The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1879-12-16

swell, we earned it to invest in. some-
thing, didn't we ?" -.-. -, =.
"Yes, but want to invest my money
in something that will bring in some
kind of an income" a VI
at would bring in the best of all in.
comes--not in dollars, but what is better
fam joy and happiness. Life would
have a purer and fuller meaning for US
both; 1t would bring higher and better
atmosphere in which to rear mp ouf chill
dren. Even the humm,ng- bird loves to
deck its sweet little nest with pretty
moses and lichens. Ought we not to
have as much love tor home ami its
adornings as Gods dumb creatures2.'
IL have snmething more important to
live for han humming-bird has," said
Mr.. Graham, tartlv. II would rather
leave something more subs antial my
children, such as bonds, well.ulled &c es.
for instance. | will tell you what ! aaye
been thinking Of" he said, with the air
Of one who felt that the expression OF
his opinion must necessarily bring con-
viction Of his superior Judgment You
know that l have always wanted that
forty-acre lot of Southwelfs that joins
me on the north. They say he is hard
up now, ard when he finds out that ]
can make large payment down be-
lieve that ! could get it mighty reasona-
hle. And when / got that paid for.
would have one Of the best farms in the
country Now what do you say to that Z
be asked triumphantly.
"It would run US right into debt
again !" said Mrs Graham.
WI, supposing it did. We have
swung clear his time easy enough, and
can again. You must rememhef that
the land was badly run down whenI first
got hold of it. but this farm is In good
condition now"
"Easv enough" Mrs. Graham did
not repeat the words aloud. Her has
band did not know OF the little sacrifices
and acts Of sclt-denial il had cost her.-
He never could know it, and therein lies
the pathos OF many sacrifice.
The next morning Mrs Graham was
uo betimes and busy as usual amidst her
household cares, but her heart had lost
its lightness and as she stood under fhe
locust tree which shaded the back door,
churning, it seemed. Too, as il much OF
the brightness had gone out of her life
Golden dsndelions nestled in the arsss
that carpeted the yard like stray bits of
sunshine; they we're still bright with the
dewy freshness of early morning. To
the right there was low meadow land /.
the silver thread that 'raversed it showed
where brook murmured along, its, tiny
waves sparkling in the sunlight. Toibp
left were gplds of grain with ripened
heads bowed, waiting for be sickle.-
The air was iull of happ sounds; the
,inkle 0f distant cow bells the voice OF
domestic fowls and the song Ut wild
birds. But her great disappointment
overshado wed it all. q
She could think of nothing bnt the
great barn-like house, painted e glazing
red, with its large shutterless windows,
like lidless eyes. stariLg out upon the
dusty highway. Inside it was equally as
barren of grace or beauty the wa ls were
dingy and unadorned by pictures OF any
kind: the furniture was guiltless of paint
or varnish; with no works OF literature
worthy of mention beside the weekly pa-
per, the Bible and an almanac In this
atmosphere she must live; here she must
heuceforth work ON, while mind snd soul
starved; here, too, she must rear her
children, to see worth or beauty is moth.
ing that cannot be represented bv gold.
What wonder, then, il her thoughts and
eyes wandered over the fields Of waving
grain, to where stately stone honse
stood on an eminence She knew there
was beauty there the breezes stole into
large, airy rooms, thI ough lace curtains !:
there was rich carpets and costly furni-
ture, and library that was alnosta an in
telleciual feas, hut to look at; outside
there was pleasant walks and drives. aud
a flower ga,den filed with rarest floral
treasures; and then she sighed softly as
she Thought to herself: "But love would
moi huye been there, and life would have
been Of little worth without that
'Jennie! Jennie! On. here you are, :"
and Nj. Graham came out Though the
back kitchen door and seated himself
upon the edge of q huge log that had
heen hewed out and did duty for both
eavesdfop and cistern 1t was not uu-
usual for him to seek her; be always did
when he came in and found her not in
The house Itewas not had hsbit in the
man. His very life seemed boand up in
her; and although be had thespputstion
among his neighbors of being .sclo-e''
in bis business Transactions, he was kind
hearted and generous, too, in his way =
This morning he had something Of iIn-
portance to communicate. p
81 didn't tell you last evening"" he
said, "tbat had already had some talk
with Southwell about that land. He
wouldn't listen to q cent under $4,000
then, and l wouldn't offer more than 81-
500. He came over to see me this NOR
ming and offered to split the difference
Amt that bargain, though! A little
better than spending money for paint OF
paper, Jennie2 OH be said, rising to
60. ~ came near forgetting to tell you,
Powers is here; he wants 10 hire out
through the harvest, 1 have hands
enough, but I suppose the more help
have the better l shall get along, so
told him to 60 right to work don'l
suppose he has been to breakfast vet
his folks are so slack, 50 von might sel
out bit for him to eat. Try ard have
the lunch ready by half past nine; vor
can blow be horn and will send one ot
the men down for H." 't7s1
/ Poor Jennie! 1t was like the las
straw that broke the camel's back; sht
struggled hard hut the tears would come
Mr.. Graham turned back and came in
stantlv to her side when he saw she va
j in trouble.
"What is the matter, dear :" he asked
compassionately while his large, kin'
hand glided down her hair with soft
caressing touch. e,a5ssIf5,
u There was no answer and the tear
only came the faster. ~
"lf you are not feeling well, VII
slip down and get Miranda Powers t.
J come out and help you; guess I'd bet
!, ter, anyway, hadn't II"
Mrs. Graham mastered her emotio
with an effort. ,s,s
| u0h m .ha. So;d Ufharn ien,t an q