The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1878-09-05

Olden memories, / did not note the
flight Of time, and was startled, as
/ though stung by million nettles, when
/ George called A halt at the village hotel
and assisted Ethel to alight from the
wagon. Very tenderly and respectfully
. he assisted me also, and then we entered
the little parlor and waited nervously
| for him TO fetch the promised deed, the
preacher, and the marriage license.
With a mental prayer, such as only a
loving mother so situated can offer, /
consecrated my darling to her new alli-
ance, and in spite Of my own desolate
lot, Joy unspeakabie possessed me. l
felt that I should reap fruition OF hap
piness in my children which l had
failed TO realize in myself.
But, after all, was not their promise
Of future joy the result only Of George
McDonald's innate nobleness? Had
he not risen above the law Of men, and
was he not doing his duty in spite Of it {?
Where would have been Ethers hope Of
protection in marriage had he been dis
posed to be no better than the law re-
quired him to be ?
With the marriage certificate that he
placed in her hand was the warranty
title to his homestead, which Ethel ac-
cepted under protest, but with ferveut
thanks for her husbands forethought,
and a look Of appreciation which he de-
clared was Of more value TO him than
many millions Of acres.
"Had married women equal rights
before the law; were they, as they
should be, the personal arbiters Of their
own destiny, / should not be so careful,
dear. But there is an element Of tyr
amy in every one Of us that needs con-
stautly to be met by the abrasion Of con-
fiicting interests. I will not dare 10
trust the happiness Of my wife even in
my own keeping. have seen too
many conjugal hells that have been
literally paved with good intentions. A"
Good bless you" I said, involuntarily.
"And now, mother mine, my bird is
secured, aud our cage awaits Us. Have
you any commands ?" he asked, as he
bent to kiss me.
81 should like you to find Gerald and
bring him here to me, If you will be so
kind" I answered, falteringly.
"You surely do not intend to allow
him to embitter your days hereafter -
was the hasty response.
81 surely do not know what I shall
do, George. He is my lawful husband,
and cannot ignore his claims upon me-
81 wish you would take my advice and
shake him of, for good and all have
"a home Of my own, or Ethels, now, "a
which you and the children shall al
ways be welcome, but I am resolved
never to harbor a drunkard under my
roof" he said, authoritatively.
"After all, there's a good deal Of To,
old Adam in you, George, for you begir
to assert yourself as husband at once
/ said, with a weary smile.
George laughed.
somebody has need to protect WON
en- seeing they are so poorly competeu
to protect themselves" he replied
promptly.
"But, my son, while I appreciate you
kindness, aud love you as my life,
must dissent from your dictation.
cannot consent to be a burden upon you
No son-in-law of mine shall ever sa,
that he married my whole family"
"But what do you propose to do ?n
"I shall lease this boarding house, an
d begin anew to make my own living"
so, mother n' exclaimed Ethel, in
p transport Of expostulation.
TO be continued