The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-09-11
Select Storp.
NOBODY BUT JOHN.

NOBODY BUT JOHN.
Some one is coming said |, as the
clnck of the shutting gate fell on my ears,
and | looked at Maggy's soiled, untidy
dress, and tumbled hair.
Maggy started, and glanced hastily from
the window; then sat down again in care
less way, remarking as she did SO;
ATS nobody but John"
Nobody but John Aud who do you
think that nobody wasg Only her hus-
band
Nobody but John
A few moments afterwards John Fair
bum came into the room where we were
sitting, and gave me one Of his frank, cor
dial greetings. 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 indifer-
ence was plain to me; for John had come
of neat and tidy family. His mothers
housekeeping had always been notable.
She was poor; but as slime and water are
to be had for nothing, this was one Of
her sayings--shc always managed to have
things about clean and orderly.
Maggy 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 her
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 peryaded her room aud
person when at home aud away from COM
mon observation.
Poor John Fairburn was taken in when
he married Maggy Lee. He thought that
he was getting the tidiest, neatest, sweet
est and most orderly girl in town, but dis
covered too soon that he was united TO
careless sattcrn. She could dress for
other peoples eyes, because she had natu-
raj love Of admiration; but at home, and
for her husba nd, she put on any old dud,
and went looking often ''like the old
scratch" as the saying is.
On the particular occasion of which ]
am speaking--it was after she and John
had been married over year-her ap-
pearance was almost disgusting. She did
not have on even a morning dress; only a
faded aud tumbled chintz sack above a
soiled skirt--no eollar-slippers down at
the heels, and dirty stockings. Her hair
looked like a hurrah's nest, If any one
knows what that isl don't; but ! sup
pose 1t is the perfection of disorder. No
one could love such looking creature.
That was simply impossible,
Nobody but Johnl'' looked at the
bright, handsome young man and wonder
ed. He ate his dinner almost in silence,
and then went back to work. had never
seen him SO moody.
What's come over John p asked
as he went out
"0h, | don't know" his wife answered.
Something wrong at the shop, | suppose.
He's had trouble with one Of the men.
He's foreman you know"
"Arc you sure It's only that2'' Iasked,
looking SERIOUS.
"ThOt, or something about his work.
There's nothing else to worry him."
was silent for awhile, debating with
myself whether good or harm would come
of a little plain talk with Johns wife. She
was rather quick-tcmpered, | knew, aud
easy to take offence. At last / ventured
the remark maybe things are not just
to his liking at home"
AT home" Maggy turned on me
with u fash Of surprise in her face. "What
do you mean ?"
Men like beauty, and taste, and neat.
nr4s in their wives as well as in their
ssweodiea rls," said
slhe crimson mounted to her hair. At
che same somcnt saw her glance at
hooking glass chat hung opposite to ber on
sths mall She eat very still, yet with a
astartiet look in lher eyes, until the flush
faded aud .har faoe hoeame almost pale
SIaesyip said /, rising and drawing
z,y ann uaaund her, "conie up stairs. |
have son,etlaag very serious to say to you"
We walked from the little dining-room
and up 10 her room 10 silence. then
said "sIaggy, ! wast to tell you about
dear friend Of mine who made shipwreck
Of happiness and life II is sad story;
but | am sure it will interest you deeply.
She was my cousin; and her name was
Maggy bent forward, listening attentive
ly. @Whar97 she asked, as | hcsiiated
on the name.
Helen"
Not Helen White, who married John