The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-03-20
with kind word and CHEEKY greeting

JENNIE was DlOOmlDR,OOnnle Drlne,
and seemed proud of her stalwart hus-
band.
Jennie was installed as housekeeper
in her fathers home. After time,
Mr.. johnson, presented his daughter
with the deed of gift, and the young
people were formally acknowledged as
master aud mistress Of the farm, with
the understanding that Mr.. Johnson
was to reside with them.
All went well for a time. Then
gradually there came change over the
serene atmosphere of the dwelling, and
the old man became conscious that he
was no longer treated with courtesy,
hor his wishes respected.
"Would you mind sleeping in the
back bedroom for few weeksY-we
have visitor comingl' said Jennie,
one morning, about six months after
the wedding.
The old man started in great sur
prise.
why can't the visitor go into the
back room?" he asked.
"Oh, it's such little, poky place /
don't mean that exactly she exclaim-
ed, checking herself in confusion. "The
room is very clean, and there's real
beautiful view from the window, and
a good feather bed But Miss Martin
is very peculiar she has such a grand
home that we cannot put her any
where.
Mr.. Johnson leisurely crossed his
legs, put his newspaper on the table,
took his spectacles off, rubbed them,
put them in the case, and then slowly
rejoined
IF there is such fine view from
the window, your visitor may enjoy it,
and she can sleep on the feather bed
I've slept in the front room five and
forty years, and l amt a-going to be
turned ont now. If Miss Martin amt
satisfied with the accommodation, she
may stay away!"
Stay away iudeed!' fred Jennie
It's just like you father. l call you
very selfish"
She hastily left the room, shutting
the door with a bang.
The old man took up the newspaper,
but the words ran into one another,
for large tears gathered in his bright,
gray eyes, and his lips quivered pain
fully.
Miss Martin came, and informed Jen-
ME that her father was the most ars-
tocraticlooking gentleman she had ever
seen; bu, during her stay Mr. Johnson
was subjected to many sights, as Jen-
ME and her husband were ashamed OF
the old. fashioned ways.
One evening Mr.. Johnson returned
from the village, where he had spent
the day with friend. He walked
leisurely up the garden path; but sud
derly paused, and uttered an exclama
tion of astonishment.
A fine hawthorn tree, which had
stood near the house, had been full of
pink blossoms in the spring, lay upon
the ground On examining it, he dis
covered that it had been cut off near
the roots. He turned hastily to enter
the house by the front door, when he
observed that the monthly rose tree,
which had twined the porch and been
full of bloom all summer, lay across the
garden path, cut into number Of
pieces, and an attempt had been made
to die it up by the roots.
Robert Robert !" cried Mr.. John
son.
whats the matterg' quered voice
from an inner room.
"Who's been cutting them down.
clied the old man, excltedly, entering
the apartment, and waving his hand
towards the garden.
81 have" answered Mr.. Meadows,
complacently.
"Why did you do it,"
"Because | chose to"
"There, don't quarrel" said Jennie.
'Ils all my fault, father The haw.
thorn tree was close to the parlor WIN
dow, and made the room dark--so |
asked Robert to cut it down. The
rose tree is not much good we are
going to have finer one put in its
place"
"That hawthorn tree your mother
set with her own hands, and the rose
tree planted on the day you were
born. Your mother loved them both,
and heaven forgive you for what you
have done!"
He turned away, ascended the stairs,
entered his own room, and closed the
door.
"If Farmer Turner calls, Just send
round for me, will you, Jennie 2 ask
ed Mr.. Meadows, one morning, at
breakfast. Hes coming to look at
old Bette"
"Yes, I'll send" replied his wife.
"Whats the matter with the COW ?"
inquired Mr.. Johnson.
"Oh. nothing replied the young
man. I'm going to sell her"
'Sell her?' repeated the other.
"Yes she's old. and don't give much
milk. I'm going to buy young one
in her place, Jennie's been complain
ing of the butter for long time it
don't come up to our neighbors'."
But | won't have her sold!' cried
the old man, angrly.
IL on nave nOthlnS 10 40 WIN ner
she is mine, and shall do as | like"
rejoined the other, haughtily, as he
rose to leave the room.
Mr.. johnson turned to the window,
without uttering another word,
A few hours later he saw Farmer
Turner's man driving old Bette ont of
the yard.
"Ah, it's the one she used to milk !"
he soliloquized,
And tears gathered thickly in his
eyes, as he watched his late wife's ia
vorite COW driven by a stranger
"lieres letter from my sister Jane"
remarked Mr.. johnson, one afternoon,
to his daughter. "Poor thing! her
husband has been dead only two
months, The bailifs have sold her
furniture /; she is destitute, and is stay
ing with neighbor for a few days,
and then she don't know where to 60
to. Poor janet mused the old man,
as dreamy look came into his ewes