Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-10

MOTHER AND /.


CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY.
Why, sir, when l was mourning be-
cause l could not see my way clear to
send Will to college, when found he was
set about going. she told me not to worry,
she and the girls would manage it some-
how-and they did. sir; they sold butter.
eggs, milk, poultry, and took summer
boarders, working early and late; and
Will can hold up his head with any of
your learned men now. He's got about
all the practice he can attend to, and is
called the best doctor about here. He
owes it all to his mother and sisters, sir.
The children all helped themselves, and
that made things easy. By the time our
youngest boy was ready for school, made
something handsome by selling a mill site
to city company and since then, one
way and another, it's been pretty plain
sailing. l wasn't for letting them have it,
but mother said yes, and have always
been glad. Our town has grown wonder
fully since then, and these grandchildren
of mine won't be obliged to run away to
find work. I've always said men don't
give their wives half credit enough for
their work. 1t seems mean way OF look
ing at things for man to expect q wife
to live on less money than one of the ser
wants our city friends are bringing here
every summer-but there's mother calling
me to tea; she always taps on the window
that way for me. Walk right in, sir, and
take cup of tea and a homemade bread;
it's long way yet to the tavern, and
mother never feels put out with unexpect-
ed company"
The stranger hesitated a moment, and
then accepted the invitation with thanks.
Father Bray introduced him in his own
fashion. saying: Heres stranger,
mother to take bite with US; can't just
ly call him by name"
"Josephs, sir" said the stranger, with
polite bow.
''Yes, yes, Mr.. Josephs, mother; tell
him we always have room for stranger
at our table,"
"lndeed We have, sir; you are heartily
welcome"
Hannah" said she, addressing her as
sistant, "bring plate for the gentleman -
and all Mother Bray's hospitality was
reused when the stranger said it was
long time since he had tasted home made
bread.
A very pleasant little tea party of three,
and very social one-for the stranger
asked many questions concerning the
town. which host and hostess were pleased
to answer. At last he asked; "Who has
charge of the mill you were speaking of ?"
Gregory" said the old man, ''one of our
town boys, and the chum of our Joe just
his age, too"
"Mother Bray put down the teaspoon
she had been balancing on the top Of her
cup, during the conversation, and q sigh
escaped her.
The stranger looked at her instantly and
Father Bray fastened to say; 'There,
Mother dear, didn't mean to name him;
my tongue grows careless as my hands
grow lclumsy.
Mother Bray rose at once, and the old
man led his guest back to the seats under
the maple, saying, as he went, "Poor
Mother, she can't give up her baby yet;
my foolish speech will cost her sleepless
night. Do you smoke, sir?"
IL confess to weakness on that point"
Then you'll have company soon, sir,
for the children come in at night. and
Willie is great smoker"
''Do your childen visit you every even.
ingp"
"Oh, yes; it is one of our family GUS
toms. The boys take turns in looking af-
ter the chores for US, and insist on my
coming to my chair as soon as supper is
done; In winter they roll my chair close
to the window so l can watch them COM
ing in"
One after another they entered the gate
and walking up the little patch. the grand
children running to "kiss papa first;" and
their elders hesitating as they saw his
guest.
The stranger moved away from the old
man after greeting his children. and stood
apparently looking at the landscape, but in
reality seeing nothing but the happy group.
A moment or two later fine looking
man came whistling toward the party,
and was introduced as "my son William"
~ have been saying to my guest, Willie,
you would soon be here and Join him in .
smoke"
with all my heart" said Willie, hold.
ing out his hand to the stranger. "A
foolish habit, sir, but kind of solace only
very busy men can appreciate"
The stranger drew from his pocket an
elegant cigar case and requested him to
try one of them he had brought them
across the sea for his own use perhaps he
might fancy them.
ting away like old friends. while Mother
Bray and the girls were holding an impor-
portant consultation concerning tomato
catsup. and grandpa was holding Mary's
baby.
This is certainly the finest cigar I ever
smoked; you have hit my taste exactly"
"Ah! :" said the stranger, with quiet
smile, II am glad you appreciate them
wanderers like myself sometimes find .
rare article"
"Speaking of wanderers" said the doc
tor, ''did father tell you Of our stray one
1t is next to mother, his hobby"
'He alluded to an absent one, but l did
not ask any questions, although l was
greatly interested. You know we rovers
have kind Of masonic friendship for one
/ another"
81 can imagine it, for our absent broth
er left US twelve years since to something
Of the world; he possessed mania for
travel. At first he thought only Of Cali
fornia, but year was enough for him;
then he went 10 China, and Afterwards
80.