Connecticut western news., 1871-12-22
NOT so BAD AFTER ALL.
A STORY FOR CHRISTMAS.

NOT so BAD AFTER ALL.
 STORY FOR CHRISTMAS.
 The good wife of Deacon Gilbert, knew how to keep Christmas, and when Nancy Sykes came in to help bake the pies, sht was gladly welcomed.
 :" guess it's just as we'll for you that didn't come any earlier" replied the strange woman, in the most oracular tone. ssl guess 'tis ," and Nancy removed the white woolcn hood and warm striped shawl. an6 then, with arms akimbo, surveyed the field. We'll, now, what do you want done frst-them front chambers attended to, or them pies put together2 It don't make no. kind Of difference to mo what ] start at. ;"
 '" think you had better take hold Q the pies first. But, Nancy, what do you mean by saying that you guess it is as well for us that you didn't ceme any earllerE You have worried me dreadfully,' And tue lines came into Mrs. Gilbert's face plainly showing what an easy matter ii would be to furrow the still young looking eountenance, were aff1iction to walk into her family,
 "Law!" replied Nancy, "don't mind me: The fact is, I hain't beon n;nding my own business thls morning, by no means Ii had been, should got here by eight o'clock certain. Where's Molly
 "SLo's in the keeping room, sewing or her dress. 1 haven't laid eyes on hel since breakfast. She's trying to get the dress done for to-morrow.n
 Nancy opened the door and walked straight into the general sitting-room where Mrs. Gilbert assumed that he1 daughter was.
 :" don't sec nothing of her, :" said Nancy with strange click in her voice, which the fond mother noticed in ap instant.
 "Then she must be upstairs. What dc you want of her, Nancy p
 "Call her now, and see if she answers you" persisted the spooky looking woman But, Nancy, if you know where shei S why don't you tell me, and not frighter me to death in this way ?"
 Wal, if you must know, you must but after Pve told you, don't blame me Your daughter has been down in the deacon's shed, on the salt marsh, all tn, morning, with strange feller p
 "Strange fellerm Eepeated Mrs. Gilbel t In tones of the deepest distress.
 "Strange feller 2" roared tine deacon who had come upon them nnawares.
 Great guns! Deacon Gilbert, how yo, scared me-" said Nancy, jumping half wa, across the room.
 W hat does ali this mean ?' inuuirec tne paternal parent, in the greatest anxiety "The Lord knows !' answered meter samitias trembling from head to f,ot Nancy, how did you come to know tha It was our Molly, on the marsh 2"
 How do come to know that I an talking to Deacon Gilbert and his wife p answeted Nancy, with true philosophy Principally, because I've knowed you fo some time, and couldn't very we'll be mis taken. You see, was straighening thing up to home, previous to leaving for m, days work, when, who should sI see bu Molly, with her red hood and black an, white shawl, running across the meadow as last as she could leg it. Just afore that l heard the car-whistle, and, by George ii feller-a tall, straight. black haired strange feller-didn't hop over Soui1 Pearce's fence, for all the world just as he was acquainted, and ID a minute I,ll h. frlttered if they didn't run together an, kiss each other. You needn't shake YOU heads aow; tell you seed it with thes eyes-and they never lied to me yet. Blu the worst is to come.o
 "Oh, Nancyn groaned Mrs. Gilbert.
 "Oh, Nancy p echoed the deacon.
 After they had stood minute. an, looked at each other, that felIer jus grabbed Molly in his arms. for all tn world as if she had been bag of feather, and run with her into the shed. There now, you have got as much as know.n
 Just then the front door, at tue extrerr ity of tho long country hall, softly opened and young girl, apparently about eighteer noi,elessly entered.
 Tbere, what did I tell ycu7n sai Nancy, in sepulchral whisper.
 Go to your work, both of you!" sai the deacon; and don't either of you ope your mouths to Molly on this subject ti l give the signal. I shall manage th business in my own way.o
 Don't be hard with the child, John, whispered the fond mother, her usuall bright face suffused with teafs.
 Dry your eyes, and go about you work as usual. We can't expect to alwaJ get along without trouble, any more tha our neighbors"
 Poor dear Mrs. Gilbert! Her heart wa as heavy as lead. What could be mol AOAIlUlc Iudn tue CnOugl6 Of her QarllD little Molly in the arms of "strana fellern? There was no way that even he loving. motherly heart sould account fe the circumstance, save by the admissio ot great deceit and great wickedness c the part of her daughter.
 "Been out neighboring T" inquired u deacon, in tones that he unsuccessful tried to make commonplace, as the bea, tifnl girl entered, rosy and happy with b, brisk morning walk.
 Not exactly neighboring,n replie Molly, with a joyous, rippling laugh. tIt most too early in the morning to maj calls.n
 1T am interested, Molly, in everybody going pretty nigh straight" ]" said the de con, batting tue soft, velvety cheek. "I to this time, have never had any troub with my children. They have alwa, been honest and straightforward-ha' grown up in the fear of the Lord"
 l never grew up in tbe fesP of u Lord, father. and ! doa't believe the Fe ald. # teaFe5 God, ! ebeuidR't es