The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1875-05-26
NrORTGAGED.

ON eartn so pleasant as TINS having
home of ones own"
Mrs. Graham smiled fondly on her
husband as she handed him his care
fully prepared cup of tea.
II am so glad you feel like that,
Harry, l will do my best to make it a
happy home for you"
"You darling You shall have kiss
for that sweet speech the moment tea
is overP cried the young husband,
committing ravages among the rolled
bread and butter, the home made pre-
serves, the dainty shavings of dried
beef and cold ham, and the delicate
cake with which his Margaret had
furnished for her tea-table on this first
evening in their Every own home"
"Where did you get these delicious
ounce preserves my dear?"
81 made them, Harry"
"Possible."
eyes, / made them in the last days
at the farm. Mother showed me how"
"Then you shall ask her to come
and see us in our little cottage before
preserves are all eaten"
"She will be very glad to come"
said Margaret with delighted look.
''She never liked Our plan of board.
ing, Harry"
"What else could we do, my dear"
asked the young husband in slightly
altered tone. 81 was too poor to buy
a house when we were first married.
AS we could not we'll roost upon the
trees like the birds when they begin
life together, to board was the only
way possible. But l never liked it
myself" he added, his face clearing
again. at was nuisance to be con.
fined to two rooms as we were; and
how John Grey's children did scream
at night, on the opposite side Of the
hall. Besides, that untidy chamber
maid never half cleaned our rooms.
Now this is what / like" he concluded
rising from the supper-table, and
glancing proudly round the neat bright
parlor, with its open fire and easy
chair drawn up beside the CRATE; its
crimson curtains and table-covers and
carpets; its table, sparkling with
china ard silver, and its tall glass
doored bookcase, slowed with volumes
which he was to read aloud while his
wife sewed, on chill and rainy even
ings such as this.
Mrs. Graham rang the bell. A tidy
young servant maid came in and took
away the tea things. When the roou
was made orderly for the evening
handsome dressing gown and a pair of
embroidered slippers appeared, con-
jured from some mysterious closet by
the happy wife.
"My first present to you in our
home, Harry" she said with moistened
eyes.
And he drew her fondly toward him
and gave her the promised kiss, with
many another after it. Then, putting
on the comfortable attire, he selected
book from the crowded shelves, and
sat down in the easy chair, while Mar
garet drew her little sewing.stand
nearer the fire and prepared to enjoy,
with heart and soul, the first quiet
evening beneath their own roof. But
before the book was opened, shadow
had fallen over the brightness Of her
joy.
"Your mother would like to look in
at US now, my darling" said Harry,
glancing round the pleasant room
again. 81 know sue will think this
house bargain when she sees it. Six
rooms and a garden-a good.size
garden, too--and for two thousand
dollars %
"And the pretty furniture, Harry.
All paid for, too. That is the best of
all, and very good, substantial furnit-
ure it is" replied his wife.
"Yes. was determined that should
be paid for, on the nail. What sticks
l have about me must be my own"
"Oh, Harry! how can you cali our
nice new things sticks ?"
"Chairs and tables then, child I got
good discount by the way because /
paid cash down. l wish l could have
done the same by the house. l might
have had it tive hundred dollars cheap
er. However, if we are careful of our
expenses, chickabiddy, we shall soon
clear off the mortgage. 1t is only
nine hundred dollars"
The fancy work dropped from Mar
garet's hands.
mime hundred dollarsl" she said,
turning little pale. "a mortgage
On this house, Harry p'
son whose house should it be?" he
said laughing. "Why, you look as
scared as if | had stolen the house,
childY
81 thought it was paid for!'