Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-04-26
JOBS COMFORTER.
ny CAROLINE F. PRESTON.

BY CAROLINE +. PRESTON.
Up to the age of forty, JOB Pendleton
was bachelor. There were some who
in so thinking they did not allow for the |
fascination of widowhood.
Mr.. PendletOn met Mrs. GRAY during a |
brief sojOurn at Conway. delightful vii |
lage among the White Hills. 1t might |
have been the beauty of the season and |
the surrounding scenery that made him |
more than usually impressible.
At all events, certain it was, that he
soon got into the habit of taking a walk
every morning, but not alone. Mrs. Gray,
with her mountain hat half covering her
face, was always ready to accompany him.
Before going any further, let me des-
cribe Mrs. Gray. She had been pretty as
a girl, and at thirty-seven she was still
good-lOeking woman. l have incau-
tiously named her age. None to judge of
her fresh complexion would have taken
her for more than thirty. She seldom or
never spoke of Mr.. Gray. Mr.. Pendleton
somehow conceived the idea that she had
not been happy in her first marriage, but
felt too delicate to question her on the
subject. He felt sure if such were the case
it was not the fanlt of Mrs. Gray.
In the midst of Mr.. PendletOn's enjoy
ment, he received letter from his en-
ployer-he was bOok-keeper Of city firm
-summoning him to the city. He COM
municated this intelligence to Mrs. Gray
on the next walk. He thought she sighed.
81 do not dare to think you will miss
me-" he said.
She put her delicate handkerchief to her
eyes, and, with voice broken by emo
ton falterpd ont
Indeed shall, MIR. PendletOn. Con-
way will lose its attraction for me after
you are gone"
Mr.. PendletOn frightened Up.
perhaps l have said more than |
should" said the widow, bashfully look
ing down. But it's SO seldom that
meet with congenial soul that forget
myself in the pleasure of their company"
dear Mrs. Gray" said PendletOn in a
little trepidation, although our acquaint-
ance has been brief, to me it has been so
pleasant that wish it would always last ~
"You are very kind" murmured Mrs.
Gray.
II have never till now met woman to
whom felt could safely oOnfide my hap
piness. Our acquaintance has been most
happy. Mrs. Gray, will you become my
wife,"
Mr.. Pendleton felt an answering pres
sure from the hand which he held, and
without other response he knew his suit
had been favorably received.
Whether 1t was at the widows sugges-
ton or his own, Mr.. PendletOn could not,
for the life of him tell, but somehow be.
fore the interview was over it was mutu-
ally agreed that the marriage should be
celebrated that very day. 80 that he would
return to his business 4 married man. Ac-
cordingly they proceeded to a neighbor.
ing clergyman, by whom the ceremony OF
changing Mrs. Gray's name was speedily
effected.
There might have been look of tri.
umph In the new Mrs. PeDdletOn's eyes,
but, If so, Job didn't see 1t. He was only
too happy in the thought of presenting to
his friends 80 charming woman as Mrs.
PendletOn. He was very complacent in
the thought of the surprise and envy he
would occasion.
There was one request made by his
bride that seemed q little singular. She
wished him to go to Boston by himself,
and she would follow in three days. When
he demonstrated, she urged that the change
was so new and sudden that she had not
had an opportunity to settle her arrange
ments. This was plausible enough, and
after positive assurances that on Saturday
morning she would start for the city lit
now being Wednesday, Job reluctantly
babe farewell to his wife, and, as in the
solitude of his old bachelor days. wended
his way to the counting-rOOm of Messrs.
Jones Il Pendergrast, lis employers.
Arrived in the city, Mr.. PendletOn stud
led assiduOusly the advertisements under
the head $40 Let" At last he came up
on the following notice -
~ shoA nall hon pfos ;,,sx
i've rooms. The owner is obliged to move to .
southern cline for the benefit of his health. Very
desirable for small family Immediate posses
''That will be the very thing" thought
Mr.. PendletOn. at will be much better
to live snugly in small house than to be
cooped up in a clearinghouse And |
don't think it will be any more expensive,
which Is certainly consideration, for my
income Is not very large"
Mr.. Pendleton accordingly sought out
the landlord, and soon concluded an ar
rangement tor the house. He dispatched
letter to Mrs. Pendleton, 1t Conway,
which he judged would be sure to reach
her before she left. When the lady received
the letter, she said to herself
II only hope the house will be large
enough"
Why there should be any doubts in her
mind considering that there were only
two of them Is certainly surprising but
perhaps future events will show what she
meant.
According to Mr.. Pendleton's pro-
gramme, his wife, on reaching the Boston
depot, was to hire a hack to carry her i'm
mediately to the house provided for her.
This was because he would be so occupied
by business cares that he would not be
able to spare the time.
About six O'Clock, Saturday afternoon,
job lelt his c0unting-room with a light
heart. He knew that his wife must be al
ready In the city. He ran up the steps of
his modest dwelling, and, without the
ceremony Of ringing, entered. He turned
the knob Of the right-hand door which led
to the sittng-room. Before he could open
1t there seemed a scampering and rush of
many fbet. Could his wife have company
30 soon? But on opening the door no one
was visible but Mrs. PendletOn, late Mrs.
Gray. There seemed to be little more
than ordinary flush upon her brow. But
job did not notice 1t. He advanced hastily,
and babe her q cordial welcome to her
new home. When he had tine to look
around him, he noticed small cap lying
:" Mary" said he playfully, show long
capse"
BY the way" returned his wife, " that
reminds me, | have a little surprise in
store for you"
Indeed !" said job amiably. "Come,
/ am all curiosity"
Excuse me moment"
Mrs. Pendlet0n hurried out of the room,
but quickly returned-t0o quickly, alas |!
for her husbands peace Of mind. Behind
came, ranging downward like q row of
stairs, six children-three boys and three
girls-the two oldest boys with their