Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1873-06-11
THAT CALICO BAG.

THAT CALICO BAG.
1t was made out Of a piece of one
Of Grandmother Mason's old calico
gowns. and that accounts for its being
such an o]dfashioned pattern, "stiff and
set, but kind O. nice looking as Mrs.
John Mason remarked, when, in compli-
ance with little Patty's demand for din
ner bag, she had fashioned the convenient
remnant into the requisite shape finishing
it off with faded ribbon that had in its
day formed a part of her own girlish fin
cry, and hung it upon the dimpled arm
that noao-and quick, low sob broke
from the mothers heart, while her fingers
fingered TREMENDOUSLY about the little
homemade satchel, hallowed by the touch
of her dead child's hands, and for mo-
ment she begrudged the gift even to that
genial, delightfully."- social gentleman sit
ting at the open window at the opposite
side Of the room, whose easy courtesy and
graceful Difference to herself and her opin-
ions had fairly won her woman's heart to
the belief that never, since the "sons of
Cod deigned to make themselves agreea-
BILE to the daughters of men, had there
been a finer, nobler specimen of manhood
upon the face Of the earth than the same
Colonel Absalom, candidate for Governor
of the State Of, "the workingman's
friend" as he never omitted to mention
in all his speeches, proving it by calling
Familiarity on his constituents whenever it
came in his way in his "stumping tours"
in that easy, unceremonious fashion that is
such sure road to the good graces of the
honest, unsuspicious yeomanry of our
sparsely settled country towns.
Little jim was at school, and ohm and
hoi of in tba
lot" had taken their dinner with them,
thus leaving the busy housewife long,
uninterrupted day for her sewing, fact
upon which she was silently congratulate
ing herself, when the sound of horses
hoof at the gate attracted her attention,
while the deferential bow and smile of the
rider, as he halted at the door stone brought
gratified flush to her matronly cheek and
a little flutter to her heart, as she hastily
tucked out of sight her blue drilling apron,
bestowing a gratulatory thought upon
her clean dress and collar, as she rose to
receive her guest.
Good morning, madam! I presume
that | have the honor of addressing Mrs.
-ahem Pc Mason" supplemented that
unsuspicious lady with smile.
"Ah, yes-I am right in my reckoning
then, for [ had planned to reach my friend
Mason's at or near noon;" then, with an
admiring glance at the pleased but some
what puzzled face looking out from its
framework of scarlet runners and hop
vines that clambered over the rustic
porch: "You have heard your husband
speak of Colonel Absalom, 1 presume 90
"Colonel Absalom ~ and the little wo-
mans pink cheeks deepened into crimson
while the words of welcome that danced
a m h
cut short by the easy familiarity of the
distinguished guest, as having secured
his horse, he walked leisurely into the
house and seated himself composedly in
one of the splint-bOttomed chairs beside
the kitchen window
''How delightfully."- cool and sweet it
seems in here, after a six hours ride in
the heat and dust of the highway!" he
remarked with sigh Of satisfaction; then
as If waking up to some fOrethought of
possibility, he added, with franl1ness
that took his listeners impossible heart
by storm:
e'I hope Tn not intruding, Mrs. Mason.
But the truth is, [ was warm and tired
and the prospect Of an hours rest in such
a sweet, quiet home nest, was too great a
temptation to be resisted"
Mrs. Mason was only too delighted
with the privilege Of entertaining so dis
tinguished, and at the same time so agree
able a guest, and she said so, with an
honest unaffectedness that could not be
misinterpreted, and to which the colonel
most gratefully responded
ooh, no, pleaser' in reply to an invita-
ton to exchange his homely seat for the
high backed, cushioned rocking chair and
more refined atmosphere of the front ROOM
''Let me stay right where I am, so that
can talk without interrupting you. The
truth is, I'm social soul, and detest this
being made company Of and shut up by
myself in peoples best rooms, inste ad of
being allowed to make myself comfortably
at home IN my own freeand easyfashion.
of course there was nothing more to be
SAID on that point, and the smiling hostess
trlppeo lightly from kitchen to pantry,
hospltaoly intent upon providing the best
tnat ner mouse afforded for the delectation
OF lheir guest, and that gentleman fully
proved us assumption of sociability to
have been well founded. Crons stock
the dairy, the orchard and the nonltrv,
yard were all laid under contribution fo
furnish material for the food of nleasant
often complimentary small talk With
which the Colonel beguiled the bour Of
preparation for the coming meal.
Let me see-what is your husbands
gsue's name, Mrs. Mason? | don't seem
to recall it just now-John? Oh yes! I
remember now-he was one of the dele
gates to the county convention last spring,
you say! A fine looking young man
shows in his face that be has mind of
his own, and knows it, too-ah, you
laugh? / understand it; and,' with a
merrily confidential nod and smile) 81 for