West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1884-05-09

81 WIN ntT ntAl-nOOr neiWn-
bor-as, thanks To Mrs Coopers I'M
scrupulous tongue, it speedily was
was fc,t by the widow to be n real dis
grace.
All that she could do to smooth mat
ters she did, with no effect. however.
except that Mrs. Cooper subsidized grad
ually from ferocious into a sullen
mood, but lost no opportunity of eXhib-
iting her dislike and il-will i'm the mum
berless little ways which n near neigh
Dor can always make available.
The quarrel between the BOYS was of
much shorter duration. In the course
of few days Charles red head was
again seen bobbing over the division
fence, and Frank being responsive. the
former intimacy was soon rc-estab-
lished. When September came and
the schools re-opened the two lads be-
came school-mates and classmates.
Charlie was bright boy, and his par
ents had kept him steadily at school.
and were very proud of his attainments:
but though he was two years older than
frank, the latter was more than his
equal IN School-standing. There was
no brag about Frank, however. and
there would probably have been no
jealousy on Charles side had it not
been been excited by home influence.
Mrs. Cooper was bitterly jealous and
onyious. and her sneers and innuendoes
did much towards making her son as
unreasonable and suspicious as her
self.
few months after the school opened.
an examination was held for the pur-
pose OF promoting such of the scholars
rs were iitted for the advance to higher
departments i'm the school. Frank sun
derland was the only boy i'm his class
VINO was successful in passing the ex-
animation, though Charlie Cooper had
not been far behind him. and his heart.
and his mothers rs well, had been set
upon his obtaining the promotion.
mat he failed to do so was, i'm itself.
a bitter disappointment. but that Frank
should succeed where Charlie failed was
n trial much harder TO endure. MIR.
Cooper's undisciplincd tongue wagged
freely, aud her opinion that the school
was conducted upon the rankest princi-
pies OF favortsm was widely dissent
mated. She would even have been fool
ish enough to withdraw Charlie from
the school had not his father intcrposed
his rarely eNertcd authority and put n
positive veto upon any such absurd pro-
ceeding.
As usual, Charles wrath soon evan
Grated. and as there was now no occa-
sion for actual rivalry between them.
the two lads got along very harmoni-
ously, and Frank was able to do manv
kind turn for Charlie, which the lat
ter as general thing, fully appreci-
ated.
Though very well aware of the rumor
OF Mrs. COoper's feelings toward her
and Frank, Mrs. Sunderland was sensi-
bic enough to feel rather amused than
lrritated, even when Mrs. Cooper's con
duct, on their chance meetings, verged
upon actual insolence. The widows
cheerfulness and politeness continued
to be quite invincible until the events
OF certain morning proved TO her that
torbcarance had at last ceased TO be a
virtue.
1t was a cold day in January; Frank
had gone to the we'll 10 draw bucket
OF water, but found the well bucket
half-tull of ice, so that it would moi
SINK when lowered into the water His
mother came to his assistance. but suc-
ceeded no better than he had done.
Oharlle Cooper was at the well i'm their
own lot, scarcely stones thrown dis
tant, and he called out: Come fiji vour
bucket here. Frank; our well is all
right"
Without stopping TO ask permission.
FRANK scrambled over the fence. anil
soon the two lads were laughing and
Joking together rs Charlie lowered the
bucket. just then Mrs. Cooper came ont
OF the house and advanced towards
themi she brought another bucket TO
NIL, one that was already half-full of
water which she was shaking around
IN the bucket, preparatory TO throwing it
out.
What are yo~ doing in my lot. sir.
may | ask?'' she said, rs she noticed
the intruder Frank colored, and took
up his still empty bucket.
Never mind, Charlie" said he: eve
can get the ice out of our own bucket.
ii go back, now"
charlie was provoked at his mother
and his temper being as ill-povcrned as
her own, he turned towards her anorily
crying: Whats the use of beino so
hateful? YOU ought to be ashamed of
yourself at which words his mothers
anger rose to the exploding point.
III thank You to mind your own
business, Charlie Cooper She said.
anu 'neh turning ferOciously upon in
offensive Frank, las for you, you Young
haristocrat. ] want you To get hofr mn
premises, and stay hon EN-. We don't
want no favorites round here" Then.
throwing the contents of her bucket.
not absolutely ut Frank, but with an
utter disregard Of what she was doino.
she dashed the water i'm such way thai
the lad was completely drenched.
Mrs. Sunderland advanced TO tbc
fence TO help Frank, shivering and CRY
ing. TO get over it. Her gentle temper.
proof against insults or attacks directed
upon herself. was at last aroused
Frank was very delicate child. and
the eilect~ Of such q -hower-bath upou
such a morning might be serious. With
flashing eyes and face flushed with in
dignation. she turned upon her enemy.
who did have the grace to look littlc
ashamed 81 herself
you arc wicked, cruel woman
Mrs. Cooper, and hcnccfor.h viii
have nothing TO do with you." Then
She hurried Frank 10 the house. and
mingled her tears with hisa, She bclpod
BIN to attire himself i'm dry garments
The lad bad % cold and 70 sore throat
a. The result Of his drcnchin0. and Li.
nUr ffff. utYf Erf Iyr.r.- ID