The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1870-04-19
From the New England Farmer.
A CHANGE OF BASE.
BY RUTH CHESTERFIELD.

David Thomps on's new house was
finished at last. the litter of carpenters,
masons and painters was cleared away,
and now he had brought with him his
intended wife, that they might plan for
fitting it up.
David had been engaged for three
years, but being prudent young man,
he said he could never marry till he had
fair start in the world. He thought he
had it now, since, in addition to youth.
health, house and go acres of land,
Mr.. Burch, the great mill-owner, had
lately made him his foreman, position
he had long coveted. The wedding
day was therefore fixed for September
-, three months hence.
For once in the worlds history, no
one found any fault with the match, but
all declared the happy pair were very
we'll suited for each other.
Sallie Dearing, the bride elect, was
neither beauty, belle, nor genious-
she was just sweet womanly woman,
with domestic habits, and great many
little feminine tastes and fancies.
As to the Dearing family, they were
respectable, root and branch, and always
cords could go.
At the present time there were none
of them remaining in the town save Sal
lie and her parents, who were getting to
be elderly people when she was born.
''It's a good house and thoroughly
bui t" said David, looking around him
with satisfaction. I allow none but
the best materials to go into it. 1t
l. srl n,
but said not is for lifetime"
sAnd so bright and sunny said Sal
lie, it seems like home already. Some
houses strike chill as soon as you en-
ter them. but don't think ours can ever
be one of that kind
Il don't think any house could. with
you for its Mistress returned David
gallantly.
In every apartment Sallie found some
thing to praise and admire, from the
bav-window in the parlor to the wash
boilers in the back-kitchen. Openin g
the door of the bedroom on the ground
floor, she remarked--'Thiss shall be our
fathers and mothers room. It's just
near enough to the parlor for company,
and jast far enough off to be quiet. You
must have planned it on purpose for
them. such dear good David as you
are,' and the young lady laid her hand
caressingly on his arm.
David took no notice Of the slight ad
vance, however, but stood twirling his
mustache, and looking thoughtful and
embarrassed.
"Of course my parents are to live with
us?" said SalIie, questioningly, after a
pause
II feared you might be expecting it."
answered David, 'tand l have evaded
the subject in such way that hoped
you would understand me without any
explanation. 1t seems you did not,
however, and the explanation may as
we'll come now as any time II you
will think the matter over, you will
see that this thing cannot be.
"Why nos?'
Because nobody could reasonably ex
pect Yong man to take such bur
then upon his shoulders
But they'll not be a burthen upon you
at least not much. My parents are
not paupers.
And who'll take care of them in their
old age?' asked David.
sWho should, but the daughter they
took care of when she was baby? re-
piled Sallie.
i want my wife to aUatf nme.'
Il don't think I should ever fail in my
duty TO my husband
I'm sure you wouldn't. my darling,
so now It's settled and well say no more
about it.
David, put to you the same ques-
ton you put to me. Who will take
care of my parents in their old age?
Who, if their daughter forsakes them?'
Il don't ask you to forsake them,'
said David. impatiently; that's just
like your high flown way of putting
things. 1 am willing you should do as
much for your parents as other people
do for theirs; but who hesitates to mar
ry and leave the old folks behind? 1t
is the was of the world. The young
bird forsakes the old nest, and builds
herself new one
But have YOU never read how the
stork that was young and strong-wing-
ed, carried the old one on its back? and
would you have me less dutitul than the
fowls of the ARP replied Sallie.
After a |, the brute creation are no
patterns for u.s. sold David, seeing how
Sallie had turned the tables upon him
And doesn't the Scripture say that
man shall leave mother and father and
cleave unto his wife? Answer me that
OF course, the same rule holds good for
woman. too. So now, my dear, let US
drop the subject l haven't shown YOU
the second story yet. / hope you will
admire the staircase, for l quite pride
myself upon it. and the young man
started to lead the way up stairs
1t is no use to go any further said
Sallie, mourntully, yet firmly.
What do you mean b1 that?' asked
David, pausing and looking back.
That I shall live where my parents
do
Without me?'
That's for you to decide.'
'And / have decided. OF all the wo-
men in the world l have chosen you
but when marry you. do not marry
your family
Very we'll, David
How am to understand that?'