The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-22

,
, community of Fitchville Four Corners.
"Well," said Miss Philena Peck, al am
beat"
ale never had no judgment in money
matters" said the Widow Clapp
"Pve thought all along that he was
living too fast" said Barbara Bowper.
"Those poor little children, what Is to
become of them," said Naomi Poole,
wistfully.
The next day the Deacon made his ap-
pearance at Miss Peck's homestead, pale
and rather shabby, with child in each
hand and one following behind him.
"Miss Peck" said he, "I suppose you
have heard the news"
"Yes," said Miss Peck, looking vinegar
and tack nails. "If it's your failure as
you mean."
al think of going to California" said
the Deacon, "to see what can do, and if,
in the meantime, you could be induced to
give my children home"
20, dear, mo-" said Miss Peck. al
never could get along with pack of chill.
dren! l dare say you can find some Or
phan asylum Or place of that sort, by in
quiring around a little"
Miss Peck sat SO very upright, and
glared so frightfully out of her light blue
eyes at the Deacon, that he was fain to
beat retreat as soon as possible.
He knocked next at the Widow Clapp's
door. A slipshod servant maid opened
it.
ais Mrs. Clapp at homer" he asked.
A head was thrust over the stair railing,
and the widows shrill voice cried out:
ats that Josiah Grinder with his swarm
of young ones! Tell him am particular
engaged. Do you hear Betsey-particu-
lar"
Miss Barbara Bowper was arranging
trimmed hats and rolls of bright-colored
ribbon in her bow window, as the Deacon
and the little ones entered the shop.
"Miss Bowper," said the Deacon, "you
were ever genial and charitable soul. 1t
is to you that trust to make home for
my motherless little ones, while l endeav
or to retrieve my lost fortunes in the far
West"
81 couldn't think of such thing" said
Miss Barbara, dropping box of artificial
rose buds in her CONSERVATION. "And
really think, Deacon Grinder, you haven't
no business to expect it of me! It's all l
can do to support myself, let alone pack
of unruly children. dare say the poor
master could do something for them, Or
81 thank you," said the Deacon, with
dignity. II shall trouble neither you nor
him."
"Well said Miss Bowper, with toss OF
the head, 'you needn't fly into a rage be-
cause neighbor offers you bit of ad
vicew
But Naomi Poole ran out of the little
garden gate as the forlorn Deacon wen
by.
deacon Grinder" hesitated she, turn
ing rose red and white by turns, ais thi
true"
"About my Mariposa investment? Yes
, "And that you are going to California" /"
"I'm talking of it," said the Deacon.
"Would-could you let me take cart
of the little ones while you are gone? saie
Naomi, tenderly drawing little Dolly te
her side ~ am very fond of children
! and l would take the best care of them
: And you have been so kind to mother ant
! me, Deacon Grinder, that we should fee
y it privilege to be able to do something
:, for you"
e And poor, selthearted little Naom
r burst out crying. There was moistur
on the Deacon's eyelashes, too.
. "God bless you, Naomi!'' said he. "Yo
:, are good girl-a very good girl"
"Ain't it true? said Philena Peck.
"Well," said Mrs Mopsey, "it is, and
amt. He did lose what he invested
IT, them Mariposa mines, but it was only
- thousand; and the rest of his moneys a
tight and safe in United States bonds an
solid real estate"
"Bless me |" said Barbara Bowper.
, DWELL, never" said the Widow Clap
with discounted countenance.
= "And," went on Mrs. Mopsley, with e.
. ident relish in the CONSERVATION she VIZ
causing, "they are building new wing
=, the house, and he is to be married to N
omi Poole in the fall"
"a child like thatw said Mrs. Clapp.
"With no experience whatever" sa
Barbara Bowper, scornfully.
10 81 hope he won't repent Of his bargain
=, said Miss. Philena Peck.
+" And Miss. Philena's charitable hop
were fulfilled. The Deacon never did r
" pent Of his bargain.
~ The Present Age.