The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-02-27

always TO stay right there and blunder his
bass notes in, rough though they were,
to give tonic to Aunt Becky's weaker tones.
Time sped along as the two old lovers sat
and sang, yet the deacon, who had come only
TO wish happy New Year. made no sign Of
going. The sun had travelled quarter round
the house just to get peep in at the little
west window and see this comfortable old
couple; and the sight was worth all the trou-
BILE OF subduing the snowstorm for the pur-
pose. Then, when the sun had lodged be-
hind the leafless orchard, and finally hidden
his big, red face behind the little knoll where
sleep the dead of Tamarack, the scene be-
came even more peaceful. TIE warm glow
OF the fire filled the room with lovers light,
and saw Deacon Podsons hand steal over
and close upon the long, slender fingers Of
his satisfied old sweetheart. This was all.
No rapturous embraces, no lingering
kisses spoiled the peaceful scene. Aunt
Becky's face, touched by the CLEAN
from the window In the stove,
seemed so full of tender love and
gentle satisfaction that said to myself Wa
young people do not know what real, COM
Portable love is. Never again can believe
that true love does not run smoothly. 1t is
the heyday passion of youth that finds OBJ
structions in its course, but the steady cur
rent Of Aunt Becky's love, as she sat there
hand in hand with Deacon Poison, flowed on
as grandly and serenely as mighty river
out of torrent time.
At last the darkness closed in upon them
and with Bobby fast asleep in his chair had
only to listen. Was it wicked thus to play
the eavesdropperl Perhaps so. Thought so;
and | doubt not that was my prevailing
reason for doing it.
"How long is it since Sister Poison passed
away9' asked Becky, with quivering tender
ness of tone.
sits nigh on sixteen year now,' replied the
deacon, with heavy sigh, which was echoed
by Aunt Becky.
SISTER Podson was such dear, good SOUL"
said Aunt Becky, softly, sit seemed pity we
couldn't a'kept her always. But Gods will
be done"
"Yes, Gods will be DONE" repeated Deacon
Poison, with another deep-drawn sigh.
"She was so lovin'-like and goodW said the
dear old woman without shade of that
jealousy which shrivels the heartless compli-
ments of younger women under such condi-
tons
"Ies, Sister Boggs, she was"
Call me Becky, Deacon Poison"
"An' you'll call me Josh~
"Yes J-J-Joshua," and know Aunt Becky
put her Bingham apron up to her face. Ten
years of courtship, and doubt not this was
the first time she had addressed him by his
Christian name. thought surely the deacon
would see his chance and throw both arms
around her neck, fold her to his big breast,
and say: "My Becky, my own, own Becky"
That is about what should have done, but
Deacon Poison is older than |, and has passed
the gushing point Of life.
Il hev been a-thinkin' about somethin'
big, long time, Sister Bo-that is, Becky.
I've been a-thinkin' thet-"
What on earth could the man be waiting
for, Had he faintedl Had his tongue been par
alyzed by the burden thrown upon it, |
strained my ear, but could catch no sound.
Long, long, oh, how provokingy long the
silence dragged. At last heard kiss yes,
/ could not have been mistaken, it must have
been a kiss-and then few soft sobs that
told Of tears Of joy in Aunt Becky's eyes.
Had their souls read each other in the dark.
ness, and flowed together in eloquent silence
as their cheeks lay close against each other'
1t must have been 50, for after Deacon Pod
son had gone away, Aunt Becky stood and
looked out at the window long time; and
when she turned back and lighted the lamp
TO put Bobby to bed there were tears in her
eyes and happy smile on her lips that
plainly said blessing from the god Of love
had fallen on her heart