The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-12-18

be spoiled when they get home, as well
as yourself"
"If Nettie were only well I'd take my
chances in the world alone before I'd
stay here-that's certain" was the i'm
patient response.
"Well, Mat, there's no use in grumb-
ling over what you can't help, as you
say. Net isn't we'll and never will be,
poor child"
"Father, which is hardest to endure !:
Lying here helpless and unconscious,
taking no note of passing hours, bright
sunshine, falling rain or winters snow,
or to be imprisoned, as am, with every
mental and physical faculty, acute and
sensitive, and no possible liberty to use
those faculties, because tied to a cham
Der of sickness Do you think my lot an
enviable one?"
"Well, child, it can't be helped,
reckon"
"But / will help it. Pm going TO
marry Ziek Woodwork"
Nonsense, child. You have about as
much use for husband as"
"As you had for the present Mrs.
Armstrong; % interrupted the daughter,
biting off her thread and pronouncing
step-mothers outfit finished.
All was hurry, hustle and preparation.
The steamer, which in those days made
monthly trips, was to sail in ten days,
and Matte was determined, because OF
the family pride that was in her, to pro-
vide as well as possible for the wants OF
the little ones and Margaret, as well as
the poor, suffering step-mother.
Wrappers of chintz and cheap delaine
were neatly made under-clothing re-
newed, and the various minor matters
attended to with conscientious consider
alton for her step-mother's comfort.
On the last day but one before the de-
parture of Mrs. Armstrong, Aunt HUI
dab Harding accompanied the doctor tC
the farmhouse to make a parting visit
At the time of their arrival, the house
was in even worse than ordinary plight
The hard rains had given way to a sue.
cession Of misty, foggy days, and the
sticky mud of the farm was even worse
TO adhere to the feet of the numerous
household than it had been when the
rain came down in torrents.
Mrs. Armstrong had been removed to
the trundle bed, and was lying in heI
usual apathetic mood, never speaking
unless aroused by shake, accompanied
by direct question.
Upon the bed in the same room
usually occupied by the invalid, lay the
various paraphernalia of the toilet, TO bC
used by the step-mother and daughter
and the two little children who were tC
accompany them on the journey.
The atmosphere of the great athOuse wa
burdened with the usual smell of bacoI
grease, cabbage and onions, among
which the odor Of tobacco smoke fioated
making to a person just coming in from
the clear air outside, q most intolerabl
stencil.
The doctor had not visited the "bar
racks" for several days, and Matte wa
not expecting him. However, had b
come alone she would not have so mucl
minded the confusion and disorder; bu
the sightof his lady mother, aud the sud
: den realization Of the plight in whic
she had found her, was so humiliatin
eli 81 Naln
grown angry.
Conquering her emotion with a stron
will, she exclaimed, ar would apologize
for the disorder that reigus in this mar
sion, only 1 don't know when you
: ever see it any better. It's tramp, traml
. track, track, through the mud and int
the house, from morning till night. NJ
: bOdy's boss and Pm no house-keepe
I However, l guess you can endure for a
r hour or two that which / have to put L
! with all the time"
This was said with an air Of haughi
! dignity, which took such hold upon Il
: susceptible heart Of the enamored DO
tor that, as he gazed at her, the uncou
e Portable surroundings seemed to fa'
e away, and he saw anelegantly furnish'
e apartment, with lofty frescoed ceiling
antique carvings, quaint windows al
f costly library. Aud, as he looked, b
5 hold, Matte appeared, the central figu
: of group, clothed in regally beautif
garments. Servants came and went
v her bidding, and the leading magnat
of the land courted her smiles and favor
? AS he looked and listened, he seemed
e hear voice which said, ''Her childr'
'e shall arise and call her blessed. II
/ husband, also, and he praiseth her"
"Amos are you sick ?'' queried 1
It mother anxiously.
, The question recalled him to his sens,
n "Oh, no. 1 forgot" was the evasi
" answer. miss Armstrong, how are o
, invalids to-day 2"
if "I see no change, sir. Four memb'
Ie of my numerous household will Ia
n their departure tomorrow, as you 6
aware. After they are gone I shall ha
IS Nettie removed to this room where
can watch over her more constantly
/ "May 1 go up stairs to see Nettie
K queried Aunt Huldah, in mother
E, tone.
2, Matte thought Of the poorly furnish
g room, covered with the debris Of 70
IS nights cutting, fitting and sewing up
: all sorts of garments, and OF Netti
a, soiled sheets and piIlow-cases, and
l. own unmade bed, with hairpins, T