Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-09-13
A BITTER CUP.

A BITTER. CUP.
Mr. Martin had just come in to tea
1t was one of those Sultry summer sYe-
uings when the lea'tS hang strlessly
on the trees, and the duh electric hres
blaze along the east, foreboders of storm
Ii had been very hot all day, the farm
hands had Jagged at their work on the
lowland meadow, aud all the world s
wheels seemed IN revolye as if they
were weighted. Mr.. Martin WAS very
tired, and, withal, little cross.
Perhaps Mrs. Martin was tired, too.
She, poor soul, had been up since four
o'clock in the morning. She had washed,
taken care of four cows milk. prepared
three meals for the hungry farm hands,
been up in the quarry woods TO search
for family of venturOus young turkey
chicks, soothed the SORROWS of a teething
baby, and mended the suit of clothes
which Betsy Blin, the tailoress, had de-
clared mot worth needleful o thread!
because Thomas, her husband, had said
that "wilful waste was woeful want,
and that there was deal of wear in the
suit yet. if only there was stitch taken
here and there.
But her cheek was pink and her eyes
sparkling when Thomas came in, for al
the heavlness in her heart and the dull
pain in her back, for little Esther had
come home from boarding school.
Esther the youngest sister of all, the
darling of the family circle from which
Mrs. Martin came-the pet for whom
they had all sclaped and pinched so that
she, at least, might have Boston edu
cation
And Esther sat in the window seat,
grown into Il blooming young woman.
with bronze-brown hair lying in fluffy
masses over her fair forehead, porcelain
blue eyes, and dress trim med with rib
on bows.
"I.ook, Thomas~ cried Mrs. Martin,
excitedly, Its Essie come home two
days before we expected her"
"Yes, see, said Mr. Martin, in the
cold, measured tones which always
dampened his wifes enthusiasm like so
many drops of freezing. "How de you
do, Esther? Ruth, what are you put
ting cold chicken on the table for ?
Corned beef is plenty.sI am sure. You
had great deal better save the chicken
for the mems breakfast. Working folks
have hearty appetites."
Esther is fond of cold chicken" whis-
pered Mrs. Martin. And"
No one need want any thing better
than good corned beef" judiciously pro-
nounced Mr.. Martin, put. the chicken
back in the pantry, and the apple jelly
with it. Good stewed gooseberrios are
relish enough for anybody. We must
economic in little things as we'll as
large ones, if we don't want to end our
days in the poorhouse."
And Mrs. Martin sorrowfully obeyed,
while Esther watched her blother-in-
law with large gray eyes, betokening in
ward surprise.
At the end ag week Mr.. Martin ad-
dressed his sister-in-law with serious
purpose.
"Well, Esther said he, you've been
here Il week now"
Yes" said Essie, "IVe been here "A
week"
"a week is a good long visit" remark
ed Mr. Martin.
Its long enough for some things"
said Essle.
Mrs. Martin thinks she would like to
have you stay" went on Mr.. Martin, af
ter IA puzzled glance at the blne, shining
eyes. And although, of course, every
one adds to the expense in a family like
this, I've no objections to giving you 4
home. provided you are willing to earn
it by hard work. And"
"Stopw cried Essie, jumping up, 81
haven't asked you for hcmc yet. And
I nd N0lyi in
me the offer because Doctor Dorian says
Ruth will break down unless she has
strong maid-servant to help her with the
housework. But there is no money that
would hire me to make such q drudge
as poor Ruth is
"Hoity -toity" said Mr. Martin. Young
woman you don't consider who you are
talking to-"
Yes, do" said Essie, with empasis.
"To Blueboard, to a stock, a stone, a
man who is grinding his wifo's life ont
on the pitiless wheel of money-making.
No, | wouldn't live as poor Ruth does,
not ii you would put me III a PALACE.
Mr.. Martin grew green and saffron by
turns.
"Humph!' said he. "Fipe ideas you
have got at this fashionable boarding
school of yours. Well, if you don't like
my offer,you're not obliged to accept. Be
IA, line lady,if you please,an see where it
will land you"
BY way of an answer, Essie marched
out of the room with all the dignity of u
royal princess. She only stepped in the
kitchen long enough to kiss Ruth, who
was in the midst of baking.
Poor darling" said she, chow wish
| could carry you off with me, for stay, |
won'tl'
life is hard work, Essie,' said Mrs. |
Martin, beginning to cry in spite Of her-I
self; land it's a woman's duty to help |
her husband
"And | mean to help mine-when
have one" said Essie, blushing brightly. |
;" But not by wearing myself out"
Mr.. Martin shook his head
"lf Stephen Smith is foolish enough to |
marry that saucy gipsy, she'll lead him
a pretty life" said he. II wonder if she
expects to sit on a satin sofa all her
lays, with rose in her hand. and her
-e.,..