Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1873-07-03

chamber (Which they seldom uSeu) ana the
horse and carriage, would have more than
paid the other half
There was fine Durham COW belong
ing to his uncle that John was anxious to
possess; her price was hundred dollars.
If he could have made his payment, he
would have asked his uncle to take his
note for her until fall; but he had not the
face to do it now.
The next winter Mrs. John must have
velvet cloak and expensive furs-and she
got them; (she was peculiar woman-a
quiet, catlike woman; in justice to
womankind, l will say there are but few
like herr.
The second year John could pay moth
ing but the interest and the half payment
due the year before. 1t was week after
that Uncle John, leaning over the fence
where the Young John was beginning the
spring blowing, he said: "YOur farm
needs more stock"
II know it; but cannot buy it this
year; another year l must make some
change, or sell out"
"Very well, John; if you cannot, | adj
wise you to sell by all MEANS" said Uncle
John, quietly, as he walked away.
And young John said he had head
ache when his wife noticed, at dinner,
how grave he was.
The summer passed. Celia had had so
many of her friends staying with her, that
she told John she must have help in the
house, so help was obtained. John was
hOspltable.
One dull November day, John said
81 believe must put the farm IN market;
l can make no Roadway. What do you
cav tn going West?n
Celia turned pale. care you in earnests'
she asked.
II am, for once, in earnest"
And Celia knew by his firmly-set
mouth, that he was. He had been indul-
gent to the last degree, and this was the
end of it; she had pushed him too far.
"But l don't want to go West" she
faltered.
1--WE shall be obliged to go there or
somewhere" He rose, took down his
cap, and went over to Uncle Johns.
Uncle John was ready before bright
wood fire in his pleasant library; by the
way, he had furnished John and his wife
with all the reading matter ever since
their housekeeping began; several agli-
cultural journals, and two or three OF the
best literary monthlies found their way
into their sitting-room before their wrap
pers were removed, and Uncle Johns
library was open at all times to his
nephew, who appreciated their advantage
and profited accordingly.
Seating himself before the fire, John
said: "PIease don't talk to me, uncle;
am discouraged. want to sell my farm
l thought, perhaps, you would want 10
take it back"
"Certainly; nobody but John West
must own that farm while l live. That
was my model farm, john"
81 know it, uncle, and l will disgrace it
no longer. Do you want any OF my
stock?"
81 will take everything just as it is. |
shall be obliged to find some good tenant
for the place. Where do you think OF 60
ing?" - en- ,on
about"
The sooner the better then, at this sea-
son. l will see to your stock; my men
are trusty. Celia can stay here while you
are gone; go, and find home In the
West, if you can. will take your farm
off your hands in the spring; but" after
nause. eff Celia ever finds her senses
come back to the home you should never
leave: it will be waiting for YOU"
Il u,
"Then uncle does understand the true
state of affairs" was his thought. He
made no reply; he had never uttered
word against his wife; he never would.
A week later, John and Celia turned
the kew in their back door, and went over
to Uncle Johns. AS he babe them wei
come he looked at Celia gravely, and he
wanted to say, "Woman, behold your
work =, But he waited until John was
gone. and Celia had cried for three days,
Shutting herself up in her room. On the
morning of the fourth day she made her
anpearance at the breakfast table.
aWhen do you expect to hear from
John ?" asked Uncle John, abruptly, after
his morning salutation.
ale said he would write from his nrst
stopping place. O, dear, what did ne
want to 20 away for?" beginning to sob
Cecilia, stop crying, and listen to me;
want to talk with you. / feel as badly as
YOU can about Johns going away"
81 thought you wanted him to CO." she
said, feebly.
sent him. You, by your extravagance,are
disheartening him. He has been too good
To Won. he needs loving, helpful wife,"
She sobbed piteously; she knew 1t was
true. every word of it; and she respected
and feared Uncle John West Il can De
that" she said. a.,
you should have been that from the
beginning There are few nobler young
men than nv nephew, John Vest
81 know it," she said, simply.
"You ought to know it; you have tried
his love and generosity to the utmost
@Don't, uncle; can't bear It,"
John seemed dearer to her now than
ANYTHING else, he was so far away
II have never talked so plainly 10 you
before. and never shall again. SAID On,
Gle John; "but for Johns sake do try ana
make true wife of yourself"
Three days later. Johns first ietter
came. He was stopping at small village
in Minnesota, and thought OF buying
farm in the vicinity; he would waiI'
though, until he received letters rom
home. c.,:.
when she had finished reading their let
tiers.
Uncle John made no reply.