Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-05-13
mis- cELLANE US.
THE DEACON'S EXPERIMENT.

81 hope the children haven't been any
trouble to y"u Miss Peck 2" said Deacon
Grinder. as his owe horse chaise drew up on
the green in frunt of Miss Philena Peck 3
house.
Miss Peck hurried out, all smiles, to greet
the portly widower.
1.-The little darling" cried she, effusivcly.
''Troub!e, indeed!' Why, Deacon, how you
talk! It's a positive pleasure to have 'em
here. l should like to keep them here q
week"
The deacon smiled and shook his head
That would be little too much" said he.
Come children, jump into the wagon"
And the three appIe-cheeked little Grim
ders two girls and a boy-were kissed and
hugged, and lifted into the wagon by the
beaming spins.er.
IL shall be lonely when they are gone,"
she said. Il do so doso on children! Re-
member, darlings. thnt the gooseberries will
be ripe next week. and that your own Pecky
will be only too happy to see You again"
The widow Clapp came hurrying out. as
the chaise ratified by, with tin pail in her
hand.
Dear me, Deacon Grinder" said she.
"you are always in such hurry Do stop
a minute, can't you? I haven't seen the
children 10 an age. Here's pail of our
new honey in the comb. / know. the dar-
liDgs will like it on their bread and butter
of an evening. When are they coming to
spend the day with meY l declare Josie is
growing to be perfect beauty"
"Tut, tut, Mrs. Clapp." said the deacon,
his face shining all over with satisfaction.
"Handsome is that handsome does. That's
my motto"
And nobody cau't do handsomer than
my little Joe," said Mrs. Clspp. And
there's Tommy grown, as never was, and
Dolly the very picture of you; drop into tea
some evening this week"
The deacon had hardly guided his old
horse around the corner Of the village green
when Miss barbara Boyer tripped out of tho
millinery storc.
II do hope you'll excuse me Deacon
Grinder" said che, with all the pretty con-
fusion which naturally belongs to maiden
OF six aud thirty summers. "but l was so
edited with your be.yu-rifui remarks in
prayer meeting. Monday night, that 1 could
not help setting myself tn work to think
what could do for you. And here's a col
lar I've stitched for dear Tommy. and a
handkerchief I've embroidered for Josie,
and doll as I've took the liberty to dress
for Dorothy. Oh, don't thank me, pray.
1t amt nothing compared TO the peace of
mind I got, listening to your precious re-
marks
But Naomi Poole, sitting at her needle
work, by the old red farm house window,
had only a smile and nod for the party as
they drove by.
pa" said Josie, who was a shrewd SAL
low faced child OF eleven. don'r Miss Poole
love us as we'll as Miss Peck aud Mrs. Clapp
and Miss Barbara BOyer2"
81 hope so. my child" said the benign
| deacon. "Who do you ask the question:"
"Becsuse she never gives US anything"
said Josie.
'She is poor chi!d-she is poor" said the
deacon. ''But am sure you all have her
| good wishes.
I'D rather have the honey" said Tom
my.
"And gooseberries aud dolls," added lit
tie Dorothy.
But when the descon sat alone By his
| hesrthstone. that evening, his sister, Miss
Mahala Ann Grinder expressed herself on
the subject with great plaiuness and perspi,
! cacity.
IF you've really made up your mind tc
marry again Joshua" said she.
Il think vt would add to my domestic fe
licity." said the deacon serenely
"Iu that case" said Miss Mahala Ann
II do hope you'll make a sensible choice
and not allow yourself to be imposed upoI