The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-02-17
JELL'S SWEEPING CAP.

Jcll was a dainty little schoolma am,
hrown-eyed, brOwn-haircd, with cum
ming dimple in her left cheek. She had
no beauty but her hair, and this was her
glory. Beautiful, glossy, abundant, it
rippled down her back almost to the floor.
Jell rejoced in innocent, girlish pride
whenever fashion allowed her to display
this enc adornment. Her elder relatives,
gran lima and aunties, said since she had
not The beautiful face of sister Eleanor,
MOI the finely nodded figure and grace
full carriage of Amelia, she must remain
an old maid"
Because" said grandma, "no one
now a-days marres for real merit, but for
money or beauty; consequently, be con-
tent, my dear, to remain single and be a
comfort to your parents" laying her soft,
wrinkled hand on Jcll's bonnie young
head.
"Shc might do verse; said Aunt Mary,
who had Just lost husband and four lovely
children.
80 she might" said Aunt Caroline.
mcditatively threading her white fingers
through Jell's chestnut locks. But, it
I'm not mistaken, this brown hair will not
want for admirers"
1t was decided that Jell should be q
school-teacher; for Miss Independence
said if she was not to marry, she pre-
terred beginning to earn her own living
at once.
so this little woman of eighteen was
cnthroned in the great armchair belong
Ing to L" District No. g." and right royalty
she rcigned over the white-headed little
,rchins who stumbled over "b-a, ba,
and those of larger growth, who pene-
tralcd the mysteries of arithmetic and
geography. 1t was pleasant to teach in
the spring time, when all the world
seemed Weakening into newer, brighter
litr-when the skies were blue, birds
sang, and the apple blossoms drifted down
in snowy wreaths before the school room
door. Yes, it was pleasant to sit there all
the long moons, dreaming of the future,
which seemed to promise sweet and good,
though prevented, as by a thin veil, from
showing plainly; just as far-Of clouds
allowed the bright blue sky tints to peep
through, giving only hint of the glory
beyond. s'y
But it was not as pleasant when the sun
bl,zed tiercely, the children grew fidgetty
AID inattcntive, and the young teacher be-
cane first weary, then-shall we say it?-
cross. Neither was it agreeable, after
teaching all the week, to labor busilY on
Saturday which she needed as day of
rest. Still our little Jell cooked and
washed dishes, swept and busted, only
occasionally thinking that her two elder
sisters might assist in these duties. .
Sweep, sweep, sweep, "up stairs and in
my lady's chamber, went the little house
maid Jell, broom and duster in hand, a
on a busy Saturday morning. This cap
Of how from Amt Mary
who hai sent it, accompanied by char
acteristic note to the effect that it only be-
came cheerful, smiling face, and never
to wear it when she was cross. Well, it
did become Jell's face this sunny June
day Smiles fitted over her countenance
as ripplcs break over the smooth surface
of sun tinted lake. Light Of foot and
light of heart, she seemed to be the embod-
iment of happiness, as she threw wide
open the heavy hall door, and stepped
bl;thely forth, sweeping the wide, hospit-
ablc-looking piazza, and breathing in the
delicious fragrance of the roses that strove
to reach the roof.
An oriole in the walnut tree was sing
ing as though filled with ecstacy on this
beautiful dewy morning. He seemed to
inspire Jell, for she too lifted her voice in
succession of joyous trills, the rival
musicians awakening enhancing sounds.
So, doubtless, thought gentleman who
arrived at this juncture, and paused, fear
ing to mar the music. But Jell's quick
ear-schoolma'ams always have them
warned her of an audience; SO breaking
off short, she faced around and behcld the
intruder.
Pardon me for interruptfng the con-
cert" said he, removing his hat; but is
this the residence of Mr.. Evans, and is he
at homer"
Eyes, SIR" said Jell, laying aside her
broom and inviting him in, then going
in search Of her father, giadto escaped from,
the room, and vexed with herself for ever
singing, and with the stranger for listen
ing. For she knew by the amused look
in his eyes, although he was polite enough
not to smile, that he comprehended her
embarrassment f. EsEts4
"Wcll, it's no matter now; I'LL never
meet him again." quoth wise little Jell.
But ut dinner Mr.. Evans said his caller of
mate. "And," he added, turning teasing
ly to Eleanor and Amelia, "you had bet
ter look your best when he calls again, as
he is considered good catch, and Is par
ticular US to ladies' dressr'
Humphr' thought Jell, wonder
what he thought of my sweeping rig!
He'll not see me this evening, for I'm 60
ing to run over the field to Clara's.,' n
5" in the evening, while Eleanor and
Amelia were primping,n % Jelistxled
1t, she crossed the fields to the house u
her bosom friend and confidant, and did
not return until she was sure the caller
should I've gone. Her sisters were full 81
new topics. s-'a'. staSt 4is -
And just to think, Jell, !" said Eleanor
ne asked papa If he had NO other daugh.
ter, and when papa said yes, but that YOU
were N . neighbours ] actually th0pghl