The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-03-11
:. a / ,Selfft Stun,,. .,s.....
THE MoRTaAGED FARM.

"Six o'clock!' said Marion HilyarG
looking up suddenly, as the tall, old
fashioned clock in the corner rang ou
its shrill announcement; "six o'clock
and oh, mother, here is Jennie Lane
punctual to the very moment. Now We
shall have some good news from Jack,
hope." sas' q ~ 20
She ran out to the gate, flushed and
eager to receive the letter from the coun.
try carrier, and returning seated herseH
on a. low stool at her mothers feet and
broke the envelope. ssasW z
On the 6rst glance at its contents Q
shsde of disappointment dimmed her
bright face; instead OF reading the note
aloud she glanced hurriedlv over the
biiet tines, and then silently with q q6iv.
ering lip, placed It in her mothers hand
and turned aside to the window. !.
This was what Mrs. Hilyard read !: q
DEAR MADAM: saw your son few
days since. when. to my surprise he ex.
pressed himself reluctant to- apply bic
money to the sredeeming of the mort
gage. saying that he required it for q
speculation which promises to be more
profitable to him than the holding OF the
farm. have, therefore been compelled
to dispose OF the mortgage to q gentle
man of nv acquaintance who proposes
to take Immediate possession, and | con.
slider 1t my duty to inform you thereof,
10 order that you may lose no time in
making arrangements fora removal.
Very respectfully, m ss
So AHNER HARRIS" !
Mrs Hilysrd returned the letter to its
envelope with trembling hand and .
dszed, begildered look, as though una.
BILE to realize the blow which had 80 aud,
denly fallen upon her, asn. .,s,,,...,,
Her eyes met Marion's and the girl
threw herself upon her knees By her
mother's side and burst: into 4 passion
OF tears. 4i hsa 48aa 81 ns .e,,ffsn.5s,s,
is"Oh,. mother, mother, what shall we
do7 What will become Of US 7" 49,
.The Lord will provide" said Mrs
Hilyard raising her overdowing eyes to
the motto on. the wall, embroidered bY
Marion's own hands. "Where is your
faith, my child, that. it should fail you in
the very hour OF need r. s.s
"MotheE il is not; so much the loss OF
Our homo nor the property and trial in
store which grieves me, but that jack
your son, my own brothef-should have
80 changed Oh, mother, I know tbs,
our Father in Heaven Will not desert ns,
but 10 whom on earth can We turn when
even Jack can become worldly and
leartless so - DE
Al. this moment al,tle blueseyed gifl
burst into the room with ga 'sii .e
aMamma- Marion! here Is Miss Me.
lis Anderson at the gate in her buggy
she saws will you step out q minute, for
she wants to tell you about old Mr. Mil.
lard being snnstrnck; and she dafen't
leave her horse without some one to bold
him" tsh - ~
Marion was in no condition to listen
to 'Melia-the greatest gossip in the
nsighborhood, SO Mrs. Hillyard, drying
her eyes, was in cviliIy compelled to see
the informal visitor. Marion, her head
resting upon the window sill behind the
screen OF clinging roses, could have
heard every word spoken; but absorbed
in her grief she paid no attention until
he name of Walter Hinton struck upon
her earl 9 .ei1sdpG sslna. es; .4aufsv
eIts true, for certain for Maria had |,
from his own sister, AgRie Hinton,
SAYS Maria in her Wild way, III be comes
hack with all thss money'-you know
his Uncle Samuel left him most of bis
property last vear--ssys Maria, 'if he
comes back rich I.mesn to set my car
for him. On which Aggie replies, 'Oh,
you needn't, for he's to be married be,
fore long to a real pice pretty girl.'' Oh
course Maria wanted to know all about
III; but Aggis only laughed in hersmys-
terious away, until Maria saws, i believe
you are joking !, when Aggie replies III
Walter isn't married before " inter- i Il
mske you q present OF nv new earrings
which he has sent me So you see irs
certain sure; and no doubt he'll bring
bis bride to visit his family, and then tell
Marion we may look ont for grand
party. When, the Hintons undertake to
do, things they, always do 1t handsome
ly." s,ss,.o,,,,s -. go. -
Marion stayed to hear no more, Gid.
ing out OF side door she crossed the
garden, passing little Myrs, who wa,
fondHng snow white calf, her great pei
and treasure, and who called out to bel
to see how fast Snowfall was growing.
Poor little sister! 1t would be as hart
upon her as upon her mother and hersel
to leave the dear old home, with ell ths
scenes and objects endeared to them bj