The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-04-01

MRS. CLEMENTS HELP.
"Of all things this is the worst! Il
L ever in my life expected to hear such
news! Why, our George has gone and
got married! Dye hear?"
Good Mrs. Clements pushed hel
steel-bowed spectacles off her bright
eyes, and dropped her letters in her
lap, as she turned round to her hus-
band, the stout, clever old farmer, who
was contentedly stroking an old white
cat.
deacon, dye hear"
This time when she asked the ques-
ton there was touch of sadness in her
| voice.
Yes; what if he is married? Pm
sure it's natural enough. 1t kind o.
runs in the family, pears to me-"
But Mrs. Clements would take no
notice of the little pleasantly.
Well, if you like it, can tell you 1
don't. He needn't think he's coming
here with his fine city-bred lady, all
airs, and graces, and founces and ruff
fies. There's plenty of good girls here
about that wanted him. Right in the
middle of work, too! To talk of bring
in q lady here in hog killin' time!
do declare, I think George is fool"
A graceful, dainty little lady, in a
garnet poplin and ruffied apron, with
a small, proudly-poised head, covered
with short, dusky curls, having pair
of dark-blue eyes, so wistful and tend
er, a tiny rosebud of mouth, and a
dimple in each pink cheek.
That was Mrs. Marion Clements.
Was it any wonder that George had
fallen love with her?
She sat in the bright little parlor,
close beside the lace-curtained win
dow, watching for the loved husbands
click of the latch-key in the hall, flew
for the welcome kiss. Looking up,
she asked:
Haven't you the letter this time,
George? I've felt sure of it all day.
Indeed I've quite decided what dresses
to take with me-"
He smiled and shook his head. A
cloud passed over her pretty face.
"Oh, George! Isn't it too bad? And
L do believe they won't write because
they are sorry you married me-"
He put his arm around her neck.
"And supposing such to be the case.
do you think it would make any diff
ference with me?"
"Oh, no, no! Only it would grieve
me so if knew I had alienated your
own parents from you."
"And one sided alienation it would
be, too! They have never seen you.
And when they know you they can't
help loving you."
"Oh, George"
The exclamation was caused by the
kiss accompanying his own fiattery.
"That's true as preaching. Blythe
by, my dear, what would you say if
the firm sent me off on a travelling tour
of six weeks ?"
A little dismayed cry answered him.
You won't stay here alone, eh
But Marion, it would be $500 gain to
u.s."
"What need we care for money?
I'd rather have you."
A mischevious smile played over the
young mans lips he was more matter
of-fact than this romantic, tender lit
tie wife of his.
"I think the addition to our balance
at the bankers would be very consol-
ing for the absence. But never mind,
little pet. Let's go down to dinner.
1 hope We'll get a letter from home
soon."
And soon it was for Marion snatch
ed it from his pocket the very next
night. But her husbands face looked
grave and stern, and his eyes looked
angry when she looked gleefulIy over
the envelope.
MY dear, you must remember I
care very little what the letter con-
tains. Remember, I didn't write !;
that you are dearer to me than ever
before. Kiss me, first, while I watch
you"
A little pang of misdoubt troubled
her when she glanced over the note !;
then tears stole from under her lashes.
and George saw her tender mouth
quiver and tremble then, when she
had finished it, she laid her head on
his shoulder and cried.
1t was cruel to let you see it, my
wounded birdie. Let me burn it. And
don't forget, darling, what our Bible
says-that a man shall leave father and
mother, and cleave to his wife. You
are my precious wife, Marion, and to