The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1879-12-03

can dop 1t is hard for me to keep my
little family together simply with my
needle, and the coal the children gather
from the track keeps one comfortable,
and leaves my scanty earnings for other
needs"
Yer girls hain't any on 'em old
enuff ter work out, be they, Miss Bur-
tonpp If so, I'd take one on 'em ter help
sister Betsy. That would be one less
mouth to feed, at any rate, and she'd
fair we'll"
"Janey is twelve years old, and has
been brought up to be useful; can wash
dishes, sweep. and do great deal of
the ordinary work of a household.
"All right, Miss Burton. Have the
girl ready when l come along back
from town, and I'll take her home with
me-"
Again in his wagon. Farmer Jones
communed with himself
Don't seem to be much of show
for a Thanksgivin' dinner at Miss Bur-
toms. Poor thing! It's agin natur
that sich pretty girl as she used to be
should have married that shiftless,
drunken Jim Burton, only to be left
with lot of young ones ter slave for"
All that day Farmer Jones seemed in
an uncommon grave mood. The town
people missed IL certain heartiness in his
manner, and not once did his old boy
like laugh ring out to notify Centerville
that Joel Jones was in town.
1t was almost dark when he reached
the widows cottage, and a furious snow
storm had commenced. But, securing
his restless team, he stamped into the
little kitchen.
Its stormin' terribly, Miss Burton,
and l guess your little Janey better not
think of going tonight"
mo, thank you. l fear it would be
too tedious for the child. But will you
not be seated, Mr.. Jones, and get warm
before you go onP"
Slim chance for that" thought he.
But after an awkward pause he an
swered: q would like to ha, word
with you in private, Miss Burton"
With an expression of surprise she
led the way into the cold and cherries
little sittipg-room.
"Jane Burton" began he, after clear
ing his throat, you and | have known
each other since we war children. We
war young folks together, and, though
you war er pile above me, / always
loved ye. But knowin' / warn't fit fer
ye ter wipe yer old shoes on, l never
said word, and let yer marry i'm Bur-
ton, while | took Nancy Price. Since
then ther good Lord has taken both on
'em, leavin' you with an empty purse,
and me with an empty house. Well,
ter make long story short, hadn't had
ye out of my mind since | war here this
mornin', and my heart is chock full of
ye. And now, Jane, if I'm good ernuff
fer yer, say so, and I'll try and do duty
, by ye and the little ones
During his earnest, stammering speech
the poor woman had blushed and grown
like a full-blown rose, and actually
looked youthful again, and like the fair
young girl he had loved before; and
tears dimmed her eyes as she answered.
: "I cannot think for moment of ac-
cepting SO mob C and generous an offer.
Reflect what burden you would as
sumo. can bring you nothing but a
broken constitution and five helpless
children. No, my good friend. | shall
think of you ever as the kindest and best
of men,"
She broke down completely, and could
only extend her hand. The good man
grasped it with a vise-like pressure, and,
as the little woman began to sob, he
took her in his great, strong arms and to
his ample breast, whether she would or
no, and talked SO earnestly and long that
the children grew tired of staying alone
in the dark (for the mother had carried
away the lamp, and the horses were
stamping impatiently outside in the
storm.
{ God bless ye, Jane. Yen come to
a big heart and warm, full house, u
said the farmer, as the little woman mt
last smiled her consent. and blushed
more than ever as he fervently kissed
her and took his departure.
). If ever man walked on air, Joel Jones
, did for the next two days, and Betsey
declared to the hired man that be acted
Jest like a crazy critter." He was al
most omnipresent- went in and out OF
the house in a state of mental disquiet
and mixed himself up with the domestic
preparations for the coming feast in the
most rromiscuous fashi IN. He insisted
J upon an immense plum cake being
made stoned raisins, beat eggs-and
declared, with many a chuckle, when il
was at length finished "that it looked
/ for all the world like brides cakei'
: And then when Betsey actually iced it
, and placed wreath of pressed and dried
: gorgeous autumn leaves upon it's bulg-
| ing top by way of ornament, he was in
ecstacies.
"Wal. there it is Joel, and do hope
you arc satisfied for once. Ye will have
, grand dinner, and no one tu it," said
his sister.
| Don't you believe that Betsey. Jisi
t set the table for a full half dozen be-
: side you and me, and see if / don t fetch
r along somebody ter fill their places when
| come hum to- morrow from church."
, Betsey gave sniff of disapproval, but
continued the completion of the prep.
, arations, thinking what an old fool hel
; brother was getting to be
Thanksgiving day dawned clear and
bright, though very cold, and the good
folks of Centerville were quite surprised
to see Farmer Jones come dashing ur
! to the church door, in his fine new
9 sleigh with most jubilant chime o
bells and the widow Burton, snugly
J tucked beneath the robes, by his side
3 And a little later they actually tool
away the breath of the congregation a.
, they marched up the aisle-the LITTLE
woman clinging to his arm, dressed il