The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1877-01-19
CHAPTER XI.

Gradually, very gradually, did Edna's
shattered health come back.
The spring passed far along toward its
closing days; the chill breezes of the
earlier months gave way to the balmy
breath of May; the mountain SHOWS,
that lay fathoms deep upon the zigzag
heights, melted under the genial action
of the sun and air, making water plenty
and gladdening the hearts and bright
ening the prospects of many miner in
Idaho Flat.
People f1ocked to the mines in droves.
As yet, very few women had come to
cast their lot with the two solitary la
dies whose lives had been such a success
sion of hardship during the long winter
months; and now that business was
again active and the demand for Edna's
pastry made it necessary that she should
work to supply it, and as Aunt Judy's
age and rheumatism both incapacitated
her from doing active work, there were
fearful drawbacks to be encountered.
"If John were only sober, or l were
only well, or we were not bound to each
other at all, might see some ray of
light for the future; but, auntie, cam
not live at this rate, and I must get rid
of John r' said Edna, one day, in a sud
den burst of angry defiance.
But to resolve, in her case, as in the
case of many another woman thus situ-
ated, was one thing, and to execute an
other. Before she had had time, after
having risen from her bed and again be-
gun her pastry business with proft-a
profit of which John availed himself
daily by standing at the receipt of Gus
toms when sober enOugh-almost before
she had had time to realize the ordeal
that was before her, the mother of Ida,
now a charming child of ten months,
became the mother of a son, making
what the miners call "two crops of
children in a year." as the result of a
hasty marriage aud the wicked subju-
cation of the really responsible party to
the contract.
Of course Edna was again prostrated,
and now, with two babies and a sick
mother on her hands and heart, dear
Aunt Judy, outraged as she had been by
Johns conduct in robbing her of the
team, as well as his drunkenness and
want of thrift and foresight, may wei
be pardOned by the average reader, fo
we are compelled to chronicle the fac
that she forbade John the house, anC
sought, infirm as she was, to set up al
establishment wherein she would not b,
compelled to support him, although
willing, as she expressed it, "to craw
on her hands and knees to get Living
for Edna and the children"
But, as in the case of Edna, it wa
easier to resolve to get rid of John thai
it was to put the resolve into execution
John simply would not go.
"If Edna were to drink and lie arouu
idle as you do, or, if she'd squande
money as you do, it wouldn't take yer
long tor you to compel her to 60, m
lord Smith u'
"But Edna don't drink nor gamble, 6
do, and so the cases are not parallel
Though, as to the lieing around par
she's hardly earned her salt in the lai
six months.n
"Auntie," said Edna, after she had 5
far recovered as to be able to wait ver
little upon herself and a great deal upo
the two babies, 81 wish you'd get ma
ried n
Aunt Judy gave a mellow laugh,
she settled herself with some difficult
upon a syrup keg that since the cab
had been able to boast such luxur
served her, when covered with gum
sack, as a seat.
"Mdrried, child! Don't you thir
one fool in the family's enough ?"
''Yes; but that isn't the idea. c,
see that you consider your lot ha
one here, and l don't wonder that Y,
do, Pm sure. The old gentleman VI
comes here every day for pies, and
whom notice you invariably reser
the incest ones, only wants little e
couragement-a very little. He doesI
drink or gamble, and as to the babies
guess you needn't fear 'em at your tir
of life"
The old lady blushed and fidgeted, a
Edna proceeded:
"If you had home for me to flee
Aunt Judy, I might get away fro
John"
"But suppose my-ahem! he would
would-o6ect 81
"Who? Johns"
"No, not John"
"Oh how stupid am Suppose
uncle to be should object? Is that wi
you mean?'
eyes, Edna"
'How could he oojectP Once 1 v