The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-07-12
JOHNS WIFE.
BY ANNIE T. roRoELLE.

Miss Barbara Snyder sat in her
straight backed chair before the fire,
her feet on the fender, her head droop-
ing, her eyes closed--to tell the truth,
although she would have Indignantly
denied it, Miss Barbara Snyder was
asleep. Her maid, hard-featured
and middle-aged woman, was moving
about the room, putting it in order, as
she did fifty times day, at her mis-
tress' command, and watching her fur
lively to see that she didn't fall into
the fire.
"Jane," said Miss Barbara, sudden
ly waking and sitting bolt upright
with unblinking eyes, "if he comes
and an sure he will-don't let him
in"
mo, ma'am,n answered Jane, sub
missively.
"Tell him he has seen me for the
last time-the hypocrite Ito pretend
always to be so fond of me, and then
GO aud marry some little empty head
ed doll baby. Be sure and send him
away, Jane.n
ayes, ma am"
a sudden commotion IN the lower
hall interrupted them; few bars OF
popular air, whistIed in mastery
manner, rapid clatter of boot heels
on the stairs, and then young gen.
tleman, who might have sat as model
of Hercules rushed in, and falling
over an ottoman. upsetting a chair
and making confusion worse con-
founded" in the quiet room, dashed
at Miss Barbara and took her by
storm.
Congratulate met' he cred, after
imprinting half-dozen kisses on her
withered cheek. Aunt Barby she is
the dearest
"You may go Jane"
Miss Barbara had recovered from
the shock little, and as Jane retired
she folded her mittened hands tightly
together and turned upon him:
Nephew John!n
There was a comical expression of
despair on the young fellows face at
this unpropitious beginning, but he
said nothing.
Nephew John, am disappointed
in youi l am not angry, but am
deeply grieved-"
why, Aunt Barbyw
The blue eyes of her listener open
ed wide, bnt she silenced him by a
stately gesture.
Please be quiei-I wish to speak.
l have done my duty by you, John"
fthere was little tremble in her voice
as she said this, but she went on grim
ly) land now that you were just COM
to manhood, John was twenty-six)
and had begun to trust in you lit
tie, you desert me for IA doll-baby."
She is not doh baby!' said the
young husband Indignantly. 'If you
only knew her you would love her
dearly"
Nonsense! All the girls are fools
now-a-days-bu no matter YOU have
chosen between US. My will is made,
and shall not change il, but you will
never again be to me as you were be-
fore"
There was a real distress in John
Barton's heart as he rose and stood
before her.
IF you will only let me bring her
to see you," he pleaded. Il am sorry
you are displeased. Aunt Barby don't
let this part u.s.
.'You have chosen"
The Sphinx could not have looked
more unmoyed.
II ordered them not to admit you
you need not come again"
If you will only hear me"
"But ] won't-good afternoon"
And SO John Barton left her with
her face turned away from him and
her hands still clasped before her.
Miss Barbara was wealthy, proud,
and fond of her own way, but she
was still woman, and in her heart of
hearts she loved John Barton dearly.
His mother, her only sister, had died
when he was little child, and his
father dying soon after, Miss Barbara
bad in fashion adopted him. She
had indulged him from the first day
of his entrance into her house; she
had watched over him and made him
her one object in life. He had been
the one CLEAN of sunshine in her lone
fy life, and to his honor be it said, he
had never been unworthy of the love
and confidence which she gave to him.
"Aunt Barby" was to him the only
person in the world, and although
people marvelled at the affection of
the bright-faced young fellow for his
grim old aunt, it was genuine and
true. He had gone through college
in thoroughly satisfactorily manner,
and afterwards had settled down into
as steady and trustworthy q young
business man as there was in the city,
and for three years had behaved en-
tirely according to his aunt's wish in
every respect.
One day, however, the peace and
tranquility of Miss Barbara's house,
hold was broken up by a whisper
which came to her John, her
John, was paying attention" to some
bodyl She was at first incredulous,
bat as the days went by she was fore
ed to believe it; for one night, John,
sitting at her feet with his yellow hair
shining in the firelight, told her, with
much confusion and embarrassment,
that be was going to be married.
Miss Barbara was good woman,
but she was very whimsical, little
selfish, and, above all, very jealous of
her own dignity, and the knowledge
that John had asserted his independ-
ence and actually planned out his fu-