The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1870-01-07
My Stcp-NOiher.

NIeHFlile SO soon again Tor. 10 you
know, Mrs. Allen?" I asked of the
lady who had acted as housckceper in
our family for the four years. we three
children had been written "mothcr-
less
II did not ask him." she replied.
Her evasivc answer increased my
Suspicion, and, after twirling my nap
kin moment, | said:
"Wcll, We sometimes know the
reasons Of things, and, therefore, are
net obliged to ask for information. ."
After moments silence she replied:
"No, Nellie, l do not know for
what purpose your fathcr visits Glen
ville.'
but you strongly suspect" I
persisted, land SO do l. Do you
not?"
"If so. do not think it best to
say anything about 1t.
Two days after, papa returned, and
after tea we gathered in the parlor for
papa is lawyer, and did not stay in
the Office evenings. Mrs. Allen took
her knitting, Flora was embrcidcriug,
and took up magazine, but not to
read. I had told Flora that the next
,imo papa asked me to sing l should
sirg the piece called Il Cannot Call
Her Mothcr;' and, as I was momen-
tarily expecting such a request.
was trying to get up the courage to
do so. But papa sat in his easy
chair, with his head thrown back and
his eyes closed. stole Il look at him
and whispered to Floric, "Doublcss
papa is thinking Of the fascinating
lady who is to be the future Mrs. Cor
don" Before Floric could reply,
papa opened his eyes and asked me
to play, add ] arose with - futtering
Of the heart to do 50. took up the
pile Of music and looked it over, in
order to gain time; then laying it
down OH the music stand, | struck
the FIRST noto to the prelude Of the
piece had sald I-would' sing. Be:
fvrcI began the words Mrs. Allen
left the room. She knew what it was,
and thought it might lead to remarks
that she would not like TO hear. nv
voice never once faltercd as'I sang it
with IS much feeling as | could throw
into the words. When I had finish
cd there was perfect silence in the
room for 4 few moments l finally
began lively march, but papa inter
ruptcd me, and said in pleasant
tone: t...
"You need not play any more this
evening, Nellie, for me. l hope you
did not sing those verses b.cause
tEey expressed your sentiments, did
your a--- ...
II do not know what difference It
can make to any one shcther those
lines express our feelings or not
replied rather coldly.
ut will make some difference Will,
your future happiness. he continued
II am to he married soon, and Of
course it will make the lady your
mother. Are you not prepared to
receive as such any one l may select,
and give her the affection Of daugh-
teri"
Floric burst into tears. and though
I felt a choking sensation in the
throat, I replied with some spirit:
'Of course l shall treat the future
Mrs. Gordon with respect, if she
shall command it; but have-a moth.
er. though she is in her grave, whom
| cannot forget if others can with
such apparent ease. +"
"Nellie. you forget yourself if you
mean to insinuate that have forgot.
ten your mother. I have not, no,
never shall; YOU could not understand
my feelings if / saould explain them
to you; therefore l will say no more.
You can act Jour own plea sure about
loving her, but you must not forget
that she will be mistress Of the house
how is it with you my daughter, u
turning to Florie, and his voice had
a tendcrer tone than when be spoke
20 me; .'lo you share your sisters
fcelings?'
"Oh, papa! / do not want new
mamma.
"Why do you care. Flore?''
because she will spoil all ou,
plans, and make US DO just what. ",
do not wish to do, and watch us al
the time, and-and-
"Nho told you that, my dear?"
! Nellie.
| why. Nellie. l thought you hat
too much sense to talk to younge
sister in such way az that!''
"Wcll," ! Ireplied. rather angrily
II would like to know II thero eve
was q step. mother who was not cross
and as disagrecable and hateful q
she could be. Inever heard Of one. ;
'By what means did you bccom
so extensively informed on the sub
ject Of stcp-mothers?" asked pap
ironically.
We'll, there is q description q
one in 'Claudine's Trials,' and on
in Mercy Merton;' besides I ha y
known two young ladies. vho wer
: blessed'with such usurpcra at home
and gsincd some Of my extensiv
NJ knnu 1ndOo from <ho,o -