The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1872-08-30
JOHNS WIFE,.

Mis- Barbara Snyder sat in he,
straight backed chair before the fire
feet on the fender, her head dropping
her eyes closed-to tell the truth al
though she would have Indignantly de.
MED it, Miss Barbara Snyder was
asleep. Her maid, a hard-featured,
middle-aged woman, was moving about
the room, "putting it in order" as she
did fifty times day, at her mistress
command, and watching her furtively
to see that she did not fall into the
fire.
"Jane," said Miss Barbara, sudden.
ly waking and sitting bolt upright
with unblinking eyes, elf he comes
and am sure he will-do not let him
come in.''
"No ma am, answered Jane submis.
sively."
"Tell him that he has seen me fo,
the last time-the hypocrite-to pre-.
tend always to be so fond of me, and
then 60 and marry some empty-headed
doll-baby. Be sure and send him
away, Jane"
Eyes, ma'am."
A sudden commotlon in the lower
hall interrupted them few bars of {
popular air whistled in mastery man
ner, rapid clatter of boot heels on the
stairs, and then a young gentleman
who might have sat as a model for {
modern Hercules, rushing in and fal
ling over on an ottoman, upsetting a
chair and making confusion wor o.
founded in the quiet room, dashed al
Miss Barbara and took her by storm.
Congratulate me - he cried, afte1
imprinting half-dozen kisses on hel
withered cheek. "Aunt Barby, she is
dearest-'
"You may 60, Jane" Miss Barbar:
had recovered from the shock little
and at Jane had retired she folded he
mittened hands tightly together ant
turned upon him, Nephew John"
There was comical expression of de
spair on the young fellows face at thi
unpropitious beginning, but he saie
nothing.
"Nephew John-I am disappointe,
in you! I am not angry, but I an
deeply grieved-"
"Why Aunt Barby!" The blue eye
of her listener opened wide: but sh'
silenced him by stately gesture.
"Please be quiet-I wish to speak
I have done my duty by you, john
(there was little tremhle in her voic,
as she said this, but she went on grim
ly), "and now that you were just com
ing to manhood (John was tventy-six
and had begun to trust in you little
you desert me now for doll-baby."
"She is not doll-baby !" said thu
young husband Indignantly. eff yo,
only knew her YOU would love her dear
ly."
"Nonsense !'the black eyes snapped
decidedly. "All girls are fools now;
days-but no matter, you have chosel
between us. My will is made, and
shall not change it, but you will never
be again to me as you were before"
There was real distress in Johl
Barton's heart as he stood before her
eff you will only let me bring her t.
see you," he pleaded. "Aunt Barbara
don't let that part u.s."
"You have chosen" The sphin,
could not have looked more unmOVed
81 order them not to admit you-yo,
need not come again.
eff you will only hear me-"
"But won't; good afternoon. "Ant
so John Barton left her, with her fac
turned away from him and her hand
still clasped before her.
Miss Barbara Snyder was proud
Miss Barbara was wealthy; Miss Bar
bara Snyder was fond of her own way
but she was still woman, and in he
heart Of hearts she loved John Barton
her handsome nephew, dearly. Hi
mother, her only sister. had died whel
he was a little child, and his father dy
ing soon after, Miss Barbara had, in ,