Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-09-23
NO.3ss

ner.
The strong man shuddered.
As heaven is my witness, sir I.have only
permitted, no. exacted this sacrifice. She
voluntarily took her place by my side and has
uncompiainingly kept step with me"
No, she has not kept step, to follow your
own figure. Unable to keep up with your
long rapid strides. she has fallen. faint and
footsore, blythe way. i tell you she must
have rest for both mind and body, or 1 will
not answer for the result. And 1t would be
better if found away from here"
Yes, begin TO comprehend; and it can
be. found away" And, Offering his hand,
81 will take care, doctor, that you do not get
chance to administer another such dose to
me-"
Mr Strceter went back to the room where
his wife was sitting. propped up by pillows,
and a gush of unu,terable tenderness swelled
in his heart as ne glanced a. her pale face and
almost transparent hands. He sat down be.
side her aud said softiy:'
You don't know how glad am tha. YOU
are better" ~ a7
"Thank you. Yes, am almost we'll now
shall soon be able to be in the kitchen. I
am sure | must be sadly needed there by thi.
time"
"No you are no. needed there. By the
way, would you like to have me put the farm
to rent this summer, and you take the boy
and go back to the old granite hills ?"
"Oh, could your Nav I eo?" and tho
voice quivered with excitement; then wist.
fully; But the ex xpense, Newton 1t wouId
put us hack 80 much''
"f es. there it is; the old doctor was right,
he thought. And then aloud: "Do Won
know what went to the city for, the day you
was il?"
10 deposit some money for more land, I
think you said," she replied wearilv.
es, but do not need that land. have
far more than can cultivate now And YOU
shall have that money-or, at least all that
you want of iS-and go home and stay this
summer, aud try to get some of your bloom
back"
81 shall write to-day that you are coming 1"
Mrs. Streeter could hardly believe it was
not one of her feverish dreams.
But it all come about in good time, and she
arrived safely at home, whore she was petted.
csressed, and cared for to her hearts content.
"1"u are all trying to spoil me-" she would
expostu!ate; II shall never be it for a farmers
wife any more"
And thus among loving friends, riding,
walking, and, when at home, reading music,
and writing long letters to her husband. the
Y.
And now he had written tha. he was COM
ing. and she was connting the davs that must
elarse ere she could look upon his face and
he clasped to his heart She was eneer to 20
now Her holiday was over Health had
returned, and not for 40 instant did she shrink
from the old life
And when the husband came and saw the
wonder one summer had wrought, he again
told himself that the good doctor was right.
few days were givon to the old friends
and then they turned their faces toward
their Western home.
1t was evening when they arrived, and the
wife looked with woeful hewilderment on the
change A handsome frort had been added
to the nla dwelling; and before she had time
to question she WAS ushcrcd into parlor-a
rarior newly furnished and aready lighted.
An elegant piano stood in recess evidently
constructed for its reception.
She tnrned towards her husband to assure
herself that he, too, had not changed into
something or somebody else But the merry
trinkle in his eye told her that he was eniny,
ing her surprise. and slowly she began to rea>
lize the whole situation. Yes, now she un-
dersfnod his strange reluctance to mention
what he was doing, and his willingness to have
her remain, even after she expressed her
anxiety to return.
''C"me, have more to show you," and he
showed her into large commodious room.
furnished for her own sleeping apartment,
even to her babys crib:
''This is for you. And now lay aside your
dusty garments and prepare for tea. tt must
have been ready an hour ago. will 90 and
see"
When he returned he found his wife sitting
in her little rocker and weeping silently.
"Have wounded where 1 wished to heal2"
he asked reproachfuIly.
"Forgivn me" she said. smiling. "I am (.
goose. but tired-winged one, yeu know
And am so ,'appy to be at home and in such
home. that have no words in which to tell
my happiness -
He stopped to kiss the offered lips. And
thus the new life began. And what diff
fereDt life it was-busy, not burdened. Time
for the wants of the mind as well as the body
Good help in the kitchen all the time. and
choice reading for any leisure hour.
The farm was an unfailing Source of income.
fully defraying all expenses each year and
showing balance ip favor.
''Bcen improving. see." said DR.. :Meeker
as he reined his light carriage to the neat
fence.
eyes, doctor Come in"
want to show you all the improvements
Here, Mary, the doctor wants tn see you."
And as she came TO greet him rosy with
health and happiness. he nodded his head at
her husband. eyes, that will do; :" and then
giancing at the open piano. "I am going to
stay just long enough to hear one tune PLAYED.
Will you favor me 2" And with the old
school gallsn,ry, fitted so awkardly to his
brusque manners. he led her TO the instrument:
and stood, hat in hsnd. while she PLAYED =
"There, thank you. have cut off my own
supplies. No more fees for me here see
Just my luck I never did know enough TO
secure my own bread aud butter Good bye.
Mrs, Streeter;" and again noddiDe to the
husband, he trotted out to his vehicle and
went on his way, his cherry voice hnmming,
fn his hasa IL