The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1880-11-11
chronological Journal.l
THE STORY OF A PEDDLER.
BY VIRGINIA DURANT covINGToN.
CONCLUDED.

bl N1hUlNlA III RA n GOV lNGlON.
, CONCLUDED.
When the Browns had partaken Of
the egg-nog and cake, Tom, the broth.
er, produced his fiddle and played fol
his sister and Rosina to waltz-tht
latter having kindly taught the neigh.
borhood girls the lessons she had learn.
ed from French dancing-master wher
child To her intense disgust, Eu.
dora, after two waltzes, marched bold
ly up to the peddler and proposed tc
him to dance schottische with her
He caught Rosinas expression, sprane
to his feet, and went through all the
movements with ease and grace. As
he led Miss Brown to her seat, she
loudly exclaimed: ''You are the beet
enest partner I ever gallivanted With
On his pallet that night, in the big
attic under the sloping roof, fragrant
with the odor of winter apples and
wheat, the 'peddler' made up his mind
to work henceforth with a very spec
ial object in view.
The next morning when he drew
out his pocket-book to pay his bill,
Mrs. Clayton repellel Linn with sig
nificant gesture. No, sir, it shall
never be said tlat Clayton charged
a traveller for a nights lodging. You
are welcome to such fare as we had to
give you; but don't insult our power
ty by offering us money"
perhaps then, madam, you will ac-
cept something from my pack? You
are very kind to me, but indeed I had
no right to tax your hospitality. I
have really been well entertained-so
well that | could hardly render an
equivalent in money; but do permit
me to make UP to you in some way
for the trouble [ have cost you. |
have here some elegant dress patterns
silk, delaine, and chale.'
Il will look at them and perhaps
buy some, y said the lady, emphatically.
As the peddler proceeded to open his
pack, the Misses Brown, who had spent
the night there, came in with Rosina
to examine the ''pretty things" One
pattern of chale, with fawn-colored
ground, besprinkled with rosebuds
and leaves, caught Rosina's eye and
fancy at once. "Oh, mamma, do get
that for me- she whispered-'I will
take it as Christmas gift" and in
ferring her wishes from the expression,
the peddler at once offered the pattern
to Mrs. Clayton at figure so much
below cost, that with involuntary in
credulity she closely scrutinized the
fabric in her hand, but observing
O'Connell flush, she with great good
breeding Immediately closed in with
his offer, paying his price, but uncon-
sciously receiving twice. the amount
his board would have cost at an ordi-
nary hotel.
Months passed away and brought
blooming June. One evening when
the old Lighthouse looked fairly trans
figured in its summer drapery of white
jessamines, climbing roses, and honey
suckles, and Rosina was at work among
her ANIMALS, she heard the gate-latch
click. and turning, confronted the
peddler of Christmas eve. He looked
tired and was wiping the beady per-
spiration from his forehead as he
"Good-eyening, Miss Clayton" was
his greeting, bowling distantly; twill |.
you let me rest while and show you
some new goods? | have a piece Of T
French muslin that | think will rarely |
become YOU
Somewhat embarrassed between her
liking for the man and contempt for
his occupation. her pride Of caste and |
womanly curiosity to see that pretty
dress, Rosina blushingly invited him
into the house, where her mother was
sitting in the passage, and hastened to /
bring pail of fresh water from the
spring, while Mrs. Clayton gave a
cordial welcome to the visitor. She
him that her health was con-
improved, and that she could
now walk with only the aid of stick.
When Rosina came in with a glass of
cool water for him he was showing
her mother an exquisitely fine pink
striped organdie.
''Oh, that is as pretty as my varie-
gated peonies!'' she exclaimed enthu-
Il must have it to wear
to the barbecue next week., and then
she stopped to her mothers ear, whis-
pering, Il have eggs enough to pay
for it, ma-at least if he will let you
have it as cheap as the chale."
Il hoped to sell it to you when [
bought it," remarked o. Connell, his
blonde face coloring deeply.
The old lady still hesitated, and it
being yet early in the evening, the ped
der prepared to leave, but she urged
him so earnestly to remain all night,
that he, nothing 10th, tossed his pack
aside and began to talk. Il do assure
you, lady Clayton" said he, showing
his fine teeth in smile, Il have seen
some queer specimens Of humanity
since bade you adieu Christmas morn
ing. | have walked fifteen hundred
miles, all in the bounds of this State,
and sold over a thousand dollars worth
of goods. One evening | found my
self in an extensive 'deadening,' fol-
lowing a foot-path which | had been
told led to a habitation where | would
be likely to sell good many things.
heard the most uncOnsciOnable yell
ing, shouting, and screaming as I adj
preached; so long-continued and in
dicative of strong excitement that
was fully persuaded some terrible ca
lamity had befallen the people to whose
house | was directing my steps. Just
on the edge Of the 'deadening' | came
upon a singular scene. A wretched
cabin without even a worm fence
around it, stood there-a mud CHM
ney at one end, against which stood
some ash-barrels; and racing round
and through the house beheld tall,
bearded man III hunting shirt, drag
ging after him the hide of some wild |
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