The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-10-26

three days. and it's on us now, sure
enough. See them ere fakes, fine and
thick. You may as well take your things
up stairs to the west garnet, and then come
down and help me get supper"
Then followed direction to the west gar
ret, and when she was gone, Mrs. Glenn.
ents turned to the deacon: 81 never saw
girl before I'd trust upstairs alone.
But such as her don't steal; | can tell you
that il nothing else."
Directly she came down in purple print
dress and white apron her hair brushed off
from her face into q net; a narrow linen
collar, fastened with a sailors loop of
narrow, black ribbon. 1t seemed as if she
had life, too, so handily she fitted in and
out of the big pantry and then down the
cellar. Then after the meal, she gathered the
dishes in neat, silent way that was perfect
bliss to Mrs. Clements's ears.
She's determined to earn her bread,
any how and like her turn, too"
And the deacon had "taken shine to
Mary Smith. One by one the days wore
on; the hog-killing was over and done |;
long strings of sausages hung IN fantastic
rings, arranged by Mary's def fingers !;
in true housewifery manner, and now Mary
sunny dining-room, darning, patching and
mending. tFt7
&C don't know what l am going to do
without you, Mary. / dread to see you
pack up your Clothes"
A blush of pleasure overspread Mary's
face.
81 am so glad you have been suited
with my work. Indeed have tried"
at amt the work altogether, though,
goodness knows you're the smartest gal
I've seen this many day. As ] say, it
amt the work, it's you, Mary. I've got
to thinking heap of you-me and the
deacon" ol
Mary's voice trembled at the kindness
of the old lady's voice, but she sewed rap
IDLY on.
. It's so uncommon lonesome since the
boy left the farm but it's worse since he
got married. 1t seems like observing us
altogether"
"Have you son? You never mentioned
him.
"No; George has gone his way, and we
must 60 ours. Yes, he married one of
those crack.headed, boarding-school people,
who can't tell the difference between
rolling-pin and mllk-pan."
But, despite her scorn, Mrs. Clements
dashed off the tears with her brown fist.
us his wife pretty? I suppose you love
her dearly"
81 don't know anything about her, and
and us old folks will leave him for her, too.
I,,.,.
as if they're burnin'."
When Mary had turned the cakes, Mrs.
Clements was leaning on the arm of her
chair. n.
"Mary, supposin' you stop on with us
another month yet, anyhow. The deacon
will make it all right"
"It isn't the money care for, Mrs.
Clements. / only wish l might stay
always. You don't know how much love
you" $500 =
"Love us! do you? Bless your heart.
If poor George had only picked you out,
what o comfort it would be to us all But
it can't be helped now" w
She sighed YEARLY, then glanced out of
the window, looked moment, and then
threw down her work. = la.i ,.tEl .a-
6 Bless my soul, if there amt our son
George coming up the lane! Deacon!
deacon! George is coming" a
And all her mother-love rushing to her
heart, she hurried out to meet him. Oh,
the welcoming, the reproaches, the caresscs,
the determination to love him still, despite
poor, innocent, little Marion. Then when
the table had been set in the next room by
Mary's own fingers, and she had returned
TO her "west garrett" Mrs. Clements
opened her heart. og tT
There's no use talkin', George this
fine, fancy lady o. yours'll never suit me.
Give me smart girl like Mary Smith, and
I'll ask no more. Come in to supper now.
Mary, Mary" .s
She raised her voice to call the girl, when
low voice near surprised her.
ooh! you dressed up in honor o. my
boy. Well, must confess 1 never knew
you had such handsome dress, and you
look like picture with your net off, and
them short, bobbin' curls George, this
is Mary Smith, my"
George came through the door, and
glanced carelessly at the corner where the
young woman stood. Then, with cry,
sprang with outstretched arms to meet the
little figure that sprang into them. The
deacon and Mrs. Clements stood in speech
less amazement. Then Marion, all bushes
and fearful smiles, went over to the old
pair and took their hands. ~
II am Georges wife. was so afraid
you would never love me, so came deter
mined to win you if could. Mother, father,
may be your daughter.
And happier family when they had
exhausted their powers of surprise, amaze
ment and pride in the beautiful Marion,
never gave thanks over supper table.