The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-05-28

way anu PlodShnG Will pIeJCy curtains, q
strip of carpet here and there, till he was
well enough to have whole one tackled on.
1t was Annie who brought him tempting
little dishes, just enough to satisfy him,
without exciting the disgust that Eliza's
coarse messes did.
Annie read to him, chatted with him, got
Herman to buy backgammon-board, and
taught the invalid to play.
Annie brought him little cheering pieces
of news-how the farm matters were i'm
proving, how Herman was plowing here
and sowing there; of the new barn arrange
ments that would make the cattle healthier,
and, as she said. gayly, "ever so much
happier" Never did fretful word fall
from the pretty mouth, never did a frown
cross the broad white brow.
Uncle James wondered if Herman knew
how pretty Annie could look, when she sat
knitting or sewing and telling him pleasant
news in the afternoon, or when she ran up
in the mornings, from household duties, to
bring him little luncheons or some strength
ening drink ordered by the doctor.
The great day came in three weeks,
when Doctor Hodges saidhis patient might
60 down stairs again.
"Annie you are fairy. Where did
you find time for this ?'' he cried, as Her.
man tenderly led him to wide chintz-cov-
cred armchair. 5-
"Mr Wilson helped me-" said Annie,
demurely, glancing with pardonable pride
around the room she had found SO bare and
chilly-looking. n
Now, neat carpet covered the floor, and
snowy curtains were draped from the clean,
bright windows. Every inch of paint fairly
shone. All the shabby old furniture wore
new dress of gay chintz, and the table
had crimson cover that was in itself
furnishing of brightness. On the mantle
were vases of quaint old china, long hidden
in corner of the garet, now full of
spring flowers; and by Uncle James chair,
a little table bore the backgammon-board,
some new magazines and papers, and cup
of Annie's coffee. ..,
When Uncle James first learned the COM
forts of dressing-gown, instead of worn
out coat, for house wear, embroidered Slip
pers for old shoes cut down, and other lit
tie feminine contrivances quite new to his
bachelor experience, cannot stop to relate
in detail. One by one the comforts loving
woman can bring, crept into the old farm
house; and, to the amazement of the owner
the economy Of the household more than
balanced the added expenses. ,,..t
eliza never had anything but the plain
est Of food, and she spent twice as much
as you do with our tempting table, a
"Eliza wasted, and save" said Annie,
with smile. "She had not your interest
at heart"
81 was nearly frightened when Herman
asked me to look over the month account.
SO much comfort My room so neat and
pretty, the new china, the kitchen utensils,
and so many pretty things to pay for. And
yet the income showed clear saving"
GA masters eye on the farm" said An
ME, modestly.
"And housekeeper indoors" said the
old man, affectionately.
81 was brought up to make an invalid's
home pleasant" said Annie, quietly. "My
mother was never very strong, and depend
ed upon me for such duties rs / perform
now, even when was a schoolgirl. l have
not had such care since she died, but it
seems quite natural to resume it again."
"Your mother is dead, then?"
am an orphan. In the house left
when came here, shall scarcely be missed
My aunt, who took me when my mother
died, has five daughters"
"Your aunt %
Yes l smell something burning Let
me see if my pies are ruined p and Annie
escaped for the time from questions it was
becoming difficult to answer.
The old man sat musing long time.
1t was not the first time vague mistrust
Of Annie had crossed his mind-a
wonder why woman so gentle and re-
fined, 80 evidently a lady, was serving in
menial capacity. The first time she had
sung for him, in one Of his nervous hours
of pain, he had noticed she was confused
when he spoke of the evident cultivation of
her voice.
He had spent much of his time, while
Squire Hayward lived, in the city. and APP
prcciated the difference between country
bred ways and city refnemcnts. AS he
rnused, he began to grow rostless and when
Herman came in at tea-time, he found his
uncle flushed and excited