The Hickman courier., 1872-03-30
NO. l3.
GEORGE CLEMENTS WIFE.
BY MARY REED cRowELL.

"Of all things this is the worst II
ever in all my life expected to hear
such news. Why, our Georges gone and
got married. Dye hear ?"
Good Mrs Clements pushed her steel
bowed spectacles off her bright eyes, and
dropped her letter in her lap. as she
turned around to her husband, the stout
clever old farmer who was contented
stroking the old white cat
deacon dye hear?"
This time when she asked the question.
there was touch Of sharpness in her
voice
YES, what if he is married? I'm
sure its natural enough. 1t kind O. runs
in the family. pears to me-"
But Mrs Clements would take no no.
tice of the little pleasantly.
"Well, if you like it, can tell you l
don't. He needn't think he's coming
here, with his fine city bred lady, all airs
and graces, and hounces and Anted ruff.
fes. There's plenty Of good girls here
abouts that wanted him. Right in the
middle of work, too TO talk of bringing
lady here in hog kIllin' time | do de
clare, think George is a fool"
/
A graceful, dainty little ledy. in a gar
net poplin aud ruffied apron, with a small
proudly poised head, covered with short
dusty curls, a pair of dark blue eyes, so
wistful and tender, tiny rose bud of a
mouth. and dimple in one pink cheek.
That was Mrs Marion Clements Was
it any wonder that George had fallen in
love with her?
She sat in the bright little parlor close
beside the lace curtained window watch
ing for the loved husbands return and
then when she heard the click of the
latch-key in the hall, flew for the well
come kiss.
Haven't you the letter this time,
George I've felt so sure of it all day
Indeed I've quite decided what dresses
to take with me"
He smiled as he shook his head.
A cloud passed over her pretty face
90 George, isn't it too bad ? And l
do believe-oh, do believe they won't
write because they are sorry you married
me-"
He put his arm around her neck.
"And suppesng such should be the
case, do you think it would make any
difference to me?
"Oh, no ! no only it would grieve me
so if l knew had alienaied your OVID
parents from you"
"And a one sided alienation it would
be- too They have never seen you (!
And when they know you they cant help
loving you"
ooh. George -
4 And the exclamation was caused by
the kiss accompanying his loving fiattery
That's true as preaching. BY the
by, my dear, what would you say if the
firm sent me off on travelling tour OF
six weeks"
A little dismayed cry answered him
You wouldn't stay here alone, eh
= But Marion. it would be I'VE huDdres
clear gain to US"
"What need we care for money? Ii
rather have you"
a miscbievous smile played on the
young mans lips; he was more matter
of fact than this romantic, tender little
wife of his
Il think the addition TO our balance
at the bankers would be very consoline
for the absence But never mind little
pet. Let's 60 down 10 dinner - I hope
we'll get letter from home soon"
And soon it was; for Marion snatched
it from his coat pocket the very next
night. But her husbands face looked
very grave and stern, and his eyes looked
angry when she looked gleefully over
the envelope.
My dear, you must remember, | care
2 f,,,f lssta for l,of bo
Remember | did not write il that you
are dearer to me than ever before. Kiss
me first while / watch you
4 little pang of misdoubt troubled
her, when she glanced over the note /;
then tears stole from under her lashes.
and George saw her tender mouth qniver
and tremble: then when she had finished
/ it, she laid her head down on his shoul-
der and cried.
at was cruel to let you see it, my
wounded birdie. Let me burn it. And
don't forget, darling, what our Bible says,
| that a man shall leave father and mother
and cleave to his wife. You are my pre-
cious wife, Marion, and to you | turn for
all the happiness my life will hold"
He dried her tears, and then they
talked it over.
Just because am city bred, she
thinks am lazy and naughty and dirty,
and"
Never mind, Marion. She will find
out some day My father"
"Yes, bless the dear old mani He
has added My love to my daughter
Marion. Oh, know should love him,
and your mother too, if she would let
me"
1--WE will invite them down when l
come home. BY the way Marion, l will
stop at the farm on my way home aud
invite them down, and bring them back
with me"
George, dear, l have been thinking
about that trip west. | think yon haC
better 90, and leave home. 1t won't bC
so very long
Marion was eating her egg while sh'
spoke across the coy little tete a-tet'
breakfast table.
Spoken like my true little Marion
and when l come back I'll bring you
present. What shall it be p
Your motherand father from the farm
1t shall be that hope that will bear mt
company while you are gone"
A fortnight after that Marion Glenn
ents ate her breakfast alone, the traces o
, a tear or so on her pink cheeks thel
she dashed them away with merry joy
Gus little laugh.
This will never do. and now tha
George has gone for six weeks, to pre-
pare for his return. And | pray Heavel
it may be such a coming home as shall
delight his very SOUL
y *
mI,nn snre don't know what To CAV