The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1877-02-21

at breakfast tiny tear in IOuie's apron
caught her fathers eye, and by angry state
ment, "she never had a decent stitch of
clothes, and he did wish somebody would
see to her."
Two days after formidable linen diapers
bill was sent to him, and Lima explained it
in this wise:
"You said. Herbert, that Louie hadn't a
decent stitch, and you wished somebody
would see to her, so bought her complete
outfit. l could not see any fault myself,
but of course l got more expensive articles,
as you did not like those already provided.
am glad you called my attention TO the
poor neglected child"
Poor neglected childr echoed the aston
ished Herbert. 'Why, Lima, EsSie fairly
slaves her life out over those children. |
am sure / never see any better dressed or
neater."
Lima merely shrugged her shoulders.
A month passed. Essie gained strength
in the genial atmosphere surrounding Louie
and her mother, while Lima ruled Herberts
house with a rod of iron. Herbert began to
experience sick longing for ESTES gentle
presence. Lima took him so literally in all
he said, and yet he could not rebuke her for
doing what he openly wished.
An arm chair with tiny spot of dirt be-
ing declared absolutely filthy, was uphol-
stored and vanished at a cost of ten dollars
being said to set like meal bags, were be-
slowed upon the gardener, and new set
obtained. Every window was opened after
pretty declaration that the room was as
hot 9s an o. en-" and an hour later the CRATE
was fired up to smothering heat because
he declared it cold enough to freeze polar
bear
In short, with apparently an energetic at
tempt 20 correct all short comings, and put
the house upon perfect basis, Lima sue
ceeded in nearly doubling her brothers ex-
penses and drove him to the verge of dis
traction
But Essie, well and strong again. was COM
ing home. On the day of her expected ar
rival Lima. with solemn face, invited her
brother into the sitting room for a few min
utes of private conversation.
Herbert" she said very gravely, II have
proposition to make to you. You are my
only brother, and l tell you love you very
dearly. 1t has really grieved me to the heart
to see how much there is TO find fault with
i'm your beautiful home"
Herbert twisted himself uneasily in his
chair, but Lima continued:
"You know that mother is very dependent
upon you, Louie having the house and
children to care for, but think would sacri-
flee her own comfort for yours. So if you
wish, Herbert, | will come here permanent
ly to keep things in order for YOU
Here Lima was obliged to pause and stran-
gle laugh at Herbert's expression of horror
and dismay.
You are very kind, he faltered, the in
stinct of gentleman battling with a strong
desire TO tell Lima she would certainly drive
him into lunatic asylum by six months
more of her model housekeeping.
Not at all. a man who has made an UNI
fortunate marriage certainly needs all the
aid and sympathy his family can give him"
The last straw was laid upon the cancels
back. Herbert spoke holly:
"You are entirely mistaken, Lima. l have
not made an unfortunate marriage. If ever
man was blessed in a wife, am that
man"
"You amaze me, HERBERT Lima cried in
well-feigned establishment
II don't see why you should be surprised.
ESsie is gentle. loving, orderly, a model
mother and perfect home angel-God bless
her
Herbert, is that true? can not believe
it, - was the slow response.
Can not believe it? Why2"
Because" and Lima dwelt impressively
only on every word, during the nine years
of your married life, though visiting her
frequently, have never heard you speak
one word of encouragement or praise to Es-
sic. i never saw one look of appreciation or
appreciation of any effort she made for your
comfort upon your face. Continual fault
finding, constant blame have changed her
from happy girl to pale, careworn woman.
Even her last illness was but the unSpoken
despair of heart crushed under load of
daily censure and constant striving for APP
probation never given. And you tell me
now she never failed in her duty to you.
There is grave error somewhere, Herbert"
The sadly earnest tone the face of thought
full gravity, sent every word home in the
young mans heart. He spoke one word in
self defence as Lima slowly left the room. In
science reviewed the past, and he knew that
his sister had only spoken the truth.
God help me, " he whispered "to conquer
this fault. Essie shall hear no more fault
finding, and If | see her dropping | shall
send her TO mother, and I'll have Lima here
to keep house."
Never had wife and mother warmer wei
come than greeted Essie. The children were
in their loudest demonstrations
of delight. But Lima had to rush into the
hall TO hide her merry eyes when Herbert,
kissing Essie, said: 1--WE must let mother
have Lima now, dear. She has been very
kind and worked hard for my comfort; but
there is no home fairy like my Essie."
The quick. glad look in his wife's soft
eyes told Herbert one step had been taken
in the right direction. AS the days glided
by, and ESsie found appreciation meeting
every effort to add home comfort word of
praise for every little triumph of cookery or
needle work. her pale face grew bright with
happiness, and Herbert found his own heart
lightened by the cheerful voice, the sunny
smile, the bright eyes of the Essie he had
wooed years before.
And Lima, making a visit six months
later, told her mother on her return.
Herbert learned his lesson by heart,
IL. -. T~.so - L.
value, and lets her know it."