The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1884-04-11

nylnS Her tne iasoi'
I have been home but three days, but how
much has been crowded in that short space
of time.
| May Elton and Chester are here on visit.
Before me is beautiful casket, containing
ring and bracelet of rare workmanship and
set with diamonds.
/ Shall accept the heart and hand of the
giver? Shall wear the shackles?
The giver is noble in many respects, and
generous to a fault.
t Would the luxuries that wealth would bring
compensate for the dearth l should expert
ence spiritually and intellectually? All my
fair ideal sphere, which has been SO softened
and beautifed with the light of divine love
that burns in my heart? All, it would be de-
struction to it ALL I should find neither SYM
pathy nor assistance in the path of duty, in
which I am trying to walk.
To-day mother followed me about the
house, limiting that it is my duty to think
about the family. That as had enjoyed the
benefits of fathers prosperous days I should
in return help the girls. 1 replied:
"Mother, am willing to teach or live per-
manently with Aunt Jerusha, or anything
else but this; it is a question l must decide
with God and my own heart
Rue, Rue, you cannot guess who has
+ cOmo! Salu MAY, COiuinS uP Stdllo eMo oeoPo
at time, l believe. You are as blue as in
digo. What's tho matter? I've mind not
to tell you, you are so glum."
"Who is it, Aunt Jerusha?''
'Aunt Jerusha, indeed. It's Queen Min
erva herself, as cool and fair as lily. Come
down, she has only come to call. :"
"Why, Rue; how delighted I am to see
you. Come home to stay? No? l supposed
as much, from what heard some time ago."
ooh, what is it?" said May and Claudia,
almost in the same breath.
''That there is an attraction at Sleepy Hol-
low" Slowly and deliberately came the
clear tones, with never relaxation of muscle
Or rogueish glance of eye to denote the words
as but playful thrust Rather every express
sion denoted them as forming an expression
of candor and fact, just what l knew the
speaker intended them to convey.
I answered a few words nervously, while
my cheeks burned like live GOALS my hands
and feet were like ice, while Minerva, cool
and self-possessed, kept up constant fire OF
words, flashing with wit.
All, Queenie, what would you say did you
but know that what you deem " fair prize"
is already within my reach?
Six years have come and gone. The snow
has capped the hills. whitened the brown,
bare trees spread a mantle fair and white
DER the blackened fields and roadsides
Beautiful is the scene from my window;
but no fairer than the scene my mental vision
has been looking upon. I have been review
ing my past life.
Four years ago 1 became Mrs. Melton.
Mother sighed, father said would enact the
role of Eliza Jane. You may judge then of
the surprise of myself and friends on finding
my husband a man of wealth.
Aunt Jerusha died two years ago, leaving
all to me. l transferred the property to
father, who, contrary to all expectation, is
enjoying good health and large practice.
To-day Minerva, now Mrs. Chester Elton,
called to see me. She said she had given up
her literary work. Chester does not wish her
to study so much; thinks it will spoil her
eyes; nor write, says she has enough to do
without such work also fears it might make
her strong minded. Weakness in woman is
what he particularly admires, as it always APP
peals to his sympathies.
inquired how it was that he admired the
author of "Uncle Toms Cabin" so much,
knowing it was one of the few books he had
ever read and was loud in his praises both of
the work and its author.)
Minerva replied she did not know, but as
Chester had said "woman had enough to do.
If they did literary work they must neglect
other Things.
! l really felt no resentment, but l was in
earnest when l answered:
'Not household affairs, at any rate. You
know, Queenie, some of the most brilliant
writers of to-day are women who are equally
as famous for their skill in the culinary de-
partment and all that makes home comfort
and attraction. However, 1 will admit they
do neglect some things. Neglect to spend
hours at their mirror, and in preparation for
frivolous amusements. Neglect to tride away
time in a never-ending search for fashion and
style. Yes, they neglect frill here and
ruffie there. One can hardly realize the
amount of time that is sa0ed by neglecting
such things; sufficient, if properly used to
do large amount of literary work. (not al
ways in bulk, in the course of year, pro-
vided one is SO inclined"
Well, perhaps it is so; but you see one is
often classed with those 'woman's rights
apostles"
Not necessarily. I am surprised at you,
Queenie. You who was always so self-reliant
and above all idle gossip. It's a great pity
that you should give up your writing You
have fine analytical mind and WELD facile
pen. You might accomplish a great deal
perhaps convert those despised apostles as
you deem them. Who knows?"
She laughed heartily at the suggestion, but
was Immediately ready with new proposition.
Women are priced more for their weak
ness"
81 cannot agree with you. Some men
there are who sympathize with women in
their weakness and like the founder of
T., II.