The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1881-02-24
A PECULIAR WOMAN.


IT didn't spill more than ten drops,
Cousin Silence. How you worry over
the loss Of a little grease"
'sIt's one Of my principles to save, as
you might a learned long ago."
II believe in prudence; but what's
few drops of lard more or less on this
farm, and nobody knows how much in
bank? You skimp and screw as if you
think there were danger Of your getting
on the town."
"Well, you are the frankest young
man I ever saw" and Silence Withers
put her arms akimbo and gazed at her
young cousin, Tom Lowey, as if he
was curiosity escaped from some mu-
scum.
Eyes; I was always noted for my
frankness," said Tom, coolly, "and 1
never hesitate to speak my mind when
duty urges. However, I don't want to
hurt your feelings, Cousin Silence"
emo danger" said Miss Silence, with
a laugh of derision. II am no spring
chicken, an my feelins have grown
tough. But the idea of your duty urgin'
you don't recollect the whippin's used
II haven't forgotten" laughed Tom.
"You used to make me do my duty in
those days. But I wish I could convince
you that it would be only Christian act
for you to send little help to Mrs Bald
win. You wouldn't feel the spending of
$50 out Of your $50, 000."
"Massy sakes It seems as if other
folks know more about my business than
I do myself. Fifty thousand Law
Who said T was worth that much %
"Oh, it's common talk, replied Tom.
"Well, it won't do you any good to
talk. You'll never see the color OF my
money after I'm dead and gone. I've
made my will and, since plain speak
in pleases you. I'll make free to
say you amt mentioned in it. So,
there p
IL calculate to take care Of myself"
said Tom, fitting the chair against the
wall. "Leave your money wherever
you choose I don't want it. .
"The day may come when you will
want it, Tom Lowey, and then you'll be
sorry for sayin' them words. I'll re-
member EN- so will you when your
pride has it's fall. There's plenty of
things can leave my money to; it won t
go begging
81 guess not.
you'd more'n guess if you were to
live here spell and see the stream of
visitors have. There amt day but
get nagged about my money by some
body. Deacon Bonney thinks it's his
bounden duty to advise me to leave it to
found an orphans home. Old Mr..
Craig wants it left to Wofboro Acad-
envy; Squire Darby has his mind on it
for public library, and the minister
thinks I ought to remember what a
debts on the church. To hear 'em talk
you'd think I had one foot in the grave.
L don't give none O. 'em any satisfaction,
and then they say I'm peculiar. Well,
perhaps I am; but [ don't see no posi-
bility Of any change i'll my natur'."
Tom laughed. He was spending q
couple Of hours at the farm, which had
been his only home until he began to
" scratch for himself" to use his gaunt
cousins expression. Now he never left
more than day OF two pass without
looking in on the lone spinster to see il
he could give her any help, and to-day
he was making himself useful in lifting
jars and boilers of hot grease on and Of
the stove, for Miss Silence was trying
out lard.
Toms law practice, Us yet, was not
very exacting, much to his regret anG
he had more time on his hands thar
pleased him.
"But, now, do promise you'll senc
Mrs. Baldwin something for Christmas
Cousin Silence, said Tom, returning t.
the attack.
81 never promise what don't NEAR
to perform" was the characteristic an
swer he received to his pleading. "Mar
tina Baldwin and me amt been on speak
in terms for these five years, and I'd be
maxim myself pretty small to send bel
Christmas presents. I'd soon be on the
town if I began to help all the poor foil
you know. It pears to me you take {
mighty deep interest in them Baldwins
Tom. Melissa Bonney let out hin
that you was sparkin' that Prissy Car
roll.''
81 wish Melissa Bonney would mini
her own business"
Don't get riled. I dare say it's true
'Twould be like you to court a gal with
out penny, because you've not a pen
ny yourself. Prissy CAROLS been raiset
out of charity by her aunt"
"That don't make her less lovable
Cousin Silence"
"Now, Tom Lowey," said Miss 81
lence, brandishing the big iron spoo1
with which she stirred the lard, g dom
make a fool Of yourself over q prett
face. Butter your bread before you ca
it. There's Melissa Bonney, who's
fathers worth"
s'That's enough" interrupted Tom
and, before Miss Silence could stop him
he was out of the kitchen door an
walked h-iskl down to the gate.
claw sakes what peculiar creature
men are Talk Of bein' peculiar why
I amt circumstance to that Tol
Lowey. He'll marry that Prissy Ca
roll now, if it's only to show me b
didn't care for my money" Anl
with sigh, Miss Silence went back
her lard.