South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1885-01-09
NATHAN's LESSON.
Taught BIZ a Sensible aud "Blessed
Old Maid"

w
roaming here and there. Now thew
are all gone. Martha's alone, and It's
ho more than right for me TO look ont
Tor Ler awhile. I'll write immedi-
atcly.'
Yes, Nathan; that ia right / know,
but | can't help dreading 1t. ALWAYS
had a horror OF old maids aud Mis-.
Tracy looked nervously around the
plain kitchen of the little farm house.
You needn't be afraid of Martha;
che lsn't very old. and I venture II
say, none OF the prying, disagreeable
old maids We read Of
In spite of his reassuring words.
Mrs. Tracy dreaded the arrival of her
husbands maiden sister, who he had
not seen since tue day he left his New
England home to try his fortune in
the new West.
But, rs Clara soon discovered, there
was nothing TO fear from the quiet,
sad.iaced woman who came TO them,
whose life had beer so full Of devotion
TO others. and noble self-sacriiice, that
there had been no time for growing
hard and bitter because some OF life's
sweetest blessings adbeen denied her.
The children, Bert and Mabel and
baby Ray, with the unerring instinct
OF childhood, felt the depth o. her quiz
ct kindlincss, and took her at once IN
to their loving little hearts.
Miss Tracy. although wholly unob-
truaivc, was naturally very observant.
This, together with the interest she
felt in her brothers. family led her,
before she had been many weeks au
inmate Of his house, 10 make dis
covcry.
Nathan, in his desire TO get Oh in The
world, was missing u.uch that would
nave made life pleas MT In thinking
so constantly OF the tarc, he was los
ing all tie sweetness OF the present.
That this was affecting the whole fa-
mils was only too apparent. 1t was
seen III Clara's anxious, weary face.
and repeated IN u less degree upon the
countenauces of their children.
here seemei to be no rest Tor any
OF them. No relaxation in the ST ug-
gle tor existence. Nothing TO vary
tlc wearing monotony OF everyday
labor, which, like some huge Jugger-
naut, was crushing beneath its wheels
all that might have made life sweet
and pleasant.
Martha shrank from interfering with
the habits OF her brothers family; but,
looking ahead, she saw for them moth
ing bat sorrow and disappointment,
and lett that something must he done
TO save them
Watching for an opportunity to talk
alone with Nathan. she gladly accept
ed MS invitation one morning 10 ride
with him to town.
They were rolling rapidly over the
level prairie road, when Martha broke
the silence.
1T Is truly exhiliratIng to ride in
this bracing air, over these line roads,
especially with so nice rig. as you
call it. The buggy is easy aud the
horses really fine animals. You mast
be doing well now, Nathan
i suppose | am, Marina; but it has
been q hard pull, with losing crops,
sickness, etc. We're IN debt yet, but
with Lard work an1 economy | guess
we can make it up in another year
Then what will come next =
Il intend to have a nice large barn.
and some cEoice cattle; then : shall
build good house aud prepare to take
comfort There isn't better farm
than mine for miles around aud ] must
make the best improvements possible.
Then, come day, we'll have the best
OF everything
Gut who will share il all with YOUR
why, my family, Of course . open
ing hia eyes wide with astonishment.
All except CLARA, you mean, col.
emily.
why, Martha, how you talk. 1t.
is for her I'm working who else.
FL ike 10 know Z
Now, Nathan, just take fow plain
words from your sister, who means
only kindness I've had experience.
ard. in my Judgment, Clara hash I vi.
tality enough to take her through an.
other year OF hard work. ! have your
interests at heart, and would not need
Iessly arouse your fears bat am
convinced that your wife is wearing
ont She must rest from this con.
staut labor, or your children will soon
be mOtherlcss
Don't, Martha, talk in that way I
Clara 10 "a well n usual. She was al.
ways slender aud delicate. I'd gladly
have kept her in ease, bot she knew
she married n poor man, and was
willing to work up He was a little
annoyed.
Il doubt not you have been kind
aud good to her, and now that she has
helped work up 50 far, | know YOU
will be glad to give her vacation
You do not realize what il is 10 care
for three little children and do al the .
Xyprr fttof tuusf lao a ,p. a., - A. -.