The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1883-08-01
HANNAH'S OFFER.

you're not too busy I'd like you to step over
to the Barkers' and take a message for me. I"
AN right, mother, " said Josiah. " What
is it ?"
Why, I'd like to have Hannah's help
while the boarders are here, said Mrs. Con-
nsr. And if you'll ask her ma to let her
come, and tell her I'll give twelve dollars
month, shall feel settled If Hannah Bar.
ker won't come, Sarah Smiley will. But
Sarah has to be told everything, and Han
nah, she just sees what's to be done and does
it. Come right out about the offer. don't
want to be thought to be asking favors of
my neighbors' daughters and Hannah is
practical"
Josiah Conner, who had been hoeing the
garden, put his hoe in the corner and went
into the house. He took off his gray flannel
shirt and put on white one, a linen coat,
and a straw hat with blue ribbon around
it. He further sacrificed to the graces by
tying his most becoming neck-tie around his
throat under a stiff new collar. His mother
noticed this but made no remark. She was
rather pleased that he should be particular
for reasons which she kept to herself.
She watched him go down the road with
a certain pride, for she thought him very
good looking indeed. Not the sort of man
for an old bachelor she thought, but he's
6ye-and-thirty tomorrow, and can't see ns
he's taken shine to any one yet"
She sighed as the thought crossed her
mind. For though when son desires to
marry, his mother generally opposes it,
when he does not she is always anxious that
he should
"Hannah Barker is capable, savin'
girl" she said to her milk-pan, as she rub
bed it. But beauty is all young men ever
think of, and Hannah isn't pretty"
And just as these words passed her lips
Josiah entered the Bankers gate.
Mrs. Barker, very fat and very stupid
old lady, was sitting ON the porch Smelling
peas. She had a reputation for making
mistake whenever it was possible, and Josiah
knew it,
"Iikely enough, if I'm not careful, she'll
think mother wants Hannah to help her for
nothing" he said to himself" so I'll begin
in plain words that she can't help under
standing"
And then he made his bow and said:
Good-morning. How is your health,
Mrs Barker?"
"Well" said Mrs Barker slowly, IN
ant extry, but ought to be thankful ann
worse" Mrs Barker thought it ungenteel
to be too well, and always answered in these
terms to any inquiries regarding her health.
"How's your poor ma ?"
There was no one less to be pitied in the
place than Mrs. Conner; but "your poor
ma !" was form she invariably used in in
quiring after any ones maternal parent.
Mother is WE'LL" said Josiah, taking a
seat on the lower step, "and she sent me
over to make an offer to Hannah"
Lor ~ said Mrs. Barker, dropping hei
handful of pea-pods. 81 want to know"
"You see we've got boarders. They're
coming up Monday" said Josiah, twirling
his straw hat, land mother thinks Hannah
beats every girl she knows. She considers
her worth more than twelve dollars a
month; but, at the same time, l was to
make her that offer, and she'll consider it a
favor il she'll accept it."
"Hannah is worth all that" said Mrs.
Barker with a sigh. "Pm sure I don't
know how III do without her myself Still,
hadn't orter stand in her way, I know !;
and Melissa has made all the gingerbread
and sponge-cake for two or three months,
and Samuel can milk the cows"
why, yes. MIXED four at samf
age" said Josiah.
al want to knowl" said Mrs. Barker,
Then she added, calmly: 81 don't know
when was more surprised than by thai
offer you jest spoke of making to Hannah.
hadn't the least idea it was thought of, no,
fer minute; hut girls are 80 sly nowadays
hey don't tell anything to their poor mas.
"Oh, il hasn't been mentioned before
said Josiah. " Hannah didn't know. Car
say it's settledi"
For all me you may" said Mrs Barker
"and her poor pa don't interfere often, ana
don't see why he should now but il Han
nah don't know yet, IT seems curious you
should speak to me- You'd oughtsx AJAX her
first, you know. / amt Turk. Their poor
mas do sell them unbeknown, I'm told, but
1t amt my way
Where is Hannah, Mrs. Barker 2" added
Josiah "ll 60 and ask her now"
"She's down to New York, shopping, y
said Mrs. Barker, "and she may stay all
day most likely will. But tomorrow is
Sunday and I'll have the lamp lit in the
parlor and you can talk it over with her.
I'll tell her you're coming, and why, and ALL
I couldn't keep it to myself. But faint heart
never won fair lady. Josiah, and nobody
couldn't expect girls poor ma to do their
counting for um, you know, unless it was
them Turk ladies the minister spoke of,
poor dears. should think she'd say yes.
It's her first offer, only from old Deacon
Slinkins. Though Morris Power is calling
sort of irregular-and Hannah is twenty -one.
You make your offer yourself, Josiah.
That's the way to get wife, if you want
one."
Then Mrs. Barker arose and went into the
house without further ceremony, and Josiah,
who had come to sudden comprehension
of her mistake, stood staring after her, quite
dazed and giddy. What should he do
Run after her and explain? That would be
dreadful thing to do. Perhaps his mother
could help him out Of the pickle; and with
this faint hope he hurried home, and arrived
red in the face and utterly breathless.
Well Betsy Barker has put on the cap
sheaf now" said Mrs. Conner. But,
Josiah, wish you didn't feel SO about it. /
wish you liked Hannah. She's girl after
my own heart"
81 do like her." said Josiah, sheepishly.
"She's splendid girl. I've often thought
that il was man that had need TO marry,
I'd choose her."
Then it's all right" said Mrs. Conner.
"Why, mother" growled Josiah, bash
fully, 81 wonder at you. Think of me
having the impotence to go over and offer
myself without bit of courting I wouldn't
have that Thought of me for any money!