The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-07-19

something of my sisters life. She
wished me to take guardianship of her
children, so far as circumstances would
allow. She wished me to take entire
charge of little Maggie. With one pro-
viso, however. If / should see that after
her death new bond was formed be-
tween father and daughter; If | should
find that the child's influence was max
/ ing Mr.. Pratt a gentler, larger-hearted
man, was TO let her remain with him.
/ / have not felt able to decide hastily in
acting in accordance with the spirit of
/ Ellen's request. have studied the chill
dren and their home since | have been
here. | am convinced that the father
is imperviOus to their sweet influence,
and that their young lives are embit-
tered, by remaining with him in home
so barren and unloving. l think that !
can win Mr.. Pratt's consent to take
Maggie away with me. l have plans
for Sammy which hope will be devel-
oped soon.n
George Hastings declined Mr.. Pratt's
offer of hospitality, and went out into
the moonlight that night for his ride
over the hills.
Ezekiel helped him unhitch his horse.
"Iou were speaking about vacation"
he remarked; "and as you are leaving
these parts for good, | thought i might
as well ask whether you was trying to
engage Priscilla to teach the coming
year; because, you see,n and Ezekiel
hesitated and stammered in view of a
> binding engagement on Prissy's part to
teach, "she's hardly in a situation TO
deciden
81 believe" said Mr.. Hastings, slowly
D Elf1.nf Fol
ton does not expect to teach again At
1 ALL"
$50 / calkilated," was Ezekiers men,
tai response as they exchanged good
nights, and the stranger drove away.
Ezekiel re-entered the house imme-
diately, but Prissy was no more visible
that night.
The next day Priscilla FELTON, slipped
=. a little roll of bills into EZekie's hand.
; Il must 90 back TO Hampstead to-
l morrow" she said. This is the amount
i | have calculated due for my board these
= weeks that have been here. Can you
e take me to the depot in the morning, OF
0 shall have Hews send his accommOda-
l tion for me?n
r 'sBack to Hempsteadl boardr' re.
;. peated Ezekiel. "Why, Priscilla, had
I calk'lated you was going to stay here
5 right along"
e ~ must return tomorrow" said
u Prissy. circumstances make IL neces'
sary."
} "Well, now" said Ezekiel, ~ hat
q been afraid that stranger had made N
engagement with you.n
e "Ies," said Priscilla, without looking
up; she was pulling a mOrning-glory L
q pieces. "There has been an engage
ment between Mr.. Hastings and my
: self for two years or more. We are L
? be married next month";
e Ezekiel rose abruptly, elapped his ha
n on his head, and went to see the fielt
:. hands.
, "Its sort o stunnin'," said Ezekiel
2, "comin' so sudden.n
IS ''rd no idee that Prissy had been lay
e ing up anything said Ezekiel that af
n ternOon, when he had been talking will
Miss FELTON,. "She must have got goo,
'e wages for teaching. And she wants e
take Maggie and do well by her. Fac
is, Maggie amt very strong, and ] calk'
late it might be something of a saving
I, It's sudden; but considering Priscill;
T. could not stay, she made a neat thing o
I: it paying her board, that's fact. ! nj
ID ways said PrissY was one Of the willin
d kind;" and Ezekiel sighed.
"a lit next dtN I-Lcklel drove lilt gray
* along the river road again 10 meet th,
train due ut the Ossegatchee depot a
.e 1880 \. NJ. Maggie and Sammy wer
p going to stay until after her wedding a
;. least
y, What n day was that for the childrei
4 as the train went whizzing away anon;
green grass, fields and groves, and pretty
" little villages, and bustling towns, ano
he through leafy valleys. Aunt Prissy ha,
NJ her own pleasant thoughts, and she fel
p as though Ellen's glorilied spirit nigh
feel an added thrill Of joy in KNOWN,
re the children's happiness. She coull
], not know that this was so, but tn
C. thought was n pleasant one.
Ezekiel drove slowly home alone from
L, the Ossegatchee depot. He forgot eithe
v TO urge or curb the grays. They tool
"a their own gait, and Ezekiel pulled hi
"a hat down over his eyes, and gave him
le self up to his own reflections.
81 didn't calk'late on this" said Eze
it kiel Pratt.