Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-06-16

this day. What is the matter now? What
are you making a face at
DO you call this coffce?''
Ned tasted.
Something is wrong here, certainly. Well
never mind, we will drink milk say, Tom,
do you know what L think?''
II can guess-namely. housekeeping is
not your vocation.
y ell, yes-hut more than that
That women are an institution? ?'
''Yes, that is it. A divine institution !
never knew it before This days expert
ence has forced the knowledge upon me. |
appreciate the whole sex-my wife in par
| ticular. If TO day, when almost everything
was done for me, could not remember. and
get along, how must it have been yesterday
| with heE2 Sweeping, busting, brewing, bak-
ing, mending. making, and more than any,
and most of all, tending baby at the begin
ming, ending. and between every other duty
Why man! we should go mad with so much
care. o woman from this hour am thy
devoted admirer
You are right, Ned. appreciate them
| too J particularly after eating such cake and
pie as this. FL give up the idea OF being a
bachelor.
Bless me - It's half past six o'clock.
Fannie will be here very soon. | wish those
dishes had, been washed up; then every
thing would have seemed right anyhow, y
I'VE can have them done in no time,
said Tom.
Too late-here she is, answered Ned,
And Fannie came in; looking as bright and
happy as passible.
why how well you lock was fearful
you would be tired, Fannie. Sit down and
let me remove your wrappings.
'Oh! no-not bit tired. am glad to
see you, Mr.. Merryman. You have kept
Ned from being lonesome, know. | have
had such pleasant day. How is frankie p
she continued.
Il wish had" thought Ned-but ans
wered Il am very glad to hear it. frankie
is sleeping nicely. -
Give me cup of tea, if you please, ,nnd
roll. The long ride has given me an ap-
petite. -
A look Of CONSERVATION mingled with an
appealing one, was cast toward Tom by the
anxious husband He poured out a cup
still quite hot, and passed it over.
Fannie sweetened and tasted Puckered
up her mouth, tasted again. Her eyes were
dancing, her mouth drawn down, every fea-
ture expressed suppressed mirth.
Tea or coffee, did you say, Ned?" she
quietly asked.
Il am really sorry. Fannie. But must
have put both in, | guess. was very much
worried about that time. ~
Never mind, I'll make cup in few
minutes answered his wife. And off she
few into the kitchen to meet the breakfast
things, just as she had left them. She soon
returned with her tea; and sat down and
asked:
"Where are the fresh rolls, Ned? I'd like
one of your baking"
Now, Mrs Barton, | am very much
afraid you will think We are gormandizers,
but these rolls were so very brown and in
viting, that we made away with all of them,
said the ever ready Tom.
'Ohl | am SO very glad you liked them
l would just as soon have the loaf-a piece,
if you please, Ned. ~
Another appealing glance toward his
friend Tom
Really don't know what you will think
but my dear madam, we were both of US
very nearly famished, and the loaf, which
was so very hight and tempting, why-we
paid our respects to that first. said Tom,
very gravely.
Indeed. l am delighted you enjoyed
both, said Fannie-but at the same time
thinking there was some mystery concern
ing it.
Il will go up and see frankie, relieve
Dick, and then come down and tell you all
about my visit"
She was gone about half an hour. during
which time the two friends were congratula-
ting themselves on their happy exit from
their embarrassing situation.
Fannie returned, looking merrier than ev-
er, and said
Ned, you have had very trying day
with the baby-but poor little dear, no won
der he fretted. Dick has told me all about
it. Your prescription did very well to soothe
him to sleep, Mr.. Merryman, but you didn't
get at the right cause of the trouble. AL
though I've no doubt he proved to you there
was ,ond enough-but in his lungs only.
Just think, found the bosom of his dress
quite full of stiff paper which had irritated
his skin considerably. That was the reason
he cried so, when you pressed him to you.
The sharp edges of the paper hurt him, but
it nothing serious.
sit was that little scamp. Harry Blame.
Of course 1 couldn't have my eyes on him
and my work too" said Ned. in an apollo
getic manner.
81 know it, DEAR Now l will tell you
about my trip. Aunty way very much dis
appointed at not seeing you"
81 hope you made it all right, Fan, what
did you tell her?''
Il did-but | told her the truth, I" said
his wife.
"No-you did not dare to Told her
was home2 2''