Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1873-03-15

sailors loop of narrow black ribbon.
1t seemed as if she had life, too, 80
handily she fitted into and out OF the
big pantry and down the cellar. Then
after the meal, she gathered the dishes
in q neat, silent way, that was perfect
bliss to Mrs. Clements ears. ,,-.'
"She's determined to earn her bread, =,
anyhow; and like her turn too"
And the deacon had s. taken a shine, -
to Mary Smith. One by one Che days
wore on; the hog killing was over and
done; long strings Of sausages hung
in fantastic rings, arranged by Mary's
deft fingers; sweet hams and shoulders
were piled away in true housewifery
manner, and now Mary and Mrs. Glenn
ents were sitting in the sunny dining
room, darning, patching and mending.
ct don't kow what am going to do
without you, Mary. I dread to see you
pack up your clothes" ar
A blush of pleasure overspread Ma
rvs face. t,... .so ..,
"Im so glad you have been suited
with my work. Indeed I have tried"
It isn't the work altogether, though
goodness knows, you're the smartest
gal I've seen this many day. As I
say, it isn't the work, it's you Mary. I
have got to thinking heap of YOU
me and the deacon.
Marys voice trembled at the kindness
of the old lady's voice, but she sewed
rapidly on.
"It's uncommon lonesome since the
boy left the farm; but its worse since
he got married. 1t seems like desert
ing us altogether" .,...
Have you q son? You never men,
toned him."
"No, George has gone his way and
We must 60 ours. Yes, he married one
of those crack-headed boarding school
people, who can't tell the difference be-
tween rolling pin and milking pan" "
But despite her scorn, Mrs. Clements
dashed off the tears with her brown
fist.
Is his wife pretty? I suppose you
love her dearly"
81 don't know any thing about her,
and never want to know. He's left us
for her, and us old folks will leave
him for her too. Mary just turn them
cakes around; see if they're burning
When Mary had turned the cakes
Mrs. Clements was leaning on the arm
of her chair.
Mary, supposin' you stop with us
another month yet, anyhow. The dea-
con will make it all right"
"It isn't the money care for, Mrs.
Clements, l only wish I might stay al'
ways. You don't know how much ]
love you" .a.... .. ...f
Glove us! do you? Bless you,
heart. If poor George had only picked
you out, what comfort it would be to
US all! But it can't be helped now.'
She sighed YEARLY then glanced out
of the window, looked q moment and
threw down her work.
"Bless my soul if there amt our sor
George coming up the lane! Deacon
deacon! George is coming"
And all her mother-love rushing to
her heart, she hurried ont to meet him
Oh, the welcoming, the reproaches, the
caresses, the de' .mination to love him
still, despite Jor innocent little Marion
Then when the table had been set ii
the next room by Mary's deft fingers
and she had returned to her "west gar
ret" Mrs. Clements opened her heart.
There's no use of talkin', George
this fine fancy lady of yours ill never
suit me. Give me a smart girl like
Mary Smith, and I'll ask no more
Come in to supper now. Mary, Mary.
She raised her voice to call the girl
when q low voice near surprised her
"Oh, you dressed in honor O. my
boy. Well, I must confess I neve,
knew you had such handsome dress.
and you look like picture with your
net off, and them short bobbin' curls
George, this is Mary Smith, my
George came through the door and
glanced carelessly at the corner where
the young woman stood. Then, with q
cry, spraAg with outstretched arms to
meet the little figure that sprang into
them. The deacon and Mrs. Clements
2 stood in speeehless amazement. Then
: Marion, all bushes and fearful smiles.