San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1878-06-15

10 the same thing, ana I've even ihtro
duced her as my sister sometimes Il
save ceremony. Jane generally ex
plains, for she is very constellation
and strict woman, but tho ramiiication
of relationship are so intricate that
never stay to hear them unraveled. Oh
this Saturday morning of which speal
, l rushed into James kitchen, singing,
know a bank wherein the wild thyme blows
but the notes died away in an embar
raised cough. For there, by the kitch
en- range, fitting back in his chair, anc
staring at me with all his might, was {
strange gentleman. One could see he
was gentleman at the first glance; and
truth to say, all the good people thai
visited Jane did not reach my idea OF
true gentility. In the mean while 9
warm, generous, encouraging smile
lighted up his face.
"My-my sister is outp" l stammer.
ed, looking about me for Jane.
"Your sisterp" he said, inquiringly
and as Jane wasn't there, was CON-
PEELED to explain.
"Not exactly my sister," l began ;
and suddenly he broke in:
"YOur sister-in-law, you meanP"
"Oh, what does it matterp" said.
"It's of some little consequence to
me-" he said, still smiling in his pleas
ant way, and somehow l felt as if I'd
known him hundred years. Before I
knew it began telling him about the
stuffed meat for my little Towards
Sunday dinner; I had to wait for Jane,
and it was stupid to stand there and say
nothing. At the least encouragement
my tongue always ran like mill-race,
and here was the brightest and best of
reasons for talking, when l had so
ready and willing listener, and one so
sympathizing and genial. From my
little Howard it was the easiest thing in
the world to get back to his poor dear
papa, and my heart was strangely
warmed and comforted by the gentle
sympathy that shone in the face of this
kind gentleman for my widowed and
lonely condition.
As usual, when my tongue ran ahead
of my reason, was brought up short
by the awkward consequence of this i'm
pulsiveness of mine, and when found
that was actually being consoled by an
entire stranger, my tardy timidity took
fright, and 1 should have beaten re-
treat if he had not anticipated me.
81 think Jane is coming" he said.
81 will 60 out for walk, but 1 hope
soon to see you again.
l couldn't help smiling when he
smiled to save my life. He caught up
his hat from the dresser, and went to the
door.
"Why, where are you going, JohnP"
said Jane, upon the threshold.
"I'll be back presently" he said, land,
with another little nod at me, he disap-
peared.
.To think of that woman next door
sticking needle in her baby's eye!"
said Jane. 81 declare to goodness, a
woman that won't sew hooks and eyes
or buttons on her dress don't deserve to
have baby!"
l fastened to turn sideways to Jane.
My poor dear Howard used to say that
every embrace of his was at the risk of
being stabbed with pin or needle,
so, to change the subject, 1 asked Jane
who the gentleman was that had just
left us.
"Why, that's brother JOHN" said
Jane" brother John, from Long Is
land. He's such home body guess
you've never seen him before" Here
Jane paused, and winked her eye at me,
and smiled. Her smile was like her
brother Johns, and lit up her whole
face. "You see," Jane went on, be-
ginning to mold her bread, but still
and winking at me, "John's
come down here for somethin' special.
My worst enemy couldn't call me
a match maker, but when l see poor
widow strugglin' along tryin' to keep
the wolf from the door, l can't help
takin' an interest There's nothin'
mean or contrivin' about me-"
"I'm sure there isn't jane" said.
"And | hate n meddler; but ever
since Belindy died, Johns just buried
himself down there at his place on Long
Island: beautiful place-Je-yu-ti,tul,"