The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-07-12
It's jnst as I thought dom intend

which he was adjusting; but l don't
see no reason why he shouldn't if he
has mind tew.'
But there as a reason, if you can't
see it! said the widow, with re-
proving shake of the head. There's
reason in everythin.' Didn't he look
sorter solemncholy, as if he had heard
some bad newsT
wal, no; l can't say as lie did. l
didn't notice nothing pecoolyer % out
him, 'ceptin he kept his handkeecher
tew his mouth, as ii he'd got the tooth
ache, or suthin.'
He wanted TO hide his face, more
likev retorted the widow. He was
ashamed to be seen sneakin' out OF
town in that fashion, aud no wonder T.
'Mebbe so,' was the philosophical
rejoinded.
AN then tew think how attentive
he's been tew Mahitable Green! Eye.
rybody said they was as good as en-
gagged. He goes there every Sabbath
day evenin' all always waits on her
home from meetin.' To my certain
knowledge, them tew have stood talk
ing at the gate half an hour on the
stretch
you've go very obsarvious mind,
widder there amt many folks that
see as much as you dew
There amt much that goes on in
the village that don't know OF, if L
dew say itl' responded the widow,
with a gratified air.
'An' it is SO kind hearted of ye tew
be interested in them that you amt in
no way responsible fOr!'
Wal, folks is commonly so selfish
they can't seem to think of nobody
but themselves an them that belongs
to 'em. I thank the Lord | amt no
siciit- Poor Mahitable! | really feel
for her! She sot her life by Mr.
Brown. body could see with half an
eyel Melissy Powers was there when
she fust heerd ont, an says she was
all struck of heap. Said she saw
him the night before, an he didn't say
nothin' bout agoin'. 1 must say it's
the curiousest thing ever hearn tell
on! What could be the reason he
didn't marry her?'
tWal, he might have good reason
fort. AS 1 told Brother Sam, when
he was prancin' round with the Wild.
der Pettee, when mans got wile--
The widow lifted up her hands and
eyes. Good gracious! You DOM
mean to say he's married?'
'Tew be sure, and got three chill.
dren.'
sOf all things! Who on airth told
you?'
'Who told me? Why 1 was at the
-weddin.. myself. Is it anything sur
prising fur a man tew git married p
sWal, no. But tew think that you
never mentioned it,
Il didn't s'pose twas anything tha,
would interest you in particularly re-
sponded josh, as he put the last screw
into the face of the clock. L hadn't
no idee then that you was sich a kind
and charitable turn of mind. 1 guess
it will 60 all right now. I'M goin'
tew the Center this afternoon, but l
shall be back the fust OF the week, an
if there's any tronble just let me
know
'The sly, deceitful, good-for-nothin'
scamp exclaimed the widow Peabody
as she tied on her bonnet, preparatory
to spreading this delectable bit OF
scandal through the village. 'Tew
think of mis- havin a wife and three
children, an he purtending to be a
single man! Ill unmask the vilyun !!
The Widow Peabody was as good
as her word, succeeding so we'll in hel
benevolent, self-denying efforts tha,
when Brown returned to Barberry
Green, as he did few days after, be
was received with a mixture of con-
straint and GOODNESS by his former
associates and friends that puzzled
him. To complete his vexation and
bewilderment Mahitable Green, whose
esteem and affection he was SO anxious
to secure, actually refused to see him
The studious avoidance of him by ev
eryone made it no easy thing for him
to do, but he finally succeeded in trac.
ing the matter to its source.
There was quilting al Squire Tel.
ter's and such q clatter of tongues a.
there was in the 'square.room,' where
the fair quilters were congregated
The Widow Peabody was there, o
course she never failed 10 put in ap.
pearance on such an occasion. Ma
bible Green was there, too, though
she had much rather have stayed q
home, poor grill But she was higl
spirited, and wasn't going 10 have folk.
think she was wearing the willow,
not she! She sat among a merry
group of her own age, her smilin.
face little in unison with her heav,
heart.
The Widow Peabody was the centc
and attraction OF All interested, if no
an interesting group. Never was he
voluble tongue more active ant
venOmOus. She was repeating To-
about the hundredth time, her account
OF Mr.. Browns baseness and dup!ici
ty, and to which she had given vari
ETY. of additions and embellishments
when the door opened, and in cam,
the hero of it, followed by Josh Hard
wick. Without noticing the astonish
ment on the faces OF those present, h,
marched up to where Mrs. Peabody
sat.
Good evening, ma'am. l hear tha
you have been busying yourself wit!
my affairs good deal lately
Sir said the widow. orimly. 81 con