Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-05-27
ONLYAFARAfER'S WIFE.

the porch door of white cottage that
stood under the "old ancestral trees, "and
among its fields of wheat and corn, like
poets vision OF quiet resting place for
some very suffering soul.
And one OF these two women had ears
to hear and eyes to see, and heart to
appreciate it ALL She was tall. stately
lady. apparently some thirty years of
age-not exactly handsome. but with
grace and manner peculiarly her own.
The careful toilet, the namcless air Of
elegance and luxury, the pale cheek, and
soft white hands. betrayed tho city dame.
While the weary glance in The large dark
eyes, which even the pleasant quiet OF
the sunset hour could not quite drive
away, showed that time had not dealt
gently with her and her hearts idols, but
had lhr, wn them. shattered and ruined,
ut her feet.
Her companion was some FIVE years her
JUNIOR, and many times prcitiei-a little
round faced. apple checked woman, with
dark blue eyes and dark brown hair, and
II rounded figure that was set off 10 the
best advantage by the afternoon dress
that she wore.
At present the pretty face was almost
spoiled by II querulous, discontented ex~
preston. She was contrasting her own
hand. plump and small. but certainly
rather brown, with the slender. white
fingers OF her city friend, all glistcning
with jewels.
Just look ut the two," she exclaimed.
That come of making butter and cheese,
and sweeping and dustng and washing
dishes and making bels all tho time.
The man told the truth who said that
woman's work is never done. know
mine never is Oh, dear. dear! TO think
that you, Margaret, should have married
city merchant and here | am planted
tor lite, plain Mrs. Hiram Park, and
nothing to compare with you. lam sick
Of being farmers wife"
Margaret Van Towth looked down up
on her grumbling little friend with sad
smile.
Jenny, il seems TO me. rs VIC sit here
in this quiet place. and look out over all
these pleasant fields that are Your own,
it seems 10 me that You are almost wicked
10 talk So"
IL dare say. but you would not like H.,
Margaret. You would never like to
change places with me-" replied Mrs.
Jenny.
Perhaps not. Would YOU like 10
change places with mc?'
Yes"
And be Mrs Van IIowth. instead OF
Mis-. Hiram Parke?'
Jenny hcsitated She dearly loved her
handsome husband.
"Well, l don't mean that | want to
give up Hiram. only mean that | wish
that he was city merchant instead OF a
farmer, and rs rich rs your husband is.
that is all"
And that is great deal. Jenny. if
your wish could he granted, do you know
what your life would bc?'
"Whal yours is. | suppose. What any
lady's is in your position"
Exactly. But what is that likc' Do
you know"
"How should l?'
1T is weary one, Jenny, with more
genuine work in it than all your making
butter and cheese can bring"
"Oh, Margaret"
"And oh, Jenny! Believe, my dear,
there are no people on ear'h who work
harder than the iashionablcs, who only
have their own amuscments TO provide
for. A life of amusement is dogs lie,
Jenny, ut best"
II should like to be convinced of it by
actual experience said jenny. doubling
ly.
$50 said and thought once. have
been so convinced And it is all vanity
and vexalion of spirit
"But how" persisted Jenny.
"IIow? In ten thousand ways. II you
live in the fashionable world. you must
rise and dress, shop and lunch. dress
again, and drive and dress again, and
appear at certain balls, parties or concerts
exactly rs your friends do, or be voted a
bizarre and out OF the world altogether.
You. my poor Jenny, who arc by no
means fond Of dress, what would you do
at fashionable watcring-place in the
hottest days of August. with five changes
of toilet between morning and night, and
French lady's maid to tyrannize over
YOU all the time, into tho bargain"
"Horrors!" calculated Jenny.
BALLS that you must 60 to in spite OF
heat, calls that you must make on people
whom you detest! Oh, Jenny. l should
far rather be Mt home with butter and
cheese if were YOU"
Jenny was silent. Here was side OF
the bright picture she had never seen or
dreamed Of before.
"You love your husband. jenny" said
her friend after time.
Jenny opened her eyes widely.
"Lovc him! why isn't he my husband,
was her maize reply.