The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-07-29
ONLY A FARMERS WIFE.

Two women sat together ut sunset In
the porch door of white cottage that
stood under It's ancestral tree,n among
Its fields of wheat and corn, like q poets
vision ofa quiet resting place TOR some
weary suffering human soul.
And one OF these two women had eyes
to ee,ears to hear,and heart to feel and
appreciate 1t all. She was tall and
stately lady, apparently some thirty years
ofage-not exactly handsome, but with o
grace of air and manner peculiarly her own.
The careful toilet, the nameless afr of
elegance and luxury, the pale cheek, the
soft white hands betrayed the city dame.
While the weary glance in her dark blue
eyes, which even the quiet of that sunset
hour could not drive away, showed that
time had not dealt gently with her aud
her hearts's idol but had thrown them,
scattered and ruined, at her feet.
Her companion was some five years her
junior, and many times prettier-a little
round faced, apple checked woman, with
dark blue eyes aud dark brown hair, and
rounded figure that was set off to the
best advantage by the afternoon dress of
tinted muslin that she wore.
AT present the pretty face was almost
spoiled by querulOus dscontented ex.
preston. She was contrasting her own
hand, plump and small, but certainly rath-
or brown, with the slender white fingers
oflier city friend, all glittering with rings.
"Just look at the twol" she exclaimed.
"That comes Of making butter and cheese,
aud sweeping, and dusting and washing
dishes, and making beds all the time.
That man told the truth that said that
woman's work was never done. | know
mine never is. OH dear, dearl To think
that you, Margaret, should have married
n city merchant, and be as rich as a prin-
cess in a fairy tale; and here am planted
for life, plain Mrs. Hiram Parke, and
nothing In the world to compare with you.
am sick Of being only farmers wife.p
Margaret Won llowth looked down at
her grumbling little friend with a sad
smile.
"Jenny, It seems to me, as We sit here
In this quiet place and look ont over all
these pleasant fields that are your own
it seems to me that you are almost wicked
to talk like that"
81 dare say, you would never like II,
Margaret. Ton would never wish to
change places with ne.n
"Perhaps not. Would you not like to
change with me"
"Yes.n
"And be Mrs. Won Howth instead of
Mrs Hiram Parkein
Jennie hesitated. She dearly loved
her handsome husband.
"Well, don't mean that want to
give up Hiram. only mean that wish
lie was q city merchant instead of far
mer. aud as rich as your husband Is that
is ALL"
"And that Is a great deal. Jenny, II
your wish could be granted, do you know
what your life would bein said Mrs. Won
Howth, coldly.
"What yours Is suppose. What any
laly's Is in your position.h
But what Is that life Do you knowl''
How should II"
at is a weary one, Jenny, with more
genuine hard work in It than all your
making Of butter and cheese.n
"0h, Margaret"
"And oh, JENNY believe me, my dear
there are no people on earth who work
harder than the fashionables who only
have their own amusements to provide
for. A long, long life Of mere amuse-
ments Is dogs life, Jenny, at the best"
al should like to be convinced oft by
actual experience" said Jenny, doubt
iugly.
been so convinced. And 1t Is all vanity
and ve1ation Of spirit, my dear"
"But howl" persisted Jenny.
"Howi Indeed, ten thousand ways.
II you live in the fashionable world
you must do as the fashionable world
does. You must rise and dress, aud
hop and lunch, and dress again and
drive, and dress again and appear at GER
tain balls, parties, concerts, exactly as
your friends do, or be voted bizarre, and
out Of the world altogether. You, my
poor Jenny, who are by no means fond
Of dress, what would you do at fash
ionable watering place in the hottest
days of August, with Eve changes Of
toilet between morning and night, and
French lady's maid to tyranniSe oyel
yon all the time into the 6argaini
" HorrorsW calculated Jenny.
"Balls that You must 20 to In spite
Of fatigue, parties that you must 20 to
In spite Of the heat, calls that you
must make on people that you detest.
oh, Jenny, ! would far rather be at
home with the butter and cheese II
vsreyou.'
Jenny was silent. Here was the side
ofthe bright picture which she had new.
o. seen OF dreamed Of before.
200 You love your husband, Jenny I"
said her friend after time
Jenny opened her eyes vide.
s'Loye hlm Why isn't he my hni-
bandin wa. her reply.