Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-07-31

to know that her home was in the
hands of friend instead of being oc'
cupied by strangers as it has been fol
the last six years." she thought, land
| mean to tell her of the report, it NAV
brighton her up little AN excellent
resolve, but it was driven entirely out
of her mind when Esther made her ap.
pearance an hour later, laden with
treasures that the old familiar forest
hooks had yielded to her careful search
--violets, blue and white, wind flowers,
nodding to right and left like q group
Of socially inclined bellies in ball
room; the twin-vinc with its glossy
green streamcrs and rosy, cup like
flower. filled 10 the brlm with the
mornings wine; snowy blood root
blossoms and the tiny bells of the wild
oat, while over:topping all, the pure
white Of the dog-wood CLEANED out
from amid its dew wet leaves like
clusters of silyery stars-stars of hope
10 Esthcr's longing eyes. for there was
brighter color in her cheek, and
something of the old animation in ber
tones, as she exhibited her spoils with
the pleasing comment:
They haven't failed me-see |
never saw SO many flowers bloom at
this season before. Why here are half
q dozen sprays of 'Solomon's Seal,
and never used TO look for that be :
fore the middle of June"
And she held up, with little air Of
triumph, handful Of the dainty white
bells, so fair and bright that even their
royal namesake, in all his glory might
have cnvied them, in their spotless
array.
Mrs. Blossom laughed, while she
shifted appreciatively at her friends
fragrant harvest.
You must 90 flower hunting every
morning for fortnight" she said with
, significant look at the animated face
beside her, You look five years young
G than you were last night, and if YOU
Ieep Oh"
IF like crab YOU can 90 back
ward" quoted her husband, mcrrily
and in the midst Of their playful bad
mage. Esther sat down TO the fist real
nome breakfast that she had eaten for
gears.
How pleasant and inspiring was the
cheerful chat that accompanied the
neal, with no dread of unsvmpathiz-
ng or coldlv curious eyes and ears to
heck the expression of thought or
; ancy even the little ones. with their
bright morning faces, and innocent
,rattle added their mite 70 the uniycr-
'al atmosphere of cheerful content
ncut and unaffected cordiallty that
made the simple, home cooked meal of
Fat things to the world worn woman
sho shared it.
As a people, We certainly are not
given to making much of our National
holidays. Even the once popular In
dependence Day" that our grandpa
hers observed with such patriotic en-
.husiasm has, of late, Glow be it spok,
.nl become rather a nuisance than
otherwise, "A day devoted by the juyc-
lilies to the firing off of fire crackers
md OLD blunderbusses, while their eld-
Us shake distracted heads, and thank
heir stars that Fourth Of July comes
but once year.
But there is one day that New Eng
and never fails 10 observe with tender,
ieyerential interest, the day appointed
br the decoration Of the soldiers
graves, who died in the late struggle
br freedom and unity.
! In pretentious city cemeteries, in
the village burying ground, in the lone
~ country graveyard they lie; mute,
yolceless, yet eloquent with grand and
holy memories. not alone of the pale
sleepers beneath, but Of the great and
noble cause for which they Tough. and
dIed-not, thank God. in vain for,
as We lay upon the grassy affairs our
tlowsrv offerings We think with glad
hearts Of nobler, richer tribute prolfer
el today, by grateful thousands
throughout the length and breadth Of
our laAi-the thank-oi,ering of a freed
people.
When the thrilling call ito arms
rang out upon our startled ears, sum
moning our truest and noblest to their
couutry's defence, Brandtvllle was one
of the first to stretch forth military
'hands in answer to the appeal and of
the gallant little company that march
ell forth so hopefully how many ia
thcr, husband, and son never came
back TO gladden. the waiting hearts at
home, let the long list of names upon
that soldiers monument in the Brandt
vile burying-ground testify.
Knowing this, who can wonder that
, memorial day" is to the dwellers in
, that vicinity, day never overlooked
or forgotten by young or old.
How many a hard handed, rough
faced farmer, as he lays aside the all
) engrossing toll that has by use become
almost a necessity to him, and har-
nesses the Old fashioned horse into the
Older fashioned wagon, TO carry the
women folks to the celebration, finds
| the tears stealing down his rugged
cheeks as he thinks of the strong young
arms and faithful heart upon which his
| own failing strength had so proudly
, leaned, now lying idle and pulseless
r beneath the sod; nor does he look
, askance at the homely nosegay OF
lilacs and peonies that the auld wife
carries 50 tenderly in her trembling
1 band: ale used ter think they was SO
/, pretty, when he was little fellow
she says apologetically, and her hus-
} band silently mods his approval.
t He has called them ''weeds," hun
| dred times, herhaps, declared it was a
1 waste of time and space to cultivate
$ them, but to-day, Frightening the sod
upon his dead boys grave they have
:. acquired new dignity in his eyes, and
t he silently wonders that he never no
t ticed their beauty before.
e Pale. sad looking women dropping
4 wearily beneath the tolls and cares Of