The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-10-10


''Mr. Rays sister Janette will be here
on the evening train, l hope" And
Mrs. Ray arose to answer a knock at
the door.
Here's some flowers the Squire
wife sent you. She says she'll come
over by-'n-by and call. When she
heard ths Elder was dead, she just
went right down and bought this bas-
ketful, so as to be the first one, she
said. She hopes you will put them at
the head, where they can be seen, and
be sure and keep the card straight up"
"Give my thanks to your mistress,
Mary" and though the flowers in
themselves were beautiful, they brought
no message of Heavenly dews and
bright sunshine, but told only of pride,
and their own forced existence.
Miss Smiths duty being done, she
rose to depart, but catching a glimpse
of the span of gray ponies and little
phaeton at the gate, she reseated her
self; for how could she lose so good an
opportunity of seeing the new occupant
of the "house on the hill" Mrs. DR..
Whipple and her gray ponies were the
pride of all Brocton. The Doctor had
died in distant city, and his widow,
with the remnant of once larger prop
erty, had come to live in Brocton, sin
order" she said, 'that she might lead
a quiet life"
"You poor dear woman" she said on
entering, and with passing nod in the
direction of Miss Smith, she passed on
and touched the cheek of Mrs. Ray with
her lips.
II have come to sympathize with
you," she said. II know Just how
lonely you will feel, after the excite
ment is all over, and your mourning
is all provided. 1t is so hard to have to
refuse all the invitations one gets. But
then you will have one consolation
you can receive all the calls made upon
you. 1t is~such a comfort to see one S
friends. When the dear Doctor died,
all my friends were so kind, and we
had such lovely times looking over the
latest fashions, and deciding upon the
most becoming styles. You are look
ing very pale, Mrs. Ray" she said, as
tears gathered in the eyes of the suffer
ing woman.
Applying her dantily perfumed hand
kerchief to her own eyes, Mrs. Whipple
continued: Don't worry; for | am
sure black will be very becoming to
you; and 1 think one with your figure
looks so distinguished in o long Grape
veil How much you will miss Mr..
Ray, for he was very handsome man.
l always remarked when saw him that
he was the handsomest man in Brocton
Well, l see my grays are getting rest
less, so l will have to come again.
Now my dear Mrs. Ray, whenever you
need sympathy just come to me, and
do not hesitate to ask my advice about
your mourning, for | shall be delighted
to assist you. I take all the best
fashion books, and can give you the
address of ali the firms who make
mourning goods @ speciality. Well.
goodbye, | am coming to take you to
drive. some day''-and the silks of the
would-be comforter rustled uneasily as
she seated herself in the phaeton:
swell, l never!'' said Miss Smith,
when they were once more alone. "How
worldly some people are. / guess you'll
have to look above for your comfort,
Mrs. Ray, for we are all poor sinners.
Don't let her comm disturb you, but
just take little rest now, for | am go
ing, too"
A sigh of relief escaped the sorrow
ing wife and mother as the door closed,
and she was once more alone. Resting
her head upon her arms she bowed up
on the little table where were still scat
tered the books in which her husband
had so much delighted. Memories of
her dear one came to her, and as the
dreadful realty forced itself before her
she murmured II will not leave you
comfortless. 1t was here and in this
position that Cynthia Allen found her,
when a few moments later she crossed
the threshold to make known her errand
of love. Her step was light, and did
not arouse the dreamer; so passing on
into the kitchen beyond, Cynthia Allen
began her good work. She knew Just
what to do, and just how it could best
be done; and when an hour later, with
languid step and aching head Mrs. Ray
came into the bright clean room, she
was not only surprised but cheered.
Cynthia's cheerful face was like ray
of sunshine, and gave her courage to
bear her burden. Coming forward to
apologize for being there, she took Mrs.
Rays feyered hand in her own strong,
cool grasp, saying:
Il hope you have rested little. ]
found you so quiet that I thought
would not disturb you nor let any one
else. But such time as I have had to
keep the folks from going right in.
just took a big plank and put it right
across the steps. First OF all came old
Aunt Phoebe, and she was real huffy
cause | would not let her see you,
Then came Deacon Cross and his sister
and Miss Trip and Zekely Moore ano
lots of others. They all mean to be
kind, but they don't know when to stay
at home"
"Cynthia, you are sent from God,
know, to help me bear my burden
which but few moments ago seemed
to crush me. Now / feel almost strong
again. Oh, how / have longed for some
one on whom to lean in this, my fiery
trial, and now know my prayer was
heard, and you are the answer to it.
But have almost forgotten my chill.
dren."
1.-THE children are all right, and vii
be in soon. They have gone to gather
some violets, for mamma loves then
so, they said.
The mother sat with folded hand,
lying listlessly in her lap; ana wher
the children came and filed her LAP
with lovely flowers, and twined theil
arms about her neck, she thanked God
again for her Heaven-sent comfort.
1t was tempting meal that Cynthia
had prepared; and they gathered around
the table, Mrs. Ray could only bow
her head, for sobs choked her utter
ance.
They had not been long seated when
form passed the window, and voice
at the door announced a new conner.
AS one after another ''just dropped in, =
Mrs. Rays aching mead and feYered