The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-04-24

|
often said that Jane put the work ahead
so when she was there that she could
not keep her busy the year round.
But to return to our kitchen Father
had changed his position, getting
little out of the way of another charge
from the mush-pot where the beating
was going on vigorously.
After pause he began again
"Well ma, Jane is not bonnd to
marry Joe unless she wants to. But
perhaps she'll never get another chance
as good You know yourself that any
one of Aunt Anna's boys is bound to
make good man and smart one
None too smart, if he thinks to get
a wife in this way snapped out
mother.
Let him try ma, If he wants to
let him try. 1t won't hurt him any to
have the conceit taken out of him.
No reply, but the nush was stirred
as was never mush before. Another
pause.
You know, ma, Jane has been keep
| hib NSIhB"iiJ WIN 0haI lhililS idu
Marcy"
why don't he marry girl who
knows him if he wants to get married?"
souly inquired mother but the pud-
ding stickr, laxed its vigor slightly, and
father ventured little nearer the
speaker.
He says the girls up there are all
squaws, and that down by his mothers
they have too high notions"
well it's heathenish way of court
ing wife," replied mother; 'and if he
were to come about me in that way,
if L We're Jane, I'd empty a bucket of
water over him ~
Maybe she will, maybe she will"
chuclled father, who probably would
have enjoyed that termination of the
affair as well as any. But, ma, you
know Jane is terribly homeiy, and"
What further he would have said was
cut short by the entrance of Joe bearing
package and Il jar.
Mother sent these to you with her
compliments, Mrs Black"
|
Annals cheese and honey of old was
somewhat Modified by these presents,
but she remained rather sulky all the
evening; even when Joe filled her
wood-box and the water pail cut the
kindling, did the milking, bringing in
the pail, she condescended to tell him,
as clean as she did herself, or-but she
checked herself and did not say, "or
Jane" She would be no party to tnat
iniquity
He nearly won her when he repeated
his text promptly and correctly and
knelt reverently at prayers, and she told
father he was "a likely young man."
but her lips shut close and she shook
her head when she thoug hit of his
mission.
Before morning the sky cleared and
things were hurried around for an early
start to James.
During the ride it was arranged that
father was to introduce Joes errand to
the elders, and if they were willing Joe
might thereafter proceed as he liked.
So upon reaching the farm father and
Mr. Holton left Joe and the boys to
put up the team, and they went up to
the house and held conference with
Mrs. Holton, while Jane was busy
building fire in the best room.
The best room of an old-fashioned
farmhouse was dreary enough This
one had bright yarn carpet, several
split-bottom and wooden chairs with
patchwork cushions, low-backed
roclling-chair wooden settee, a table
with the Bible, an almanac, and file
of the Christian Era upon it. A few
! silhouettes and prints from magazines
were on the walls; but its only orna-
ments were the scrupulous cleanliness
and its big fire place.
Jane hustled in and out Oh hospitable
cares intent, being given, by general
consent, some opportunity for acquain-
tance and a chance to see and be seen
before being told our errand.
You already know what Jane saw
| What did Joe see? Jane was, rs father
had said, undeniably homely. She was
tall and angular. Her feet and hands
were large. Her hair was trihe too
red for auburn and not yellow enough
for gold "Carroty" is the proper
, description. Her complexion was
freckled, but her cheeks would have
shamed the roses. Her eyes were gray,
her nose had grown very long, and then,
as if wishing to make amends for that
mishap had shaped itself into decided
pug, Her mouth was large and always
smiling, and disclosed what was James
only beauty--a set of as regular and
white teeth as ever came from dentists
hands. Her dress was blue flannel,
every thread spun and woven by her.
self
The hour or two until dinner was
spent in viewing and discussing the
stock in telling the scanty news, and in
talking over "Uncle Toms Cabin,
which was then appearing as serial, in
all of which Joe took his part sensibly
and modestly.
At noon we were summoned to an
excellent and bountiful farm dinner.
1t was quite evident that by this time
Jane had been informed of our erand,
for from perfect Inconsistencies she
became suddenly preoccupied, nervous
and blushing Joe enjoyed his dinner
and did ample justice to it,
After we were all done there suddenly
came break and an awkward pause in
the conversation. Joe cleared his throat,
but without other sign of embarrassment
| began:
Miss Holton, | see somebody has
already told you what I've come for,
and it's right l should tell you some
thing about myself The squire here
will tell you about my folks. l
am twenty-five years old, have never
been sick in my life L don't drink
whiskey or swear or chew tobacco. I've
been raised to work and can hold up my
end with any man have one hundred
| and sixty acres of land about half
| cleared, There's the paper to show for
it, and Squire Black will tell you they're