Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1873-02-14
HIS FOLKS.
How the HinkIes Settled their Matrimonial
DIfiicnItIes.


Difficulties.
II can't stand IT, and, what's more
won't" said little Mrs. Hinkle, clutchiug the
bars Of her uncomfortable old cage OF rock
ing-chair.
Mr. Hinkle placidy hung mp his almanac,
and went out to SOW the early peas. He
could stand almost anything, and yet remain
as serene as a cabbage-head-which, indeed,
his wife often said he resembled. Laviny'
tantrums troubled him about as much as
musketo's buzzing would trouble an elephant ;
but he thought they were kind Of wearing to
her, and that she came to quicker alone.
So he left her swinging herself seasick in the
rocker, and shuffi ID off 10 the garden with a
hoe and pint dipper Of peas. At the gate
he met Miss Niddins.
Aud how's your poor wife ?" said she sniff:
tug. She suffered with chronic cold in the
head, which gave her an extremely sympa-
thetic manner.
Able to be stirring" replied Mr.. Hinkle,
shuffling on in his brown leather moccasins
Even cabbage-head may be, as it usually is,
ruffed inside and deep in his slow-beating
heart Mr. Hinkle was annoyed at the sight
OF Miss Niddhns and the embroidered bed
ticking bag which betokened weeks visit.
Laviny's putchiky enough without being
set Oh" said he, leaning OH his hoe in the IA
vorite attitude adopted by scare-crows.
Yes, | really think she is" he went on,
weighing the proposition deliberately. mot
that | mind her being spry-tempered and
splitting out at me. Its only way she has,
and comes Of her enjoying such poor health.
Shell cool down but that old maid hain't
any call to re her" aud here Mr. Hink lie
gave the hoe-handle resentful poke, as il it
personated the spinster aforesaid. Like
many men not gifted in public speaking, he
was mush given to talking aloud when alone
Indoors, his wife claimed exclusive right Of
speech.
" And here I've stuck, like dab of putty :,
from the day | married with Reuben" she
was saying to Miss Niddlins. "l'Ve had to
walk on eggs, or his folks would be in my
hair. They've had their remarks to make
about all my doings, and, you may depend
upon it, It grinds."
Mrs Hinkle must have been ground very
sharp indeed, judging by her cutting tongue.
" Poor thing groanod Miss Niddlins, us
ing her handkerchief just then because it
would produce the effect of pity.
T" See now | was put upon this morning by
his sister Phebe," said Mrs. Hinkle, moving
the end Of her nose rapidly back and forth
with her fore .6nger, as if she were playing
on Jew's-harp. "That woman had the inn
pudence to twit me fneglecting Reuben, be-
cause leave him to get his own supper sew
ng-circle nights !"
" Don't tell me 20 !" sUlfed Miss Niddins
"Did Mr., Hinkle complain to her ?"
"Catch him complaining" cried Mrs
hinkie me hasn't got spunk enough. why
he's no more grit than hay stack, and he's
as sot couldn't make him break with his
folks if | was to suffer. Wish | was sing L.
then wouldn't be nOsed round by 'em. Now
here you are, free to go when you please -
Miss Niddlns sighed an affirmative 1t
was her peculiar trial that her relatives never
opposed her going
+" If you was to separate, suppose you We
got enough to live on" suggested she eau.
tiolsly,
Mrs. Hinkles rocker jerked itself into
full stop, She had often said that Reuben
must choose betwixt his folks and her. that
she would take herself of, and the like !;
hut to have third person hint at a separa.
ton startled her.