Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-02-19
JUDITH's TEMPTATION.

How bright aud cheerful the Kitchen of tic
old Stedhurst farmhouse looked TO judith
Black upon the dreary December evening when
she first came there to live How merrily the
FIRE hickeIed on the walls with red fantastic
reflections How the tins sparkled against
the wall, and what song of welcome the
old copper tea-kettle sang upon the hearth
And Mrs Stedhurst's gerauiums in the win
dow, with the green velvet leaves and spikes
of vivid scarlet blossoms-to TO Judith they seem-
ed fairer than any conservatory, crowded full oi
fan palms aud camelias and trailing jessa-
mine.
Judith Black had been very poor. She
had been n dressmaker's assistant, but times
were hard, and Mrs. Needleham had discbarg-
ed two-tLirds of her force, Judith among the
number. Judith had striven to get work, but
situations were few aud applicants many, and
the cup Of starvation had been periliously
close to her lips when size crept into the intel
lisence Office, where Edmund Stedhurst saw
her and engaged her to help bis mother about
the house work.
al shant ike her, Ned" sail Mrs. Sted-
hurst, when the "new girl" had gone up to
her room for the night, and mother and son
were together before the kitchen lirc.
Why not, mothcr?'
She is too pretty and she has such II
naughty quecnly sort Of way. l should as
soon think OF asking the Presidents lady to
scrub the floor aud feed the pigs"
That's nonsense, mother" said Edmund,
halt vexcd, half laugl ing. "She can't help
her face, can sho2 1t is some Of the scraggy-
faced, small-po -pox-marked girls, who were so
exacting as to the wages they should receive
and The duties they were to be called upon to
perform. that ! wouldn't have 'em in the
house on any terms. Judith was the only
one who was willing to come for any sort OF
work, and willing to accept moderate wages.
"Sbe'Il suit you,' said Mr.. Stedhurst, who
had come il willie the discussion was going
on. "Take NY word for it, mother, she'll
suit you"
Judith Black stayed a month, and then Mrs.
Stedhurst engaged her for another month.
"Shc is neat" said the farmers wife, "and
she is quick to learn. and believe her to be
thoroughly trustworthy"
IF only Ned don't fall in love with her,
humourously suggested Mr.. stedburst.
Why Shouldn't he fall in love with her il
he wants ?" said Mrs Stedburst, valiantly.
"My dear, my DEAR" demonstrated Mr.
Stedhurst, "what do we know about her? ?"
"What do we know about any girl, for that
matter?" said Mrs. Stedhurst. "She is GER
tainly very pretty and very faithful, and very
honest"
Honest" put in Mr.. stcdburst, dryly
"5ccause she has no temptation to be other
wise"
"Now, Phineas, you are too bad, said Mrs
Stedhurst, impatiently. The currant jelly
has never been disturbed in the closet, and I've
left the sugar bowl twice on the dresser with
thirty-three Jumps of sugar 10 it, And thr-
ty-three there were, when counted 'em, after
she had gone to bed"
"No very great temptations those said
Mr. S;edburst, smiling.
"No, said his wife, "but straws slow which
way The wind blows"
About month subsequently, to this con-
versation Edmund Sicdhurst came to bis
father.
"Fatter," said he, 81 was twenty-five
years old in October"
YES" said Nj Stedhurst, looking hard at
the end fthe awl with which lie was mending
his Sunday harness.
"And you were year younger than that
when you were married."
"I believe so, Ned"
"Haye you any objections to my taking a
wife,
None in tue worlI--if it proves that she
is the right sor. Of wife" answered tie old
gentleman.
Father, | have fallen iu love with Judith
Black" confessed Edward.
just exactly what have feared all A.
long, said Mr. Stcdburst with sLrus Of bis
shoulders.
"Why do you use that word 4eared,' IA
tLcr?' questioned Edmund.
Bccauas, my lad, sic is almost a stranger
to Us"
"Father, would stake my life on her
truth aud honesty cried the young man.
"Because you are iu love with her, ny son
Edmund. look here! Have you spoken to
her yet q
Not yet, sir"
"WiIl you DO me favor?'
Edmund smiled little. " That depends
upon vhat it is, father"
VIII you wal, one week before you ask
her to lie your wife? WiIlyou wal! one week,
without asking any questions ?"
"If you desire it, sir"
"At tie end Of that time. viii ;ell you
wha. thius upon the matter"
And Mr. Stedhurst went 90 with the re-
pairing Of the Sunday harness.
-, l. = fe,.-l, Jour an srr, mi