Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-04-15


robe. Already she had begun to show
signs of discomfort.
"I shall find something by-and-bye,"
the husband said, bravely.
Itwas at this trying time that little
speck of humanity was put into Stellas
arms, and its feeble cry told that the re-
sponsibility of motherhood was hers.
am the happiest man alive" ex-
claimed Clarence, carressing wife and
child. 1.-THE very happiest," he re-
peated again, kissing the baby boy. =.
"Let pride 60 TO the dogs, Stella" j"
he added, remembering that now his re-
sponsibility was greater than before.
"They want workmen ON the new city
hall. "I'll take my hammer-it will
give us bread"
She ought to have been contented,
ought to have thought with pride of the
man who would thus brave the worlds
| opinion.
He went in early morning, and came
home late at night, as other workmen
did, his handsome face glowing with
| love.
Sister Belle had said that her tastes
were luxurious, and she wanted a pretty
home now, and fine apparel for herself
and baby.
The people of the world in which she
had lived had never to count on their
money to know if they could buy new
dress. She had never been taught TO
make the best of whatever circumstances
you may be placed in, and why should
| she nowp
| The little privations she endured wor-
| ried and vexed her, and in little while
the sweet tempered woman grew moody
and down hearted. She became careless
| in her dress. and instead of the cheerful
| little wife he used to see, he found n
gloomy woman and disorderly house
But he never complained.
"Stella is homesick," he would say,
land the care of baby is too much for
her. | must make some money" and
his hammer rang with redoubled energy.
Yet every day her discomfort grew
more apparent.
How can you expect me TO live
among such surroundings, Clarencew
was her appeal when the husband
begged her TO be of good cheer.
ITS cruel in you," she sobbed. IL
want 10 be back again in my old home,
among my own friends"
The warm glow came TO his face, and
he drew her tenderly toward him with
out word, but there was look piteous
to see in his handsome eyes. while his
| resolve was to work still harder.
| There came day, later n little-"for
some days must be dark and dreary ~
when it did seem that matters had come
| TO crisis.
The city hall was finished long ago,
the ODD Fellows building completed
and the last stroke had been given 10 the
new church. Clarence must look for
something new. Jennie, who had
minded Freddy for two or three months.
had to go, and all the household cares
fell upon Stella's hands.
They had moved from place 10 place
since Freddy's birth, hoping 10 find a
house with which Stella would be con-
tent.
But those people are all alike she
said, land | may as well be in one place
as another" was her reply to Clarence,
when he suggested that they move into
q new block.
Ii was unwomanly in her TO say this,
she knew, the moment the words es-
capped her lips, and she thought TO run
after her husband and beg his forgive
ness, but Just then Freddy caught at her
diess, causing her to spill the water she
was pouring into the tea kettle, which
only increased her vexation.
You cross little troublesome thingm
she exclaimed, impatiently. Take
thatV laying her hand heavily on the
/ little bare shoulders. I'm sick to
death with having you always hanging
to my skirts"
With this she let fall the earthen
pitcher she held in her hand, and drop
ping into the nearest chair, burst into
hysterical weeping.
Freddy. with the prints of her fingers
still red on his neck, toddled to her side,
and tried to climb into her lap. But she
pushed him away Grossly, with
go play with your blocks and
horses; | don't want you near me ~ and
her hand was raised to lay on the rosy
cheek.
Don't do anything you'll be sorry
for by-and-bye. Stella" Clarence said,
coming into the room just then.
Something in his face stayed her
hand just on the moment. and she rose
to her feet, flushing with shame and
anger.
~ thought you'd gone down town.
she replied, sharply. "Oh, dear, If I'd
minded sister Belle l shouldn't have
been here. She was right. ] had no
business to marry poor man.
You re not quite yourself this morn
ing. Stella" and his eyes were full of
unshed tears as he caught sight of the
rel marks on her baby's neck.
Do you suppose can endure every
tlIing" she cried. spitefully.
You are nervous and tired, dear.
Come here" and he put out his hand TO
clasp her. t..,..
she glided from him and went into the
adjoining room.
something wet fell on the baby's
head, and he pressed him closely 10 his
bosom as he caught the sound Of her
sobbing.
81 have heard of something new this
morning. Stella, and I'm going TO New
York by the next train"
He tried to say IL cheerfully.
YOU'RE always hearing of something
new, ~ was her quick reply; "but what
does 1t amount topn
$50 am hoping for something bet
ter, and think | have found 1t now.n