Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-09-02
The Reason Why.

a
ed for all the world as though some dreadful
calamity was about to befall you. If you
have any regard for my feelings, do try to be
more like folks"
Mrs. Grahams head bent lower over the
little half-fnished dress upon which she was
working; but she made no reply. She was
evidently accustomed to such remarks. Pres
emily, bursting into tears, she rose and len
the room.
"Pshaw." said her husband, as with con-
tcmptuous smile he looked after her, that's
always the way You must speak to woman
inst 81. or she'll begin 10 snivel ISay, Kate,
addressing bright-eyed, wide-awake-Iooklns
woman of some thirty years, Il used t" thlnk
that women were almost angels; but I've
come to the conclusion that they are as fall ol
faults aa we poor devils are.
An amused expression on Mrs. Lyman's
face was her only answer
Mr.. Graham sat for some minutes IN moody
silence, aud then said, reaching for his hat as
he spoke: Come, Sis, le,'s 60 over to Uncle
Johns, we'll be sure to fud smiling faces
there, and can manage, perhaps, to pass an
evening very pleasantly. It's pity that a
fellow cau't take some comfort at home.
II was after considerable hesitation that
Mrs Lyman replied:
We'll, Charley, Just wait until Brlie's
Jacket is done, for ne is very anxious TO wear
it to school tomorrow; and then, if NeIlieS
asleep, "-glaucipg at the cradle, where lay
the six-mouths old bahy-"lll 20 with you.
As the clock struck seven the littl' garment
was finished, aud was placed by the kind aunt
where BERTHE could not fail to see when he first
awoke in the morning. Baby was now sound
ly sleeping, aud Mrs Lyman, after putting on
her hat and shawl, stepped to the door OF her
sisters room and said, Matte. We are
going to Uncle Johns. We shall not be alb
sent long but do not sit up fcr us unless you
choose to-"
"very we'll, VAS the reply, but the tone
in which the words wcts uttered told plainly
that the speaker took but little interest in
what WIS going on about her.
"Now, Charley" said Mrs. Lyman, as soon
as they were fairly in the street, 81 shouldn't
have consented to come with you tonight,
were it not that | wanted, as Aunt Hannah
used to say, to give you good Zig piece OF
my mind"
"Wby. what for, Kate? What crime am
guilty Of"
"The crime Of destroying your own happi-
ness, and the happiness of these dearest to
you"
"wha, do you mean ? What can you
mean ?"
Il think, Charley, you spoke very harsh'y
to poor Matte tonight. could almost have
cried with her
Perhaps was rn,her cross; but, Kate,
that woman tries my patience dreadiulIy.-
She goes moping around looking as forlorn
and disconsola,e as though she hal no, friend
10 the world.
There must be cause for it,
"Yes, | suppose bit think it would puz-
zle lawyer to find ont the cause.
"Douty you remember when she was other
wise?"
Don't remember? Think do. There
wasn't as pretty girl for miles around as
Matte Standsh was. l was proud Of her in
my cour,ing days"
"Yes, well remember what devoted
lover YOU were. Our garden was robbed Ct
its choicest flowers to be made into bouquets
for Matte. If fruit or confectionery were
sent from the city, the very uices, was selected
for that same Matte The latest magazines
and papers were found on her table, placed
there by my brother Charley. 10 short no.
thing was too good for her
"That's so, Kate; and those were jolIy
times. wonder if Matte hhs forgotten
them ?"
Without hecdug his last remark, Mrs by
man continued: 81 had a beautiful rosc-trer
at home, Charley, that was given my BY a
dear friend. As long As | watered II and tcud-
ed i, carefully it repaid ne with many ira
grant. beautiful blossoms; hut after It bad
been in MY possession few months, am
sorry to say, shamefully neglected it. Soue-
times, for days together. | did not 90 near 1t.
It faded and dropped. renewed ny care OF
it-but it was too late. BY rose-trce died,
and learned a lesson Take care, Charley,
that your Matte does not share the fate OF my
rose. She has a peculiarly sensitive nature
and will not tear neglect any more than
tender plant will"
but. Kate, Matte knows that love her
as well as ever did.
What reason has she 10 think so? was
reading not long since Of gentleman who
had visited in a great many families and
among them all be had found bot a very fe"
really happy ones The cause Of the unhap-
piness. he said. was not so much the want o
love as the rant Of care 70 manifest IT, Thai
is ius, where the trouble lies Ifa man should
tell YOU that you did not love your wife anc
children, you would be tempted TO knock hin
down. But, Charley, what is iove worth tha
is never expressed in words or actions - Pa!
the lover again, ny dear brother, and ny
word for it, you will have no cause TO com