Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-01-27

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/ his wilc's brave heart would not hinder
| him. lie disposed OF his stock and lease
OF the farm, and Ruth came home to US.
We all know the sad story of the Union
repulse at Big Bethel. Ruth never saw
her hasband alive again.
Those terrible days! do not like to
recall them.
Mothers health, always feeble, now
began to fail Before The the war ended.
she too. leG US, and at the time my story
opens we three sisters were living alone
together.
was very unlike my twin sister. She
was tall, strong. and self reliant; was
slender. pale and timid. When little
child, had received au injury in my
right foot from push by rough boy on
the school playground, and the prospect
was that | should be lame all my life.
For nearly two years now, Laura had
taught gymnastics in l. Seminary.
and this was The last day Of her spring
vacation.
As said in the beginning. the weather
WAS dismal; and in the absence OF sun
shine our necessity seemed greater than
ever.
April, May, June, July,-four weary
months before we see you again, Laura.
hate to have YOU go back to l.. You
are much too pretty for hard work, poor
pay, and poor tare." and looked with
loving admiration at the fresh, rosy face
opposite me.
The hard work and psor fare are
nothing. Edna, dear replied Laura ;
"bul We ought not to be separated even
tor so short a time. How can this be-
managed? Come, Ruth. do sit down u
moment, and help Us plan. What matter
if those dishes are not finished at PIE
cisely certain hour2'
Ruth laughed, and oJeyed with the re-
signed expression OF one who could not
possibly gain anything bY complyiu.
Does il not seem, girls, that on this
question oil work and wages our thoughts
travel in circle? We always come
back 10 Laura's plan OF opening a small
family boarding School--ihe tavoriic re
sort OF needy gcutlewomeu. For my
part. two years experience OF district
school leachiu. has cured me ol all
further desire TO train the Young idea.
! would sooner take ia washing"
Ru,h's tone WAS decided.
And As Tor situation in a school, "
she continued, 'thcre is a call nowadays
Tor thoroughly trained teachers who have
made specially OF some particular
branch Il is not too late for you, Laura
and Edna. but my day has gone by
There were plenty OF good seeds sown
in my mind. but have no good crop OF
any one thing. No: my talent, il | have
any, is housekeeping, and this must
make pay somehow" and Ruth surveyed
her little, hard, brown hands, with i very
determined expression.
How nice 10 be poor, after the grace
iul fashion OF English heroines!' ~ remark
ed Laura, irreleyanlIy. They always
have a maid. II their tea is weak and
the bread and butter thin. the meal Is
always sent into the porlor, and served
in delicate china. They never blackcn n
their HANDS peeling potatoes and apples,
nor blister them doing the family ironing /;
neither have the dainty creatures any
conception ol the moral courage i, re
q Tres to plunge ones arm into the brine
of the pork barrel"
You are not often called upon to
stand the latter test" said Ruth slyly.
Blu, have had experience enough to
understand that it is disagreeable," per-
sisted LauIa
Gray lives are interesting only in
romance" sighed |.
And yet" added Ruth softly, you
remember Thorcau thought it possible
for one to have many happy hours even
in poor house."
II suppose" reluctantly admitted
Laura, "thai it i. weaH. shallow SOU
that grumbles at destiny and complains
OF her lot. Better work conscious OF
authority. though compelled to humbly
labor"
But come to the matter in hand.
said practical sister Ruth, "there is no
denying that we are getting bOhindhand
each year. The place is running down,
and we have no money for repairs. The
house needs painting, the roof leaks. the
fence is shabby, -"
Her look OF despair was 50 comicaI
that Laura and | laughed outright.
1T we only did not live in little
factory village might make what musi
cal taste possess available, and sc
contribute my share toward our support
Shall l always have to be burden on
you girls?" and my heart was heavy al
spoke.
Their loving words OF ssterly comfort
need not here be repeated. After all, we
wore rich in one another.
How few possibilities there are iol
women" began Laura,
Nonsense :" interrupted Ruth, cheeri
| ly possibilities are plenty. We NIGH
turn our fine, large yard into a garden