Claiborne guardian. [volume] (Homer, La.) 1877-188?, 1879-10-01

said the deacon. "But j am sure
you all have her good wishes"
"Fd rather have honey said
Tommy.
"And gooseberries and dolls,'
added little Dorothy.
But when the deacon sat alone
by his hearthstone that evening,
his sister, Miss Mahala Ann Grind.
er, expressed herself on the subject
with great plainness and perspica-
city.
"If you've really made up your
mind to marry again. said she
III think it would add to my do
nestle felicity" said the deacon, So
renely.
ain that case" said Miss Mahala
Ann, 81 do hope you'll make SEN
sible choice, aud not allow your
self to be imposed upon by a pack
of selfish widows and scheming old
maids.
"Sister,- said the deacon mildly,
"you are severe
mo, | amt" said Mahala Ann.
"If you wasn't well.to.do in the
world, and hadn't nice home and
farm and money at interest, they
wouldn't none of them look twice
at you. -
"Do you think sol" said the dea.
con, and he pondered the question
long aud earnestly in his own mind.
Upon the WHOLE" said he, bring.
ing down his palm upon the table,
81 amt sorry that those invest
ments of mine in the Mariposa Sill.
yer Mining Company have proved a
failure"
"What do you meant" said Miss
Mahala Ann, curiously cycling him
over the top of her spectacles.
But the deacon only shook his
head and smiled.
"Time will SHOW" said he, "time
will show
The news that Deacon Grinder
was wrecked in Mariposa silver
mining stock flew like wildfire
through the peaceful community at
Fitchville Four Corners.
"Well." said Miss Philena Peck,
81 am beat"
ale never had no Judgment in
money mattcrs,' said the Widow
Clapp.
"I've thought all along that he
was living too tast,' said Barbara
BOwyer.
"Those poor little children! What
is to become of them!" said Naomi
Poole, wistfully.
The next day the deacon made
his appearance at Miss Peck's home
stead, pale and rather shabby, with
child in each hand and one follow
ing him.
"Miss Peck" said he, ~ suppose
YOU have heard the news"
, "Yes," said Miss Peek, looking
, vinegar and tack nails. "lf its
your failure as you mean"
81 think of going to California,
said the deacon, "to see what car
do, and if, in the meantime, you
could be induced to give my chill
dren a home"
go. dear, no." said Miss Peck. 81
never could get along with pack
, of children! dare say you cal
find some orphan asylum or place
:, of that sort, by inquiring around
little
Miss Peck sat so very upright
and glared so frightfully out Of he
: light blue eyes at the deacon, tina
A. 40; N hnnf IN,
p soon as possible.
r He knocked next at the Widow
S Clapp's door. A slipshod servant
; maid opened it.
sis Mrs. Clapp at homer he ask
r ed.
!. A head was thrust over the stair
s railing. and the widows shrill voic,
q cried out:
ats that Josiah Grinder will
4 his swarm of young ones! Tell hin
# Pm particular engaged. DO yO'
;. hear Betsey-particnlar.'
!. Miss Barbara Bowyer was arTang
ing trimmed hats and rolls of bright
/. colored ribbon in her bow .windoy
G as the deacon and little ones enter
= ed the shop.
|. "Miss BOwyer,- said the deacon
i. "you were ever genial and char
n table soul. 1t is to you that | trus
t to make home for my motherles
O little ones, while endeavor to re
II trieve my lost fortunes in the ia
l. West.n
;. 81 couldn't think Of such thing;
:, said Miss Barbara, dropping a DO
O of artificial rose. buds In her con
K sternation. "And l really think
/. Deacon Grinder, you haven't n