The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-02-19

suppose he would begrudge trife like that
to make me comfortable"
II don't suppose it," returned Clara feel
ing rather hopeless over her task 'I have
not doubt that he would crafty you With
the utmost willingness"
Then" said Elsie, shortly, "if l wish it,
and he dosen't object, don't see what 1T is
to YOU CLARA"
The older sister fushed-at the tone more
than the words. But it was over IN u mo-
ment. She was used to Elsie's way.
"Certainly it is nothing to me-" she an
swered, except as it is best tor you. 1t
must always be pleasant to keep reliable
nurse if one can afford it. But life is all be-
fore you two yet; your expenses are sure to
increase, and your means are not as certain
to enlarge. If l were you l would try and
help Roderick by saving where | could. Don't
you thiuk that would be prudent, Elsier'
81 bate to hear about prudence" was
Elsie's reply. "What do | know about such
things? Here am so young yet; only nene-
teen, and it is too bad to have all these cares
put upon me. / should think it was enough
to have house and baby to look after, let
mo make it as light as I can. l ought to
have a little of the good Of life and be en-
joyiug myself now, if ever, and you want to
turn me into a regular drudge! keep me tied
up mt home to crying child! 1t isn't Rod
ericks fault HE never married me to make n
slave of me- 1t is just your doing, Clara;
You were always SO hard on me. And tears
real tears of vexation dropped Oh her pretty
morning-dress
Clara uttered not one word of soothing or
of self defence. She began playing with
baby and talking all manner of nonsense
to it, as is the privilege of aunts. Elsie s
injured feelings presently subsidized, her eyes
dried, and she was again the picture of raJi-
ant beauty AMI innocence. When Mrs Grove
returned from her little visit she did not OBJ
serve that any thing had been amiss
Clara walked homeward with heaviness
OF heart for which she chid herself as dispro-
FORTUNATE to the OCCASION She did so wish
TO see the young couple ut ease in money
matters. Livishness they could not hope
for. since Anhalt was poor college and
Roderck had only his proIcssorship; but
with proper care they might always enjoy
comfort and independence. She dreaded the
first beginnings of way of life beyond their
means, which would, hy-and-by, involve them
in embarrassment aud anxiety. Yet, us she
told herself there was nntling sa serious in
Elsie's wanting little indulgence; she was
very young yet; prnlence might come in
time. She would not admit to herself the
chief cause OF her trouble, something deeper
than any mere thouyhtless "xiravagance -
1t was the continuance OF that old spirit OF
Elsie shat settled determination 10 con-
suit her own comfort her own convenience,
no matter ut what cost 10 every booy else.
The young wife meanwhile was dwelling
upon her wrongs; when Roderick came in she
proceeded TO unfold them.
CLARA was here this morning. she said.
That is pleasant. | hope she cheered you
up as much rs usual.
"You wouldn't have thought 1t very pleas.
ant if you had been here. sac was dreadluily
cross"
"Clara cross! wish you had sent for me.
Such sight must have been worth looking
at
"Oh, don't mean that she went into Il
rage and made a scene; that's never her way.
She's too precise aud proper for any thing OF
the sort But she was u't as cross as she
could ne for all that, continued Elsie, knit
TIM her brows ~ she recalled the contro
versv. WHAT 10 You think, dear? She
saws ourht not to have nurse ior baby!-
that ought to try to take care of her my
self! told her | knew you would never
|
great child like that around. and to be tied ur
dav aud night and never able to stir ont o
the house But she was just Us obstinate
! about 1t rs she could be-
Roderick's first emotion was surprise, fnl
the thought of this very desirable household
appeuduge hal never once occurred to him
his next was self reproach that he should moi
sooner have remembered Elses comfort. -
He must arrange it in some way or other
though HOW, was not exactly clear. Clara
had she understood their affairs rhore init
mately, would have been grered to fine
that the pecuuiary troubles had already be
gun. Not overwhelming as yet, for it was
| bat the second year of marliage-only caus
| ing little management and anxiety.
"Yes, dear, yon must certainly have {
nurse, he responded, with as much cheerful
ness as if it were the simplest thing in the
world. Il cant have my pet oyer-tired ant
loosing her bloom"
GLOW gooo you are!" she said, stroknt
his brown cheek with her satin-soft hand
mo one was ever half so kind to me a
You are, Roderick!"
The heart Of the strong man swelled witt
tenderness as the lovely eyes turned upoi
| him Mt these words He covered the carress
| ing hand with kisses, and thought himsel
the happiest of husbands.
After all, it would be easy enough to man
age; he would do without the microscope HI
had been wanting SO long, and the necesar.
funds would be Forthcoming. True, he ha'
felt the need of the instrument Il hundre'
times in his Investigations, and had promises
himself that this summer he would surl,
make the purchase; but perhaps it was ex
travagance after all. At any rate he must d(
as we'll as he could without it.
Clara at her next visit was not at all sur
prlsed to hear the triumphant announcement
that "Magg:e" was TO come next week.
| CHATTER III.
Some years went by, bringing changes t.
the quiet town. The completion of ne'
railroad, and the establishment of the static
a quarter of a mile away, opened for Anhal
| ha ontviA