Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1871-11-10

steal KIN tell you that ii nothing else.
Directly she came down in her neat
purple print dress and big white apron
her hair brushed of her face into a net,
a narrow linen collar, fastened with a
sailors loop Of narrow black ribbon.
Ii seemed as if she had life, so bandily
she fitted in and out the big pantry, into
the buttery, and then down the cellar.
Then, after the meal, she gathered the
dishes in neat, 'ilent way, that was per-
lect bliss 10 Mrs. Clements eyes.
"Sbe's determined to airn her bread
anyhow, and / like her turn too"
And the Deacon knew his wife had
taken shine to Mary Smith.
One by one the days wore on; the
hog-killiDg was over and done; long
strings of sausages hung in fantastic rings
arranged by Mary's deft fingers, sweet
hams and shoulders were piled away in
true housewifely order, and now Mary
and Mrs. Clements were sitting in the
great sunny dining room, darning, patch
ing and mending.
Il don't know what am ever goin' to
do without you Mary, dread to see you
pack your clothes"
A blush of pleasure spread over the
girls face.
Il am so glad too, you have been suit
ed with my work. Indeed I've tried"
"It amt the work altogether, though
goodness knows you're the smartest gal
I've seen this many day. AS say, it
amt the work-it's you Mary. I've got
to thinkin' sight o you, me-and the
Deacon"
Mary's lip trembled at the kindness in
the old laGy's voice, but she sewed rapid
| ly on.
sits been uncommon lonesome-lke
since the boy left the farm, but it's wo Sc
yet since he got married. 1t seems like
desertin' us altogether
Have you son? You never men,
toned him"
"No, George has gone his way, and we
must go ours. Yes, he married one Of
them cracked-headed boarding school
people, what can't tell the difference be-
tween rolling-pin and milk pan.
But, despite her scorn, Mrs. Clements
dashed off the tears with her brown fist.
is his wife pretty? | suppose you
love her dearly"
81 don't know nothing about her, and
never want to know. He's left US Tor
her, and us old folks'll leave him for her
too, Mary just turn them cakes around,
seems they're burning
When Mary returned, Mrs Clements
was leaning on the arm of her chair.
"Mary, supposin' you stop on with US
another month yet, any how? The Dea-
con will make it all right
1T isn't the money / care for, Mrs.
Clements. / only wish I might stay al
ways. You don't know how much l love
you"
Love us, do you bless your heart
IF our George had only picked you out,
what blessing it would be to US all !
But it can't be helped now"
She sighed YEARLY, then glanced out of
the window, looked moment, then threw
down her work.
"Bess my soul, if there amt our
George comm up the lane Deacon, Dea-
Con, George is comm.
And all her mother love rushing to her
heart she buried out to meet him. Oh,
the welcoming, the reproaches, the caress-
es, the determination to love him still
and still despite dear, little innocent Ma
rion.
Then when the table in the next room
had been set by Mary's deft fingers, and
she bad retired to her west garret, Mrs.
Clements opened her heart.
There's no use talkin', George, this
fine fancy lady o yours neverll suit me.
Give me smart girl like my Mary Smith
and I'd ask no more. Come in to sup
per now. Mary Mary!'
She raised her voice to call the girl
when low answer near her surprised
her.
"Oh, you dressed up in honor O. my
boy Well, must confess never knew
you had such handsome dress, and you
look like picture, with your net off and
them short bobbin' curls. George, this
is Mary Smith, my"
George came through the door, glabc
ed earelessly at the corner where the wo-
man stood. Then, with cry sprang with
outstretched arms to meet the little fig
ure that flew into them.
"My Marion my darling little wife !
What does this mean p
The Deacon and Mrs. Clements stood
in speechless amazement. Then Marion,
all bushes and fearful smiles, went over
to the old pair and took their hands