Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-06-30
Margcry's Secret.

Henry Fleet, the blacksmith, had cosy
little house in Newburg, which he called
his birds nest. 1t, with ten good acres at
tached. had been in the Fleet family for
three generations The one son had al
ways followed the occupation of the sire,
as though they Were born to the business.
Harry had a pride in his work, and to
those friends who had large ambition for
him. he was wont to say 81 was born a
blacksmith; like il, and will remain one. .
In his L.ri's nest nestled his wife, Marg-
cry and his little son. They were the joy
and light of his work-a-day life.
For a number of years Harry had been
very happy man; but cloud had gath
cred in the sky, and at last it had moved
along Just over his cottage, and there it
obstinately stood. He had stood as bail
for an old friend who was in danger of los
ing his liberty in consideration of certain
liabilities. The friend mad lurched him.
Margery knew something had gone
wrong. He tried to keep the whole story
to himself, but the shrewd little woman
managed to ascertain his secret trouble.
ssYou see, Margery, don't mind, | can
work for you and the boy well enough,
but the homestead, there is no help for
if; that must go. and it has been in the
Fleet family ever since it was wilder
ness,
Harry told her the responsibility. SAID
he: 'Old Squire Mitchell has it, and
have mortaged the place. He has given
me several months in which 10 redeem it.,
but he might as well take it now, Margery,
/ shall be no better prepared to pay 1t
then"
Harry went to work, and Margery to
Illuminating. She had always been able TO
adapt means to ends, and supply the
means too. if necessary, for a wise little
thinking cap she was in possession of. But
this time she was sorely puzzled She
spent the afternoon in endeavering to plan
g method of relIef, but il crept away and
she felt tired and defeated.
1t was supper time. She heard her hus-
bands foot strike the gTaveled walk at the
same time she was struck with an idea
She put his supper on the table without
word. and instead of sitting down with
him as usual, said: ''Do you mind looking
after the baby awhile | want to run out
A neighbor came in sson after and in
ouired for Mrs. Fleet.
.sShe has gone out" he replied.
sIt must have been her | saw gong
into LAWYER Knowles Office momentag ago.
said the neighbor.
Harry did not reply, but he did not like
if. Young Knowles had once been SUIT
or of Nargery's. A little wavering' at first'
his attention, for he was shrewd young
fellow acute in his profession, and his per
sonal matters looking always to the main
chance. and Nargery had no fortune Du'
her face; though there was a rumor aoou'
the time of her marriage that an uncle IN
distant part of the country had ielt hei
nronertv more or less and her relatives
there had made it appear that she died In
childhood. and taken possession OF IL 'heli'
selves But Knowles had lost his heart to
her so effectually, before this report tna' n'
proposed. and had been unhesitatingly IT,
iec,ed. greatly to the astonishment OF '-in''
self and Harry Fleet.
Marpary was an orphan. and had peei
reared by Harry's kind parents anu i'o-.
continued association with him had ieainoo
40 read his big heart so well that abe kne"
who relgned queen in it long before y ,u nau
cos,rape to tell her. He, really, never couio
see why she had preferred plain mar
,u-. ,,;,,sef to one whom he considered s'
+,;shed in worldly grsce. IS young MO"
les Harry did not like what 'fanspn'u
and though too sensible man 10 g. -, 1.a,
ors a. . ,Tif,e he was not little perpieAe'
.,hs, his wife made no mehtion OF ne
business ont. on returning. as tne -
WOW, hv he came to know oil her caiiin'
.bere at other tunes, and once, on coming
s,o,,o earlier than usual, he met knowles 7"
his gate coming out. At heart ne i,au - =.
sse. ts;ts IN his wife, but fortune had oe
r,n 20 raek him on her wheel and a mat''
,ba, he would have thought little Oh Nv
weeks before, now had the Peyef W WV
him.
a.o 400 his vife's manne