Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-02-22
HIS FOLKS.

WON'T said little Mrs. lilnkle, clutchlng
the bars of her uncomfortable Old cage OF
IA rocking-chair.
Mr.. Hinklc placidly hung up his alma
nae, and went out to sow the early peas.
lie could stand almost anything, and yet
remain as serene rs cabbaEe-head-
which, indeed. his wife often said he re-
scmbled. Laviny's tantrums troubled
him about as much as musquitO's buzz
Zing would an elephant; but he thought
they were kind of wearing to her. and
that she ''came to quicker" alone. so he
lcf. her swinging herself seasick in the
rocker. and shufiled off to the rarIen with
a hoe and pint dipper of peas. At the
gate he met Miss Niddlins.
"And hOw's your poor wife, said she,
shifting. She suffered with achronic cold
i'm the head, which gave her an extremely
sympathetic manner.
Able 10 be stirring" replied Mr.. Hin
Ale, shufllng on i'm his brown leather
moccasns. Even cabbage-head may be.
as it usually is, ruilled inside and deep
i'm his slOw-Deating heart MIR. Hinkle was
annoyed at the sight of Miss Niddlins and
tie embroidered bed-ticking bag which
bctOkened weeks visit.
..Layiny's putchiky enough without
being set on" said he, leaning on his hoe
in the favOrite attitude adopted by scare
crows. "Ycs, | really think she Is" he
went on, weighing the proposition delib-
erately. Not that mind her being
spry-tempered and splitting out at me.
It's only a way she has, and comes OF her
enioyinv such poor health. She'll cool
down: but that old maid hain't any call
TO rile herr" and here Mr.. Hinkle gave the
hoc-handle resentful poke, as If it per
sonated the splinter aforesaid. Like
MANY men not gifted in public speaking,
he was much given to talking aloud when
alone. Indoors, his wife claimed eXclll-
sive right of speech.
..And here I've stuck, like dab of put
tv. from the day married with Rueben,
she was saying to Miss Niddlins. I've had
TO walk on eggs, or his folks would De III
nv hair. They've had their remarks to
make about all my domgs, and you may
depends upon it, it grinds."
Mrs. Hinkle must have been ground
very sharp indeed, judging by her cutting
tongue.
Poor thingr' groaned Miss Niddlins
usinp her handkerchief Just then because
il would produce the effect of pity.
..See how was put upon this morning
bv his sister Phebe," said Mrs. Hinkle
moving the end of her nose back and fortf
with her fore finger. as il she were play
ing on a Jew's-harp. THAT woman ha'
the impudence to twit me of neglectln!
Reuberi, because 1 leave him to get hi
own supp, sewing circle nights: ~.
Don't tell me so smiled MISS Niu
dlins. Ibid Mr.. Hinkle complain I
herT' III >,u
H;nkle. she hasn't got spunk enough
Why he's no more grit than hay-stacl
and he's as soft. l couldn't make hlI
break with his folks if was to sufie
Wish | was single; then l wouldn't [
nosed round by 'em. Now here you al
free to 90 when you please ]"
Miss Niddlins sighed an affirmative
II was FER peculiar trial that her relative
never opposed her going.
"If YOU was to separate, L suppo
you've got enough to live en," suggeste
She cautiously.
Mrs. Hinkie's rocker jerked itself into
full stop. She had often said that "ReuDt
must choose betwixt his folks and her,
that ..she would take herself off," and Il
like: but to have third person hint al
separation startled her.
Well-yes,", said she, hesitatingi
"rye got the property l brought wi
me when was married. won't DEL
hmt what Reuben has done the fair thil
there /. but then, if he'd been some me
no m;ght have doubled it by this tin
The long and short of it is, he's h
asIeen. have to keep stirring him U
and. after all, he don't appreciate me J!
.sI believe it would wake him pref
thoroughly if you should leave him
returned Miss Niddlins. HE'D Degin
realize what a smart wife he'd lost:
He'd clutter the kitchen with
greasy harnesses, and camp down Oh
lounge in his bOOts-thats wnat M n ~
the minute l was on. snappou AL
Hinkle. ..,;.ho,,. v,,u
cove his life," declared Miss Nlodil
Confidently. He'd 60 down on =
Lnees to YOU to get you back.
Mrs. Hinkle seemed nattered ny
.' "A pretty figure he'd cut" laug
she. "fat as he is, and looking,
micht saw, as if he'd been blowed VI
his clothes!"
.rm sure don't see how you
emile situated as you are" said !.
Njddlins, showing symptoms OF F"
oo..i !. Ills folks have tried my soul OF
o ,, cried Mrs. Hinkle, hastily resun
,,ar wrath: "and what's maddeneu
n,oSt has been 10 see Reuben take
cool That man hasn't any more he
fhan a tub of lard! l wouioh
;mmning off the meeting.house steei
"ph thppughtit would give him Ma. stST.; Mi5d
"Poor woman!" SAID MISS i,;of M;oe
displaying the red silk a handkerehafdt hsn had,
might properly be rcar en1led dutT nef to oSoS so
70 90 where you can take seine pe''
your life!" .,o,r , said Mrs. Hi
uon tho coffee for dinner
I thus ended their first conference