Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-04-21


ri tell you, Jack, the farm is not your
vocation. I become more ard more con-
vincsd Of the fact every day, and less con-
tented with the life we are leading"
Breakfas was over, and we stood on
the farmhouse portico, arm in arm. On
the sill of the door sat baby, screaming
with delight as she fed pair of pet pig
cons with her dimplsd hands. Our break
fast had been delightful one-coffee as
clear as amber, bread like snow, and steak
done to turn.
All about us was green tangle OF
sweetbriar and honeysuckle; the sun was
just rising above the distant hills, and the
morning air was fresh and sweet, and
filled with exquisite woodland odors and
musical with the songs Of birds. We
could catch glimpse Of the barn and
poultry yards from whore we stood, and
hear the plaintive lowing of the kline and
a vague sort Of conviction that Jack had
but little sympathy with my spirit Of dis
content, yet was determined to carry my
point if possible.
"You are dissatisfied with your lot
see that plainly, Nell," said Jack, trifle
sadly.
"Oh, nonsense" put In. "Not with
my lot, nor with you, nor with the farm,
Jack. am tired to death with this prosy,
humdrum life, and hate to see you delv-
ing and toiling like slave from one
years end to another. You are born fer
something better, Jack-something nobler
and grander. Fancy a man of your abil-
tiles sowing grain, digging potatoes and
raising stock to his life's end"
"But, my DEAR" suggested Jack, "one
must live and have bread and butter"
"To be sure, Jack; but why not earn 1t
in more genteel fashion"
"Honest labor is always genteel, Nell"
"Oh, pshaw! You misunderstood ME,
Jack, 1 lnean that you have capabilities
for something better. You only cling TO
the old farm to please your father, when
you could do hundred-fold better else
where. And, besides, where is your So
ciety in this place, Jack? What chance is
there for our children as they grow up?"
Jack laughed as he glanced down at baby,
who was struggling furiously to get
pigeons head into her mouth.
"Ah, Nell, that is looking so far ahead, !"
he said, "and, my dear, you seem to for
get that have lived here all my life"
"Ne, no, don't forget, and, pray, what
have you done, Jack?"
"Led an upright life and married you"
"But you didn't pick me up among the
clover blossoms, Jack; don't forget that.
You found me in town, and, Jack, dear,
Pm so anxious to get back to my native
element. Pm tired OF all this. You
can get on ever so nicely in town, Jack; +;
and there we can get into society"
"I am not over fond of society, Nell"
"Oh, but you shoulG be for my sake,
Jack. I'm fond Of it. hate TO live like
a hermit. Why, Jack, if we desired to
give little party tomorrow, we could not
for lack Of guests"
"Dear me, Nell, why could muster
scores"
"Of certain sort, yes, but | don't want
them, Jack. I'm little peculiar in my
notions. / want no society bat the best;
the-the-sort Of society one gets into in
town."
Questionable society, Nell"
"well, then, why not! You have means,
Jack, and / fatter myself that we are fit-
ted to move in any circle. Why should
we bury ourselves in this wildernessi"
"Our means are not inexhaustible,
Nell"
"I'm aware Of that, Jack, but we've
enough for the start, and Marlborough
offers you a good place in the bank"
"At limited salary, Nell"
"Oh, yes, but you can work your way
up, Jack-right up to the topmost round
Of the ladder. Do let's 90, Jack! Pye
lived here 70 please you ever since our
marriage. think you can afford to please
me little now"
Jack sighed as he looked out upon the
ripening grain-felds, but he drew me close
to his heart and kissed me-
"That's true" he said; "you can't be
expected to care for the farm as lido. Nell,
promised to make you happy when you
consented TO become my wife, and I'll try
to keep my word. You shall have your
own way, Nell" ~
The continuous dropping Of water wears
away the solid stones. bad conquered
my husband at last and the desire Of my
heart was about to be accomplished When
Jack once made up his mind to do thing
he did IL with all his might. The matter