Smyrna times., 1881-10-19

y
pudding you praised for dinner-and how
to take the stains out of the new table
cloth; and now she's altering the pattern
of my new dress, that never could get
to fit, and making it look like different
thing. IF she goes on so, she'll be trea-
sure. despite her white hands and small
waist-and a pretty face, to for that mat
tcrr'
Squire Holmes, as he was called in the
neighborhoOd, found his home more tidy
and cheerful looking, and his Sunday hat
better brushed, his Sunday crevat better
ironcd. and his handkerchiefs better hem
med than they had been for many a year.
Also his wife, who of late had become
fretful and complaining from over work
and the worry of inefficient help, now ap-
peared wonderfully frightened up.
And, indeed, poor Mrs. Holmes felt as
though burden of daily care was remOv-
ed from her shoulders; and she became
quite graceful and attached to the pretty,
cheerful, Obliging girl, who verify, as she
observed to neighbor, was like sun
beam and blessing in the house. She
only wished she had such daughter, she
added signing; and the wonder to her
was that Richard should be so Indifferent
to Mirandy, since he appeared to have
given up all thought of that city Miss
Weston, who would have been a very un-
suitable match for a farmers son and j
country doctor.
"Dick," said Squire Holmes, poking in
the ashes with his cane. "Dick you dom
go to see that city girl, Miss Weston, now
eh?"
No, sir" answered Dick demurely.
GLAD of it! Thought you'd take 8
sensible view of the thing in time. Still
young fellow like you ought to marry
4 doctor can never we'll succeed in his
profession without wife"
9 agree with you, sir" said the doctor
If you could find suitable girl now,
suggested the Squire cautiously; some
tidy, industrious, smart, good tempered
good looking
Dear me, father!" interrupted Dick
in a tone of astonishmcnt, "whcrc OF
earth am to find such a combination o
perfeotions?"
why" said the old man, looking VI
sharply, "herc's Mirandy, for instance"
oh" said the doctor, turning over tn
leaves of " big book.
"Yes, sir; and nicer girl couldn't b.
found this side o the ocean. That's m,
opinion"
1t was the doctors also, though he di,
not just then choose to express it.
So things went on for week or two
and Dick and Mirandy seemed rather t
avoid each other. Squire Holmes kney
that Mirandy was of good and respect
able family, therefore there could be n
objections on that score to his son marry
ing her.
But Dick was insensiblc -positivel
stupid the old man said; wherefore it be
came necessary to take him in han
downright"
Look here, Richard" said he solemnlN
what is your objection to Mirandy Pal
sons, that you can't take fancy to gil
above all others calculated to make you
suitable wife?'
No objections to the young lady he
SELF" responded Richard gravely.
Then why don't you marry her?' sal
his father, bringing his cane emphaticall
down upon the floor.
Because, sir" answered Richard, hes
tatingly-"because, father, to tell til
truth, l am married already"
"What?" roared the old man.
Eyes, sir; I've been married these thrC
months" confessed Richard, penitently.
) "YOu have? and you dare to tell II
so? Married to whom?" he roared agai
"To Miss Clara Weston, sir"
This was too much. The old gentlemg
was speechless; and his wife, scarcely lie
agitated than himself shrieked to MiranG
for brandy and water. She fancied 81
saw symptoms of apOplexy in her hu
band.
A few gulps restored him to speech, al
the first use he made of that faculty w
peremptorily to order his son to quit Il
u house.
81 will, sir" said the the doctor, calml
! ''but not until you have seen my wife.
u am sure you will like her. "She's in Il
next room dutifully waiting to be pl
3 sented to you and my mother. Cor
here, Clara, dear"
And Mrs. Holmes help, blushing and
little frightened, advanced and stood
: the doctors side.
"This is my wife, my dear father a
u mother-Clara Weston, the city girl.
u hope you will forgive me the trick,
7 consideration of my giving you such
u daughter as Mirandy," concluded t
" doctor.
The mother, her first astonishment 81
= siding, was easily reconciled to the sti
, of things, and in her heart secretly {
- - proved the young couples proceedin
- Perhaps, also, in his secret heart, her h
~ band did the same, though he thong
proper to grumble and growl for day
" two over his sons undutiful conduct
y marrying without his consent, and imp
- ing his wife upon him in his own house
% somebody else. But still, considering Il
only good came of it-a good that, wi
% out trick, would have been lost to tn
~ :, all-the old gentleman magnanimou
Il -. tsa ,,..nI - fo,.o;x,a,,aou =