The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-12-15
Nobody but John.

my ears and looked at Maggy's soiled
untidy dress, and tumbled hair.
Maggy started and glanced hastily from
the window; she sat down again in care
less way, remarking as she did so:
"It's nobody but John"
IN obody but John" And who do you
think nobody was ? Only her husband.
Nobody but John
A few moments afterwards John Fair
burn came into the room where we were
sitting, and gave me one of his frank, COR
dial greetings. l had known him for many
years, and long before his marriage.
noticed that he gave an annoyed glance at
his wife, but did not speak to her. The
meaning Of this annoyance and indifIer-
ence was plain to me; for John had come
from neat and tidy family. His mothers
housekeeping had always been notable.
She was poor, but Gas time and water are
to be had for nothing"-this was one of
her sayings-she always managed to have
things about clean and orderly.
Maggie Lee had a pretty face, bright
eyes, and charming little ways that were
very taking with the young men, and so
was quite belle before she got out of her
teens. She had knack of fixing ribbons
or tying her scarf, or arranging her hair,
shawl or dress in way to give grace and
charm to her person. None but her most
intimate friends knew of the untidiness
that pervaded her room and person when
at home and away from common observa-
tion.
Poor John Fairburn was taken in when
he married Maggie Lee He thought that
he was getting the tidiest, sweetest and
most orderly girl in town, but discovered
too soon that he was united to careless
slattern. She could dress for other peo-
pies eyes because she had natural love
of admiration; but at home, and for her
husband, she put on old duds and went
often looking "lilSe the old scratch" as the
saying is.
On this particular occasion of which l
am speaking-it was after she and John
had been married over year-her appear
ance was almost disgusting. She did not
have on even morning dress only IA
ded and tumbled chintz sack above soled
skirts, slippers down at the heels, and dirty
stockings. Her hair looked like hurrah's 6
nest, if any one knows what that isl don't,
but l suppose it is the perfection of dsor-
der. No one could love such looking
creature. That is simply impossible.
"Nobody but Johnr' Hooked at the bright
handsome young man, and wondered. He
ate his dinner almost in silence, and then
him so moody.
whats come over John?" / asked as
he went out.
"Oh, don't know his wife answered.
Something's wrong at the shop, sup
pose. He's had trouble with one of the
men. He's foreman, you know"
"Are you sure it's only that?" ! asked
looking serious.
"That or something else about his
work. There's nothing else to worry
him."
was silent, debating with myself wheth-
er good or harm would come of little
plain talk with Johns wife. She was
rather quick tempered, / knew, and quick
to take offense. At last ventured the re-
mark "Maybe things are not just to his
liking at home"
"At home" Maggy turned ON me with
a flash of surprise in her face. "What do
you mean?"
"Men like beauty, and taste and neat
ness in their wives as well as in their
sweethearts," said.
The crimson mounted to her hair. At
the same moment l saw her glance at a
looking glass that hung opposite her on
the wall. She sat very still, yet with a
startled look in her eyes, until the flush
faded and her face became almost pale.
"Maggy," said I, rising and drawing
my arm around her "come up stairs.
have something very serious to say to
you"
We walked from the little dining groom
up to her room in silence. then said :
"Maggy, want to tell you about friend
of mine who made shipwreck of happi-
ness and life. 1t is sad story; but am
sure it will interest you deeply. She was
my cousin, and her name was
Maggy bent forward, listening atten-
lively. "What9" she asked, as hesitated
on the name.
" Helen"
"Not Helen White, who married John
Harding, and was afterwards deserted by