Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-06-17
Selett Storp.
ii | ) + o l. X 5.

Il can't stand it. and what's more !
wont" said little Mrs. Hinklc. clulching
the bars OF her uncomfortable old cage
OF 3 rocking chair.
/ Mr. Nnkle plaeidiy hung up his alma.
nae. and went out t. SOW the early peas
lie could stand almost anything. and yet
remain AS serene as cabbage head
which, indeed, his wife often said he ro.
sembled. Layiuy's tantrums troubled
him about SS much rs a mosquitoes buz-
zing would trouble an elephant; but he
thought they were kind of wearing to
her, and that she "came to quicker alone.
So he lett her swinging herself seasick in
the rocker, and shuilled of to the garden
with pint dipper oi peas. a, the gate
he met Miss NiddliuS.
And how's yours poor wife? ?" said
she suifiling. She suffered with cronic
cold in her head, which gave her an tx
igcme,y sympathetic manner.
Able to be stirring" replied Mr.
HmkIe. shutlling on his brown leather
moccaSins. Even cabbage head may
be, 40 it usually is rutfled inside. and in
his sIow.Jealing heart Mr.. Ilinkle was
annoyed at the sight OF Miss Nidd.ins
and the embroidered bed ticking bag
which beiokeucd weeks visit.
"LAyiny' putchiky enough without be-
iug set on" said he, leaning on his hoe in
the i,vorite attitude adopted 10y scare
crows. Yes, really think she is" he
went on, weighing the proposition delib-
erately. Not that mind her being
spry-tenpered. and splitting out at me.
Is only n way she has, and comes Of
her enjoy ing such health. She'll cool
down but that old maid hain't any call
10 ri'e her; and here M. Hinkle gave
the hoe handle resenliul poke. Us il it
personated the spinster aforesaid Like
many men not gifted in puOlic spesejag
he was much given to talking aloud
when alone. Indoors. his wife claimed
exclusive right OF speech.
And here I've stuck, like a dab Of
putty, from the day / was married to
Reuben" she was saving TO Miss Md
dlins. I've had to walk on eggs. c, his
lolsc w5Gid Ie in my hair. They've had
their remarks TO make about all my do
ings and YOU may depend upon it, il
grinds
Mrs. hiukley must have been ground
very sharp indeed. Judging from her cut
ting tongue.
Poor thing groancd Miss Niddlins,
using her handkerchief lust then. becarss
:. 'To,.;l produce tue effect Of pity.
See how l MAS put upon this morning
by his sister Phehe." said Mrs. Elinkle,
moving the end oil her nose rapidly back
and fortn with her forefnger, as if she
was playing on Jews harp. "T ,,,
woma@ .,-u -, mo lmpudepce to lwit me Of
nsslecting Reuben, because leave him
to get his own supper sewing circle
nights :"
Don't tell me so :" shifted Miss Md.
dins. did Mr.. Hinkle complain to hep"
Catch him complaining - cried Mrs.
Hiukle; "he hasn't got Spunk enough.
Why, he's no more grit than haystack,
and he's As sot couldn't make hun
break with his folks il was to die. Wish
WAS single; then | wouldn't be nosed
round by EN-. Now here you are, free
to go where you please!"
Miss Niddlins sighed an affirmative,
It was her peculiar trial that her relatives
never opposed her going.
"Il you was to separate. | suppose
you've got enough to live on" suggested
she cautiously.
Mrs. Hinkle's rocker jerked itself into
tull stop. She had often said that
"Reuben must choose betwixt his folks
ana her." that "she would take herself
off, and the like. but to have a thhd
person hint ut separation startled her.
"Well-yes, p" she said hesitatingly. I've
got the property brought with me when
was married. | won't deny but what
Reuben has done the fair thing there;
but then, if he'd been some men, lie
might have doubled it by this time. Tie
long and short of it is he's half asleep.