Smyrna times., 1873-11-12
MGSceIINRe 10 e o IT, S.
Your Mother-in-Law.

A good many things, some of them good,
many sharp and occasionally cruel have been
said OF late of mothers in law, and now comes
one of this much talked-of class aud tells her
side Of the story. That she tells it we'll will be
admitted by all who read it.
left widow, after few years of most un-
happy married life, l retired, with my two
children, to a small town, where intended to
devote myself to the care of their education.
l think the enjoyment we have in our child.
ren before they reach the age of ten is very
great. All faults aud evil tendencies seem SO
sure to be eradicated with time we can scarcely
believe the pains we are taking will ever have
any but the desired result. These early prom
ises are so beautiful Every childish liking
seems talent, lacking only opportunity to de.
velop into excellence.
My girl and boy went to school in the morn
ing. In the afternoon we walked together,
and we all three enjoyed those long rambling
walks. Then our tea table, and our evenings,
when L read to them--how delightful was our
cOmpaniOnship How | tried in every way to
SOW the good seed. l have said that my means
were small, but my wants were few, and con-
sldered it duty TO make them fewer, for my
childrens sakes. | took care that they were
always well dressed, often working until late at
night at their clOthes-my own were plain
enough. They never knew, Of course, the sac
rifces l made that they might have pleasure
That my children loved me, respected me,
need not repeat. The FIRST thoughts always
seemed to be of me. AT Christmas they pre-
sented me with horrid little daubs, which |
still treasure, tied up in little packages, and
dated. All happy, happy days-days when
paper of sweet cake is sufficient for happi-
! ness.
The day came when they grew tall and less
dependent on me. James left school, and as
my means did not admit of his going to college
L obtained admittance for him into the place
OF business of friend. O0e day heard an
acquaintance say that my son admired Miss
Benson. Then first shot into my heart that
acute paDg OF jealousy which have heard a
woman feels when another woman dares 10 lay
claim to her soma bitter, unreasoning feeling,
but strong and fierce, trample on it as you may.
l asked James about it; he laughed at the
idea. : -. =
A year later he announced that he was en-
gagged to this very girl, and asked me to 20 and
see her. L went. She was tall and very thin.
and stylish looking with reddish hair, and long.
thin hands and feet She wore great MANY
hounces and great deal of jewelry of the pale
gold kind. Her manners we're very gracious TO
me, but somehow or other there was something
about her that seemed to say she was the one
who bad always had q right to James, while
| o'OOu Jul III Lno new auu- aWkRarQ ng0k OF 0Da
whose claims upon him were very triHing and
quite recent
When went home sat in nay rocking chair
for about an hour, thinking. had understood
every kite he had ever had, fathomed the ca.
paclsy Of every toy cannon with which he had
ever missed committing suicide, overcome the
mysteries Of marbles Of every degree, loved
every puppy and kitten he had ever adopted
and taken 20 his heart-why could | not OF
least try to love this reddish haired sirl2 Peo.
pie, congratulated me. Oh! yes, / was very
well pleased. OF course, not losing son at al
l-Oh no-only gaining another daughteri''
delightful, certainly, and early marriages are,
as you say, so very desirable. ! -, ~ Z
A year afterwards they were married, and
remained some months with her family, du,
ring which time saw her often, and canno,
say that ever had any fault to find with her.
Ihen James sought and obtained very good
position IN town distant about one hundred
miles. AT hrst the news was very satisfactory.
Charming little house, the perfection of ser
yants, and then later, the loveliest little
baby, my grandson. Then some months la
ter, things were not so bright. The baby had
mad the Group, my son himself touch Of the
intermittent fever, servants were great plaques
housekeepers q dreadful trouble. Disturbed
beyond measure at the reiteration Of these la.
mentations, 1 decided to 20 and see for rnysel
how they were circumstarced, and be of wha,
assistance | might for a short time. ss5ar9lIt
/. 80 one winter morning, leaving Mnnie with
an intimate friend, and intrusting house and
all il contained to one servant, l lett home
alone. Arriving after dark at my destination,
fonnd the two younger servants enjoying i
.