Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-05-28
The Mortgaged Farm.

six o'clock!' said Marion Hilyard,
looking up suddenly as the tall old
fashion clock in the corner rang out It's
shrIll announcement; six O'Clock, and
oh mother here is Jenney Lane. pune
tual TO the very moment. Now we
shall have good news from Jack,
hope
She rnn out to the gate. flushed ant
eager to receive the letter from the
country carrier; and returning. seated
herself on low stool at her mothers
feet. and broke the envelope.
On the first glance Of It's cor 'ent' a
>hade of disappointment dimmed hei
bright face
Instead of reading the note aloud she
Glanced hurriedly over the brief lines
aud uen silently, with a qulverIng hp-
placed it in her mothers hand aud
turned aside to window.
This is whal Mrs. Hilyard read:
DEAR MADAM-I saw your son a
few da\s since. when, to my surprise.
he expressed himself reluctant to apply
his money 10 the red,ening oftle mort
oacr. saving that he required it for a
,nrculation which promises to be more
prot'table TO him than the holding ol
ihe firm. have. therefore, been COM
pelled 10 dispose of the mortgage TO a
Gentleman OF my acquaintance, who
uurposes TO take immediate possession ;
and | consider it my duty to intolm you
thereof, III order that you may lose no
dme in making arrangements for re
moyal. Very respectfully,
ARNER HARRIS
Mrs. Hilyard returned the letter to
its envelope with a trembling hand and
a dazed. bevildered look, as. though un'
able to realize the blow which had SO
suddenly fallen upon them.
her eyes met Marion's, and the gil
threw herself upon her knees by her
mothers side and burst into passion
of tears.
.Oh. mother, mother. what shall We
do? What will become of US"
s sThe Lord will provide, said Mrs
Hilyard, raising her overAowing eyes tC
the mctto on the wall, embroidered b,
Marion's own hand. Where Is YOU
faith. my child, that ii should fail yol
in this the very hour of need"
Mother, II is not 50 much the loss o
our home nor the poverty and trial II
store which eneves me. but that Jaci
your son my brother-should have 81
CHANGED. Oh, mother, know that ou
Father in Heaven will not desert US
but to whom on earth can We turn wheI
even Jack can become worldly ant
hcartless?'
At this mement little blue-eyed CIR
burst into the room with:
Naturalization !! here Is Miss Me
liza Anderson at the gate. in her buggy
She says will you step out a minute 10
She wants to tell you about old Mr.
Millard being sunstruck and she dar
emit leave her horse without somebod
to hold him. t.....
Marion was in no condition 10 listel
To 'M,lia-fhe greatest gossip in tn
neighhorhood SO Mrs. HllNard, dryln
,er ewes, was IN ciyihty compelled t
see the informal visitor. Marion, he
lhead resting upon the window-sill be
hind The screen of clinging roses. coul
Ihave heard every word spoken; bu
absor bed IN her grief, she pad no a
l1tn,ion until the name OF Wat Hmto
| struck upon her ear.
It's true, Tor certain for Maria ha
# from his own sister. Aggie Hintor
Savs Maria. in her mild way. If b
comes back with all that money-yo
ltnow his uncle Samuel left him mo'
| Of his property last. year-says Marl'
If he comes back nch. mean to 81
Imy CAP Tor hlm.' On which Aggie, al
,wers. oh. you needn't; for he's
he married before long, and to ii rel
nice, pretty glrl.' Of course, Mar
wanted to know all about it; but A!
lie only laughed IN her mysterious wa
until Maria says. II believe you al
ioking?' when Aggie replies, III Wa
v Tier ISN'T married before winter III NAL
you present of my new earrings whi'
ne has sent me- So you see it's ce
ain sure (; ndhodoubthe'll bring h
bride to visit his family, and then, te
Marion, we may look out for a graz
! lasrty. When tic iHiulons und1taI
to do things, they always do il han
-omely.' -o., ,rfgr
Marion stayed to hear no more
Gliding out oftbe side door, she cross
the garden, passing little Myra, wi
WAS iondling a snow-white cali, b
y great pet and trcasufe, and who call
ont TO her 10 see how fast Snowbi
was growing
Poor little sister Itwouid be as ha
':tupon her as upon her mother and he
self 10 leave the dear old home Gwl
all the scenes aud objects epaeared
Z them By the associations OF their hy'
H. ,,,s TINT a mtfie.s aplcasauf. 0ld-fas