The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1873-05-01

a piece of politeness to the lady by
his side; but he did his best. He
did not attempt to shout to her, for
he was SO proper-m minded footman,
that he would have died rather than
lift his voice and below in the un-
seemly manner required; so he em-
ployed dumb mb-show-hfting up her
wine-glass to her notice first, and
then holding sherry and Sauterne be-
fore her in beseeching manner, that
she might elect between them. Net
tie watched him gravely, but unlucki-
ly her eyes caught mine, and spasm
of silent laughter passed over her face.
She did not laugh, however, and her
potato did not choke her, SO all was
well. The evil moment was only de-
ferred, however, for Aunt Janet be-
thought herself of the bag that hung
by her side, and drawing thence
tube with bone, ear, and mouth pieces
fitted thereto, she said to my mother,
'Please, use my tube, and I shall hear
you; and uncoiled it as she spoke.
"Take that end to your mistress"
said my father to James; but never did
tyro taking electric wire in hand, look
more uncomfortable than did James
as he handled the unknown instru-
ment. He seemed to expect a shock
as he half-dropped it by my mothers
plate.
"Gently!" said Aunt Janet, who
had the other end in her ear, and
James startled worse than ever No
help for it; Nettie must laugh but
with great skill she succeeded in pro
ducing a violent fit of coughing that
made the tears run down her cheeks.
My father explained the cause of
my uncle's marriage to us in the even
ing after our guestsshad retired.
"She was Samuel Martens only
child" he began.
'.His partner's?" said my mother.
eyes. When he told me that
much, I saw daylight at once. Old
Marten died in India over a year ago,
and she came home"
'That makes her so brown" said
Nettie. 81 thought she had an In
dian sort of look" !
'Her fortune, of course, is very
large; and not knowing into what
hands she might fall, he thought it
would be well to marry her; and she,
as woman of sense, saw the wisdom
of the step. Jacob has acted very
sensible part; SO now all that remains
is for us to be civil to her: she de-
serves it"
'Did he say anything about her
deafness, papa?"
''No, child. Why should he?"
"Did you?"
"Nonsense! What does it signify?
He'll only lead the quieter life for it.
A wife's tongue-Now, Mary" said
he, looking at my mother-'now,
Mary, you know what I mean"
81 was not saying anything, dear"
said my mother; she led my father in
a chain of silk, that was as strong as
iron. What wonder it is that wo-
men should ever be ignorant as to
where lies the secret of their strength.
How few men can resist the might of
gentlenessl My mothers gentle craft
was partly natural, partly won loyalty |
from the Holy Book that teaches SO
fully Of the "soft answer" that is
stronger tnan triple shield against the
thrust of wrath.
After a day or two, Aunt Janet took
up the habit of coming to the morn
ing-room directly after breakfast, and
spending the whole forenoon there.
At first, we were rather a silent party |
after she appeared. No matter how
deaf your companion is, tits generally |
some time before you can cast off the
idea that half what you say
is heard; and Aunt Janet had such a
sharp sort of a look about her-rm-
like the patient, waiting look that deaf
people usually acquire-that we were
absurdly silent in her presence for a
while.
Nettie broke the ice first, and made
some remarks as to Aunt Janet's per
sonal appearance; but when I started,
and looked at the poor lady's face, it
was evident that all sounds fell idly |
alike on those dead ears ofhers. 'Do
you know I like herr" said Nettie alb
ruptly one morning, when my mother
was urging us to be more attentive.
''Of course, she's the greatest old
fright that ever was seen; but she is
kindly and good-hearted, I am sure"
My mother looked panied; ''Nettie,
don't speak of your aunt SO. Never
mind herlooks: she cannothelp them"
II suppose she cannot, mamma, and
yet sort of instinct makes me blame
people for being ugly"
'IIt isn't her face I mind" said
Jane, who had taken strong dislike
to our aunt "but her voice is dread
full Her voice is like the tearing of
calico, and sets my very teeth on
edge" Our aunt was sitting knitting
quietly by the fire all this time.
"She cannot help her voice" said
my mother: ''you should try and look
at peoples pleasant side, Jane"
81 don't think she has a pleasant
side"
My mother made no answer, but
turned and shouted a little of the
morning news from the paper, to
amuse our aunt. Presently Tom en-