The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1881-09-15

"AfN f'ffrh"'NAfa
n How dye do, Miss Dcuton' I'm Mi
~ Reziah Fletcher, Perhaps you've hear
p Of me before was at Helmstone col
H. siderable spell, an since got back II
TO been laid up with the rheumatic. or /
y have called before come 10 see II you
u. take tea at my house tonight. III mal
you comfortable and itll be change Il
70 you.
D. Mrs. Dent made no reply. She stoo
G. staring at her visitor as II she had nc
heard her words. Then her eyes wander
r cd to the gate, and fell at last upon tn
u spring wagon and its occupant, who's
y golden curls were escaping from the clos
calico sun bonnet which shaded her prett.
3 face from the MONDAY sun.
Q Is that your child9 she asked, abrnbtly
y but without taking her gaze from Hetty
There was hungry, yearning lock in he
eyes as she spoke, tremor in her voice.
: Land sakesl No indeed calculated Mis-
= Keziab, with virtuous horror in her tone
+ / never was married. The only man eyel
cared a straw for was drowned at sea, and
those that cared for me was mercenary il
their views, Hetty's my sister James child
: Jane, she died to Helmstone some six
months back. Come. won't you jump in
the wagon and go with me? didn't low
to be disappointed in havin you to tea, so
made all ready for you.
Yes, I'll come, said Mrs. Denton, with.
drawing her gaze from Hetty. who was
grasping the reins with ludicrous earnest
ness, rs il the steadiness Of old Mol de-
pended entirely upon her
She went into the house and put on an
old fashioned straw bonnet, aud faded
black merino shawl Then she walked
down tho path and climbed into the wag-
on after Miss Keziah, without uttering a
word.
You forgot to lock your door, said the
careful spinster, as she took the reins from
Hetty's little hands.
A bitter smile curled Mrs. Dentons
lips:
never lock it, she said; there is moth.
ing in the house worth stealing.
The two women logged along the quiet
country road, with the child between
them Miss Keziah talking on different
subjects, in her kind, sensible, whole
hearted way. She did not allude to her
| visitors sorrows, nor did she mention the
visits paid to the lonely cottage by other
members Of the sewing circle.
A man took the horse when they reach
cd Miss Keziahs farm, which was mile
from the center of the town, and one of
the finest in the country. II was well cul-
tivated, well stocked with fruit of various
kinds, and its buildings were all comfort.
able and roomy, the house itself beng
built of stone, in substantial, old fash
ioned manner.
Miss Keziah led the way into her sitting.
room, and helped her visitor take off her
bonnet and shawl.
Have the easy chair, Mrs. Denton,
she said with great cordiality, and make
yourself to home. I've got to see to sup
per, but guess Hetty, mind you're good
while I'm gone
She left the room and was absent nearly |
half ON hour When she returned Mrs |
Denton had Hetty on her lap and was tell
ing her fairy story. The first smile the
poor womans face had worn for nearly d
year rushed on it as she looked up at Miss
Keziah's entrance, and said: She reminds
me so much Of my little Bertha. You
can't tell the good it does me just to hold
her in my arms--they have been empty so
long.
deep sigh followed the words.
I'm glad she hasn't bothered you, said
Miss Keziah, cheerfully But now come
in to tea. guess you're pretty nigh fam
ished watin' for it.
A sumptuous repast was in readiness.
Broiled chicken, cold ham, light biscuit,
apple, grape and pumpkin pie, ,doughnuts,
DOuHu cuht huu tOOhltS, tDlippStu blt
bill of fare, concluding with every variety
Of sweetmeat and condiment preserves,
pickls, honey and cheese. Miss Keziah
could not have arranged better feast, had
she been expecting bishop to tea, instead
OF poor widow whose stony heart she
wished to soften.
With d cordial smile the spinster mo-
tionel her guest to a seat, and, after put
ting Hetty in the high chair, sat down
herself at the head OF the table and rever-
emily asked blessing.
Didn't put up as many kinds OF pre-
serves as usual this year, she observed as
she helped Mrs. Denton TO jelly. amt
the womar ! used to be by long way.
Rheumatic do lay holt on body SOL I'm
in bed or on crutches half my time. / cal
kerlatd shall have to give up the farm If
don't mend. did lot on having Jane
here to manage everything for me; but,
poor thing, the fever carried her off all
10 onct, Just as she had got free o that or
nary husband o. hers. I'd hate to give up
though. Jane and me We're both born
here, and I've never knowed no other
home.
When supper was over the two women
walked about the yard, made tour Of the
garden, and admired the cows as they
came leisurely up to the" barnyard to be
MIXED Then Mrs. Denton remarked
that IL was growing late, and she must
hurry home.
What's the need Of your going? asked
Miss Keziab. I've got four spare rooms
and would be glad il they were all full
Gar,.,.aa yn., atay all utgbtt