The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1883-01-17

Mother" said distressed Hester "you
never said anything to me about the molass-
es-eakesn
. did, snapped the widow, "but your
nose was in your book, las usual. And
this settles the question, Hester. I shall
send you next week to learn the milliner's
trade of your aunt Minerva up in Vermont.
For you're good for nothing in life here /"
But when the children arrived from the
Parsonage at about three o'clock, with bas-
kets all ready for the nutting expedition, all
the shadows had cleared away from Hester's
gyps brown face. She loved children dear
ly, and the little Lackington flock were her
especial favorites. And no happier group
could be found anywhere in the world than
were gathered that afternoon in the leafy
aisles of the October woods, where the tall
golden-rods lifted their glittering scepters,
and the nuts came dropping softly down at
every breath of the scented wind.
But they were tired at last, and Hesters
black, iustrous hair had all fallen down, and
her dress vas torn, and they sat down on
messy bank under the shadow of a huge
gray rock, where the brook gurgled by, and
the shy squirrels darted past with gliding
motion. And then and there the children
took pretty Hester into their confidence.
But it can't be possible" said the
girl, with a puzzled look. "Mother is
ten years older than Mr.. Lackington.n
"That makes no difference, said John
dolefully. Everybody says it's to be a
match"
Hethter, what would You do if you
were nth ?'' said Bessie, clinging close to
the slight young figure. "If there wath
a terrible old thtep-mother coming to
your houthe ?"
I'd run away" said Hester with energy.
Hester, said Louisa, /" if papa marries
your mother we'll run away and come here
And then we'll all live together, and be so
happy, won't we?n
Louis hit it this time !" said John smit-
ing the leafy drifts with bis closed fist
But it would be Jolly, wouldn't it2 Fei
you're the incest girl know of, Hester
don't see how you came to have such MOTH
err"
Hester laughed and shook her head, and
tried to frown.
"Children," said she, ''you mustn't talk
so. You"
But then all the little Lackngtons precip-
itated themselves with one accord upon Hes
ter, and closed her lips with kisses.
This won't do" said Hester, starting up.
"We shall never get home at this rate.
Children, let's have a race! Let's all start
from tree aud go different ways, and see
which will get TO the house first"
Away they all flew with merry peels OF
laughter, and Hester presently found herself
tripping along shady forest path directly
into the arms of the Rev. Mr. Lackington,
who, with book under his arm, was COM
ing in an opposite direction.
Hester stopped short, with burning cheeks
As she remembered her torn dress, her dis
heveled hair, the story to which she had
just listened of the probability of her moth
er's marriage to this reverend gentleman
What would he think of herr What would
he say to herr
But Mr.. Lackington did not seem at all
dissnayed by the sudden appari,iou. He
put out his hand kindly.
81 am glad to meet you, Hester, said he.
am just in time to walk home with you.
Take my arm, child, You are all out OF
BREATH"
Aud, blushing more deeply than ever,
Hester obeye1
When they were all at home once more,
that evening Mr. Tackinuton Iookad k;ndly
around at the group OF little ones in the fire.
light.
Children said Mr. Lackington, II
have something to tell you. l shall bring
you home new mother next week !"
We've don't want any new motherl"
sobbed Bessy
Least of all, wiggy old thing like
that" said John
'And if You do marry her, SIR" said HUI
bert, with dignity, 1--WE are resolved to 20
and live with Hester. We like Hester /"
80 do l, children" said Mr. Lackington
looking as if he had just found the clew to
some puzzle 81 like Hester, and it is Hes
ter who is t. be your new motherl"
"And not old Mrs. Gregory ?" said Louisa
with shrek Of joy.
"Not the old lady at all !" said Mr.. Lack
ington, with little grinace.
And then the children all Rugged and
kissed their father at once, until he was fain
to cry for quarter.
1--WE are 30 glsii" they exclaimed in
chorus. 1--WE all le Hesterl"
So the young ste Another came 10 Joy
full household, and the only one who was
not entirely satisfied with the arrangement
was Mrs. Gregory
Bot she couldn't help herself, and so she
wisely he's her tongue. SURREY B3'ooae.