The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1879-09-04
aHe never had no judgment in money
u z..l


"I've thought all along that he was
living too fast" said Barbara Bowyer.
Those poor little children, what is
to become of themP ?" said Naomi Poole,
wistfully.
The next day the deacon made his
appearance at Miss Peck's homestead,
pale and rather shabby, with child in
each hand and one following him.
Miss Peck" said he, 81 suppose you
have heard the news?"
Yes" said Miss Peck, looking vine
gar and tack nails. eff it's your fail
ure as you mean"
think Of going to California" said
the deacon, TO see what L can do, and
if, in the meantime, You could be in
duced to give my children home"
20, dear, mol" said Miss Peck. II
never could get along with pack of
childrenl I dare say you can find some
orphan asylum or place of that sort, by
inquiring around little"
Miss Peck sat so very upright, and
glared SO frightfu1ly out OF her Light
blue eyes at the deacon, that he was
fain to beat a retreat as soon as pos
sible. f2h1a.'ss
He knocked next. at the Widow
Clapp's door. A slipshod serYant-maid
opened it. .5e sEss .,
Is Mrs. Clapp at homer" he asked.
A head was thrust over the stair-rail-
ing, and the widows shrill voice cried
out:
"It's that Josiah Grinder with his
swarm of young onesl Tell him am
particular engaged. Do you hear, Bet
sey particular"
Miss Barbara Bowyer was arranging
trimmed hats and rolls of bright-col-
ored ribbon in her bow window as the
deacon and the little ones entered the
shop.
Miss Bowyer," said the deacon, you
were ever a genial and charitable soul.
It is to you that I trust to make home
for my motherless little ones, while I
endeavor to retrieve my lost fortunes in
the far West"
"I couldn't think of such thing"
! said Miss Barbara, dropping box of
artificial rose-buds in her CONSERVATION.
And / really think, Deacon Grinder,
you haven't no business to expect it of
mel It's all can do to support myself,
let alone pack of unruly children. /
dare say the poor master could so some
thing for them, Or"
I thank you," said the deacon, with
dignity. "I shall trouble neither you
nor him."
Well" said Miss Bowyer, with toss
of her head, you needn't fly into rage
because a neighbor offers you bit of
good advice!"
But Naomi Poole ran out to the little
garden gate as the forlorn deacon
went by.
Deacon Grinder" hesitated she,
turning rose red and white by turns, is
this true?"
About my Mariposa investment? !?
Yes"
"And that you are going to Cali
| formal"
8. am talking of it," said the deacon.
| Would-could you let me take care
of the little ones while you are gone ,"
said Naomi, tenderly drawing little
Dolly to her side. :" I am very fond of
children, and I would take the best care
of them. And you have been so kind
to mother and me, Deacon Grinder,
that we should feel it privilege to be
able to do something for you"
And poor, soft-hearted little Naomi
burst out crying. There was moist
ure on the deacon's eyelashes, too.
"God bless you, Naomil" said he.
"You are o good girl-a very good
girl"
"Ain't it true?" said Philena Peck.
"Well," said Mrs. Mopsley, "it is,
and it amt. He did lose what he in
vested in them Mariposa mines, but il
was only thousand; and the rest of
his moneys all tight and safe in United
States bonds and solid real estate"
"Bless mel" said Barbara Bowyer.
"Well, I neyerl" said the Widow
Clapp, with discounted countenance
"And," went on Mrs. Mopsley, with
evident relish in the CONSERVATION she
was causing, they are building new
wing to the house, and he is to be mar.
ried to Naomi Poole in the fall"
GA child like that! said Mrs. Clapp
With no experience whateverp said
barbara Bowyer, scornfully.
81 hope he won't repent of his bar
gain" said Miss Philena Peck.
And Miss Philena's charitable hopes
were fulfilled. The deacon never did
repent of his bargain.