The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1873-05-17
HOW IT HAPPENED.
BY CARL0TTA PERRY

talked it all over-Mother, Jeanette, Sue and
land had decided that such a thing never
had happened in the annals of our family
and never could happen.
And then TO think that after all it d'd hap
pen :,
Bnt in order to make it all understood,
must begin at the beginning. You see it was
in this way; They had taken the house
across the street, two years before; had come
from no one knew where and were, no one
knew who. 1t was evident they were people
in moderate circumstances and we made W
Our minds that they had always been accus
toned to strict economy. And yet there was
a certain air of wellbrcd ease about them
that would have imposed on most people, but
which to our view was nothing more nor less
than affectation. Some people have won
derful readiness of adopting the manners OF
those above them in social station, and Rebec-
ca Graves cxcelled any one ever saw IN my
life.
We called upon them as soon as they were
fairly settled; for one reason, they lived right
across the street: and another was, that hay
ing lived there for twenty years and more rs
we have. and standing as we do at the head
of Claytown aristocracy, it is in our power to
secure or deny an entrance to that circle to
anv one we may elect At least II had always
been so; and we called upon the family across
the street with the intention of deciding upon
their merits, and prepared to be very gracious,
if the case seemed to warrant.
But talk about patronizing! One might as
well attempt 10 patroniZe the north star. The
family consisted of Miss Rebecca Graves, her
widowed sister, Mrs Monteith, and her four
children.
The door was opened by Miss Graves her
self; they keep no servant, and one would
L.. ,,arr slI NJ nr
that she considered tending the door the most
desirable occupation in life. In fact, that was
characteristic of everything she did.
We did the best we could to find out some
thing about their antccedents; but every al
fusion to former residence was avoided in
a manner that left no room for remark or
question.
confess did not like them; they seemed
too secure in their own position, and too lit
Tie conscious of the superiority of ours; too
regardless of the honor we were willing to
pay them To be sure Sue said, Why should |
they seem overwhelmed? We are only pay
ing neghborly civilty. And when | said
something about liking to see people unas-
sumng in the presence of superiors, she re-
phed with her usual sarcasm that they had
probably not vet learned what very superior
beings we were and perhaps that rs soon as
they discovered it Gf they ever did, which she
thought doubtful not seeing any good reason
why they should they would adopt a becom-
ing air Of humility in our presence. But Sue
never had proper idea of the family dignity
in that she is Just like Hugh, and they en-
courage each other to our great distress |
am sure Hugh would never have taken the
course he has, if he had not had Sue to aid
and abet him. | do not pretend TO say that |
am sorry, everything having turned out as it
has; but il might have been a great deal DIFF.
tercnt
For you see that though Miss Rcbecca
Graves was quiet, and went out very little, she
seemed to gain the good will Of the towns.
people, from little lame 10, the gardeners son, {
10 Judge Hubbell, who lived on the HILL and
whose mother was a Pavson. Her sister, the
widow, was also very quiet, keeping house,
and taking care of her four little children;
and though not approving of any Of them, we
could not help admitting that she was q mod
FL of discretion and propriety. We heard
hat her husband had been "A chemist, and had
met his death in making some experiment or
other, being devoted to science But that old
Mr. Graves had been mechanic, was certain
beyond a doubt; and that the mother had
been teacher all her single life, we also
found out. OF course that is all very respect
able always feel it my duty to encourage
honest industry, and all that; but that there
is q marked difference between those who
work and those who do not. is evident to !
every eye
When made that remark to Hugh one day,
he said he agreed with me fully; but there t
was such peculiar accent, that felt uncom I
Portable for hours. He is splendid young /
man, and every possible pains has been taken {
with him; and fondly we hoped he would !
make his mark in life. He is twenty-eight ;
wears old, the youngest Of the family-that is,
the youngest boy, lmean--and destined from
his boyhood for the bar. II has been our
hope to see him at the head of the profession,
thrilling crowded court room with his eO-
qucncc, and in time wearing Judges robes |
When we had so long hoped for this, il was
terrible blow to have him finally decide posi. ]
lively that he could not and would not have
anything to do with it. And to think that he 7
should choose TO be aachinest to black his n
hands, wear smut,y clothes, and then pretend {
10 delight in what he called his profession, f
There was stormy time when he made his /
decision known. Mother said in her grand {
way: II
Ny son, it has been the best hope of nv
lite to see you stand high in the legal profcS
sion"
NO use, mother. I've tried my best to
make my mind up to please you; but I'd
rather be good shoemaker than poor law
yer; there's "A crowd of them now"
But, my son, you need not be poor law
yer; you have talents"
"lm sorry for you, mother; but I'm afraid
your eagle is only common barnyard fowt.
after all But if have got any talents, YOU
need not try to drive them out of their right
channel"
ienncttc spoke up in her clear voice: How
can you find II in your heart to like that hor-
rid m1chinc shOp!-thc smell of oil, the dirt
aaI Confusion! To me, il argues want of
a fondncss and congeniality for
low, coarse pursuits, that did not expect
ono OF our family TO exhibit. | cannot ac
c mt for IT,"
The last was an unlucly speech, for il gave
Hugh his chance.
Can't account for it? But can though
aye you forgotten that DID chest Of tools up |
IN the GARRETT
For heavens sake, Hugh, do hush" cried
mother Jcnnette and /, in breath
We were one of the Notwithstanding 10 |
III -hf,s Int, a. IL