The Van Buren press., 1873-02-11
MISCELLANY.
Nobody but John.

"Some one is coming" said ], as th'
clack of the shutting gate fell on my ear
and looked at Maggy's soilsd, untid,
dress, and tumbled hair.
Maggie started, and glanced hastil,
out Of the window then sat down In .
careless way, remarklng as she did so:
"It's nobody but John, "
Nobody but John And who do yo,
think that nobody was? Only her hus
band.
Nobody but John.
A few months afterward John Fair
burn came into the room where we wer'
sitting, and gave me one Of his frauk
cordial greetings had known kim foI
many years, and long before his marriage
l noticed that he gave an annoyed glance
at his wife, but did notspeak to her The
meaning of his annoyance and indlffer
ence was plain to me for John had come
of neat and tidy family. His mother
housekeeping had always been notable
She was poor; but "as time and water
are to be had for nothing this was hel
saying--she always managed to have
things about her clean and orderly.
Maggie Lee had pretty face, bright
eyes, and charming little ways that were
very taking with the men, and 50 was
quite belle before she got out Of hsl
teens. She had knack Of fixing her
ribbons, or tying her scarf, or arranging
hair, shawl or dress in way to give
grace and charm to her person. Nenr
but her most intimate friends knew ofthe
untidincss that pervadsd her room and
person, when at home and away from
common observation.
Poor John Fairburn was taken in when
he married Maggie Lee. He though
that he was getting the tidiest, neates'
sweetest and most orderly girl in town,
but discovered too soon that he was uni
ted to careless sattern. She was dress
Ell for other peoples eyes. because she
had natural admiration; but at hons
and for her husband she put on her Old
duds and went looking often :" like the
old scratch y as the saving is
On the particular occasion OF which
am spesking--it was after she and john
had been married over yoar---her ap;
pesrancc was almost disgusting. She
did not have on even morning dress
enly faded and tumbled chintz sack
above soiled skirt-no collar-slippers
down at the heels, and dirty stockings.
Her hair looked like hurrah's nest, il
ANYBODY knows what that isl don't;
hut | suppose it is the perfection OF dis
order No one could love such look
Ing creature. That was simply inpossi-
BILE
"Nobody but John" l locked at the
bright handsome young man and won
d.red. He ate his dinner almost in 81
lence, and then went back to his work
had never seen him 90 moody.
Whats cenc ever JshH" asked
IS he went out
"Oh. I dos't know" his wife answer
ed Hes had trouble with one Of the
msp. He is toremaa you know, "
care you sure it's only that Ia'ked
looking serious
THAT, or something about his work.
There's nothing else to worry him.
Twas silent for awhile, debating with
myself whether good or harm would
come Of a little plain talk with John .
wife She was rather quick tempered,
knew, and easy to take 0tfenss, AT last
/ ventursd the remark.
MAYBE things don't 60 just to his
liking at homo
"At heme!" Maggie turned on me
with lsok OF surprise in her face. what
do you mean ?"
"Msn like beauty, taste and neatness
in their wives as vol rs in their sweet
hearts, l said.
The crimson mounted to her hair AT
the same moment saw her glance at the
looking glass that hung opposite on ths
wall She sat very still, with a startled
look in her eyes, until the flash faded,
and her face became almost pale.
Maggie, " said !, rising and drawing
nv arm around her, "come up stairs, l
have something very ssrisua TO say to
you"
We walked from the little dining room
and up to her chamber in silence. l then
said:
maggie, I want 10 tell you ofa dear
friend Of mine who made q shipwreck OF
happiness and life. 1t 10 a sad story, y,but
I am sure it will interest you deeply.
She was my cousin and her name was
-"
Maggie bent forward listening attsn.
lively.
"Whst?" she asked as I hssitatsd on
the name
"Helen. +"
"Not Helen White who married John
Harding. and was afterwards deserted by
her husband p
Yes, my poos dear cousin Helen II
10 Of her l am going to tell you.