urst into a regular Irish howl.
"Oh, na'am 60 down on your two I
nees, and be thankful that you didn't
70 on that dreadful boat this morn
ng. My poor master and the blessed I
title childer!'
Mrs. SteIane caught her by the arm. +
"Stop that noise at once and tell me {
that you mean!' Z
"Oh ma'am only heard it five min. I
tes ago, from the policeman at the {