The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-10-26

her almost entirely dependent upon her
own exertions for her support. When
she was about twenty, she became en-
gagged to young man she had long
known, and was looking forward to a
home of her own, if only humble one.
when dreadful accident occurred on
the railroad, where John Porter, her
lover, was brakeman, instantly killing
him. Since that time Clarissa
est in anything, and only caring to earn
enough to keep out of debt. This change
from the city to the country had been
just what she needed She arrived at
Harland in April, when all nature was
awakening to new life, The meadows
and hillsides were beautiful with the
fresh grass Of spring. On every tree
and bush the brown buds were bursting.
and the tiny green leaves peeping out.
Robins we're singing blithely as they
slyly watched the ploughman turn over
the brown burrows, knowing they would
not have to go far for their dinner
SO with the sweet spring time new
hope and courage sPrarg up in Clarissa's
heart. Life had good deal of bright
ness in it, for her, after all.
AS Deacon Grover walked toward lhe
church, with Jerusha's remarks ringing
in his ears, he was obliged to admit that
the dearest wish of his heart was to
make Clarissa Howe his wife. The first
time he saw her at church, and heard
her sweet voice singing the old familiar
hymns, he had almost fallen in love with
her, and afterward seeing her at the
evening meeting, with her cousin who
had given him an introduction, he was
still more pleased with her. Never, in
his young days, wnen he was paying
much attention to Mary Ann, had he
been 80 much in love. When he was
about his work he found himself think
ing OF Clarissa. His field of ripening
wheat reminded him of her golden
brown hair, and the blue violets, that
little Mary picked down by the brook.
and brought to him to put in water for
her, just matched her eyes,
He had never paid any particular at
tcntion to Clarissa, but some how it had
begun to be whispered around that
deacon Grover was all took up with the
new dressm aker."
Mrs. Green had been the first to car
ry the news to aunt Jerusha, who was
very indignant. Although she had lit
tie home of her own, she liked her posi-
ton as mistress of her brothers. house,
and the rent of her place could all be
put in the bank.
The idee," she said, "of Jacob mar
rying that air city dressmaker, what'll
she know bout takin' care of milk, and
seeir' to farm work. | presume she
can't make q loaf of bread"
Good evenln" said aunt Jerusha to
Mr.. Green who came in, with her knit
ting, soon after the deacon had lett the
thought you'd gone tu meetin."
"Wall, | did calculate tu, but Aaron
ne was late bout milkin', and time l
got the milk strained and the pals
washed, it was too late tn go; seems to
me you look kinder pale, amt We teelin'
well?"
No amt, Tve got the neurology.
1t always brings it on tu get nervous,
and l got kinder riled up talkin' with
Jacob. l hinted to him, when he was
tixin' fur meetin', bout gettin' mar
ried."
Did ye; what did he say?"
He was kinder put out when / spoke
bout Clarissa Howe; he never made no
answer but went right out of the room
slammin' the door,"
Land sakes, did he? guess there's
somethin' tu it then"
"Wall wish hadn't spoken tu her
tu come and make my black cashmere
dress"
"Good land, We han't, hev We, 1 must
say you're gettin' stylish"
81 know hev always made my own
dresses, but this is going to be nice
one, and | see one she made for Dr.
Watkins wife, twas fixed nice, tell
ye, all trimmed with fringe. am cal
culatin' tu go down tn Emeline this fall,
she lives in the city, you know, and
thought I'd have one dress that would
i,,l .oI = l. T l. i 4.
gagged her I'd make it myself eny way"
"When's she goin, tu Gomez"
Next Sunday to stay three days, but
ken just tell We. there won't be no
courtin' goin' on. I'll let the cream stan
and spile before III leave 'em alone
minute. You see that he don't get any
chance to see her, seeing she's going
round from place to place all the time,
and tain't likely he'll 90 tu her Cousins
Sunday nigtht when there's meetin'
and he deacon
wall, all hev to say, you'll see he'll
find chance to see her for when man
gets his mind made up to get married,
nothin' amt going to stop 'em, especially
if he is widerer."
Monday, soon after breakfast, Clarissa
arrived at Deacon Growers and was soon
at work on the black cashmere dress.
The deacon did not know anything
about it, until sometime during the
forenoon, Mary came running ont to
where he was at work, and told him.
Was it anything strange that he left his
work little earlier than usual at noon
brushed his hair very smooth, and put
ting on a clean linen coat, went into the
sitting room where Clarissa was sewing
Aunt Jet usha, who was busy getting the
dinner, could not follow him, bat sent
the children into the room, and dinner
was served as soon as possible.
Aunt Jerusha, as she told Mrs. Green
she would, did not leave her brother
and Carrissa ''alone for moment" No
matter how inconvenient it was, when
Jacob was in the house, she took her
knitting and sat down with them. After
tea when it was too dark to see, Clarissa
went out on the piazza and sat down,
Jerusha also, and although she had sey.
eral pans of milk that needed skim
ming, and the evening air was sure to
bring on her '.nuroloZy," remained firm
at her post; with her head done up in q
req worsted shawl.
So during The three days Clarissa was
at the house, she was on guard, and as
the afternoon of the third day drew to a
close, she was congratulating herself
that all danger was over.
The dress was finished, satin trimming
and all, to Aunt Jerusha's entire satis-
faction. Supper was over, and they
were all sitting on the piazza. Clarissa
had her hat on, and her
bag by her side and was
expecting Mrs. stone, lady she was to
work for next, and who lived three
miles from Deacon Growers, to send for
her.
Aunt Jorusha had been having con-
siderable controversy with sewing ma
chine agent, in regard to buying ma
chine. She at last consented to his leav-
ing one On trial.
The following is what she told Mrs