The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1875-11-12

dered that he had been so long blind.
At such times his face would wear an
expression that foreboded future ful-
fillment of a noble resolve.
At length his weary confinement
came to an end, and as he slowly and
thoughtfully wended his way, investi-
eating the. condition of his farm, with
its varied arrangements, he discovered,
to his surprise and endless astonish-
ment, that the wife who had, through
all these weary months of watching by
his bedside, anticipating his every
wish, leaving no duty neglected within
doors, been sufficient for the cares
which he had once regarded as exclu-
sively the glory of-manhood. 10
The barns were as amply filled with
fragrant hay as in the days of his health
and strength, and the reapers were
cleaning among the wealth of golden
grain, in the broad fields which we're
titled and sowu under the watchful care
of his wife. zr-r=-.- ..-.a
The next morning he ordered the qui-
etest horse hitched to the single car
riage, and Informed his wife that she
need not expect his return before even
ing. ..I =ea
When he returned his wife met him
on the piazza, and they sat down to en-
joy the pleasant GOODNESS of the declin-
ing afternoon.
Evelyn, dear,r said Mr.. Winthrop,
''do you remember the conversation and
it's occasion, in this very place, just q
year since ?" -. a.r1 ad
"Yes," replied his wife, as shade
passed over her cheerful countenance;
81 3necollect it perfectly. Poor Sarah
She has passed sad and lonely year.
1t is something that cannot reconcile
myself to regard as between right and
wrong" --.aL.- -tff ..E5.l
"Nor can ;" said Mr.. Winthrop, in q
tone of voice so different from that of q
year ago, that his wife gave.aloo of in
voluntary surprise. # .-s se...
|
lyn, that my mind is changed on thai
subject. 1 am aware that failed, ut.
terly failed to appreciate the worth o
your noble endeavors which were 81
successful in bearing a full share in oul
prosperous course, and will tell yoU
now what 1 should always have knowr
and acknowledged, that to you belong
as much of the credit of our success as t.
me-" g., -.. I. -.-----
Mrs. Winthrop essayed a. deprecatory
interruption. ..- ....Eas
% 'No, Evelyn, must tell you now
how 1 thought of my last remark il
that conversation, that you were safe a
all events aud feared L should die be
fore / should be able to atone for mt
past thoughtlessness. 1t is not in my
power to alone change the laws, bu
there was one thing l promised mysel
/ could and would do. 1 would, as sooI
as God who rules in righteousness
vouchsafed me return to health ant
strength, have a will executed, invest
ing you with the sole right to contro
our property without let or hindrance
in case of my death, and here it is."
They had both unconsciously riser
while Mr.. Winthrop was speaking.
Mrs. Winthrop took the proffered doc
ument which her husband placed in be
hand, aud her voice was choked will
emotion as she thanked him for his no
bic act. -" .-'
..r''No thanks, Evelyn" Mr.. Winthro
replied, with indignant emphasis, "for
our laws, as they now stand, sham
and reproach to our Legislators, were a
they should be, wives would not be lef
at the mercy of caprice; and this, o
my part, is after all, only an act {
Simple Justice"