Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1876-08-04
WHO HELD THE REINS9

lne peulBree. Ia my Jlme, Jne principle
target of our denunciations was my broth.
er Charles. All the hopes we ever had of
him was that he would emblazon the fam
lily record with his reckless, careless and
unfathomable deeds. Not that he was q
highwayman, polished bank defaulter, a
tax guardian, a politician or an editor.
But we were never easy in our minds con-
cerning him, not knowing into what
course his preposterous tendencies might
lead him. He was safe only while under
the authority of the maternal slipper. But
the hearth stone grew cold when Charles
was just awakening to the fact that he had
served his time and had the bit between
his own teeth. Then began the head
long race with luck, pleasure and conse-
quences.
Most marvellous to us all-the limbs
and twigs of the ancestral tree-this black
sheep of our flock did prosper in world
ly way, although spiritual progression
was in the wrong direction, having a back
ward tendency. Nobody ever appealed to
him in vain. He was heartily in sympa-
thy with bootblack or the mayor. He
was happy enough tilted on the summit of
a dry goods box, mingling in the down
town talk peculiar to his own species, and
in the same frame of mind in "my lady's"
reception-room. He had few good at
tributes and many uncertain ones. The
worst of him was his systematic, cultured,
reliable, unreliability. The only depend
ence that could be placed upon him was a
certainty that he was responsible for moth
ing and altogether visionary | always
gave his extreme good nature the credit of
gaining success in business, for his total
lack of moral respect for that condiment
nf fha human, hroin oo11a1 a.
piled in the way of reminding him of aD-
pointments and such tritles, never gained
confidence. Indeed, have known his
foreman to arrange obligations for him
which the master did not trouble himself
to recall. But for the fact that | was use
full to him now and again, | am not posi-
tive but he would have forgotten the lone
ly sister who had turned her " first cor
ner"
One evening as l sat sewing busily, in
my little sitting room, cozy and comfor-
table, l was startled by quick rap and
the hasty entrance of my brother.
clutched madly at my work basket, which
had placed on the floor near me, rescued
a rose geranium that stood near the door
on little stand, and sat down in chair
that | knew would break if he happened
to appropriate it, which he was sure to do
He only kicked over an ottoman, upset
the music-rack and brushed vase off the
what-not.
"Well, how are your" he asked, in his
happy voice.
About as usual Charles. I have been
little uneasy, feeling as if something
disagreeable was about to happen. The
first thing l saw this morning was a pin
with its point directly toward me-bad
luck, you know"
" Ha, hal" he roared, 1.-the old maid
has nothing to do but to grow more angu-
lar than she is over the signs and signals
of witchdom. Why did she never marry,
and have other objects in life besides your
own whims ?'
Objectsp' replied, with commenda-
bledignity; have l not objects enough
in all the families that consider me a rein.
forcement always in prime working order,
whenever the domestic wheels become
cloggedp'
That's evading the question. My
idea is that you were never smart enough,
neither pretty nor graceful enough to
catch husband. | do not remember you
as ever being young and fresh. | dare
say you were created purposely to admin
lister to your race, in the promiscuous
way you do, and Providence made sure
of no interference in his plan. Never
mind, I'll keep up the credit myself for
the family and get married at once"
IouP' l cried, forgetting my temper
which had been disturbed, mo fear of
that. You would forget all about it, and
your foreman would marry the girl him.
self. Charles, you will be a disagreeable
old bachelor to the end of your DAYS.
When you are as old as / am now, |
hope somebody will tell you how ugly you
are"
" No fear of that l shall be smiling
blandly over my domestic domain. am
to be married this day week"
was surprised then. / did not sup
pose Charles could keep one girl in his
mind long enough to propose
That's quite time, Charles | hope
the poor young creature hasn't put her.
self out with much preparation. She
might be disappointed, besides the loss of
being called bride and wearing the new
paraphernalia-tha is if she depend
solely on you. Why do you not appoint
substitute at once, in case you"
"There, therep' with the air of amartyr,
"a woman never knows when to bring her
speech to a fms, and | am in a hurry
Say, | have bought the house over the
hill. l wish you to go over there to-
morrow. You'll find carpets and all the
furnishings there, and I'll give you some
money to squander in brackets and trash
like that. Make the place home-like.
She's coming from a large family, and
will be homesick and lonesome, perhaps,
so | want the house TO be in waiting.
You'll go over, of course"
That "of course" expressed the general
~ I,atf H.. 4
OF me. When Cousin Sarah's twins had
the measles, she sent for me. When it
was house cleaning time at Uncle Peters,
they sent for me. When Aunt Jane wished
her old alpaca turned, l was in demand.
Whenever any one of them had tea-par-
ty, | was especially desirable at the get
ting ready and clearing up. When Aunt
Hannah felt about to die and wished TO
bid somebody gOod-by and leave some
good advice behind her, / was useful
again-which transpired about every 9th
er day. In fine, was convenience be-
cause | could be summoned at will and
sent back TO my little perch when l had
made myself agreeable just long enough
to accomplish their purpose. Therefore,
was in no way disconnected when my
brother Charlie thus pointedly implied
there was no question as 10 the feasibility
Of setting his house in order.
II suppose / will attend TO it," l re-
piled.
Certainly. must bid you good. night
Am in hurry. DO not forget, now"
- Curious advice from you, retorted
" Do not be ill-natured, you grabbed
spihster."
l did not regard his response. l was
anxiously clearing way of egress for
him, and placing my belongings in a place
of safety.
When the door closed behind him felt
very much as If a hurricane had passed
over my rooms. l arranged everything
properly, placed the chairs at respectable
angles and retired
Charles house was every way delight.