The Washington critic., 1885-09-17


DO goU really want 10 goi'
II don't know. slowly replied Mrs.
Parker, ~ haven't had time 10 think
about il; II has all cJm, upDl m 50
suddenly. Cyrus ~ set upon eoin q.
You know he sets his life by rf3lE,
and thinks every thing he says and DOES
Is just right I'm afraid
Mrs. Barker suddenly paused rlanc-
ing I'm the direction of the orchard near
by from whence was waited. together
with Tie delicious, evening fragrance
of the 0pple-blossOms, gentle mar
muir Of voices.
Turning her head aside, she snil in
low, unsteady tone, "I'm afraid IL is
going 10 be hard for Jennie.
Good Mrs. Davis could not trust her
voice 20 reply, just then At length
She said in MS cheerful tone az She
could assume. "Wcll. Narshy, p'rapl
something will happen yet to hinder
your going I'm sure | hope so
81 suppose Cyrus will close the bur
gain with that Mr. Dunhnm-lhe man
who wants the furm--lo morrow. The
auction will be few days later.
Frank is hurrying things as fast as pos.
siblc. "
If there's anything can do to help
you, Narfhy, be sure and let me know
said Mrs Davis, as she balc her friend
good night
John overlook his mother before she
had gone many rods. but they walked
home In almost absolute silence; and
with q hasty goodnight to his
parents, the young man went immeli-
atcly 10 his room
John feels pretty bad, said Mrs.
Davis, sorrowfully "Jcnnic's bound
10 20 with her folks; she won't leave
her mother, so John says. sposa
she's right. too.
Pound things just as | said didn't
We, Malviny p
90, dear yes but | don't believe
Marshy wants to go one mite nor grain
She's one that never says anything
about herself it's all somebody else,
an what they want For my part /
shouldn't hesitate to say right up an
down, that didd't want to 30 an
rouidRt 90, said Mrs Davis, tanning
herself cncrgcticOlly with her sun bon
net.
moo" drawlcd lothian, rising to
go 10 bed, 81 don't reeiiy think you
uoUid, Malviny."
"Im sure / wouldn't" replied the
good lady shortly. 81 think a womln's
as good right to her say sometimes rs
| n man.
Mrs. Barker arose early the morning
of the next day. Stepping softly
through the kitchen door she opened
the back door, which looked to the
cast, and stood drinking in the still
morning loyclincss. The sun was not
| vet risen; but the east was all aglOw
with his hcraldng fires. The fragrant
orchard was filed with the songs of
bobolinks and orioles. As the sun
came up over the hills, dispclling with
his presence the mistwreaths hanging
gracefully over the lines of distant
water-courSCs, Mrs Barker, with sigh
that was almost a groan, turned quickly.
shut the door. and putting her hand
before her face, threw herself into IA
chair, the tears slowly trickling through
her fingers. But only for a few mo-
ments would she allow herself the
blessed relief of tears, and was shortly
busily engaged in preparing the morn
ing meal. With Jcnnie's help the
morning work was quickly finished
Now" said Mrs. Barker, 1--WE must
begin to look round and see what We
want to have sold.
And bidding Jennie follow her, she
assembled the stairs with steady foot
steps, but sinking heart They first
entered the spare room,
"This chest of drawers, feel rs If |
mUSt take; but | suppose Frank will say
it is too cumbersome.
Jennie, pale and listlcss, came and
stood by her mother, as she pulled out
one drawer after another As she
opened the last one, Mrs Barker sud.
denly put her hand to her face and
brokcnly exclaimed, 20, my sweet
Nellie % Tcnderly she lifted the little
garments, the tears dropping silently
upon all.
"AIothcr, mother" said Jennie,
gently passing her arm over her
mothers shoulder, Don't feel So
badly; we can take all Of these little
things with us.
"Ah! but we cannot take her grave
and | can never see the kitchen win.
dow, where 50 often fancy | can sec
her, watching for papa the little
golden head Just above the sill o
JtHlllC NbN wv lDt NllJN NllAN ~ - u
leave so much
Mother" replied Jennie in low
tone, IL am leaving great deal. -
Forgive me, daughter exclaimed
Mrs. Barker remorscfully, " / am in
deed selfish,
80" sighed Jennie, "'ir father would
only give up this wild scheme -
Softly they closed the chamber door
feeling almost as if they had just takcr
the last look at dear friend. They
entered another room, looked abou
for few moments, then Mrs. Blrkcl
started to 30 out saying that she woulC
have to consult with Cyrus about wha
TO take. And in fact, the woman wa
so blinded with tears that she could no
see much of anything. So blinded ant
ngitatcd that the stairs down which sh,
had safely passed every day for many
years were unseen, and there was
heavy fall, deep groan, then silence
broken by Il frightened scream from
Jennie.
Fortunately Mr. Barker AMI Franl
had lust entered the kitchen, and hear
ing The fall and following scream, wcr,
quickly by the side of the unconsciou
woman.
A physician was quickly summoned
who, upon examining the sufferer AN
nounccd that beside other severe I'm
iurics, she sustained u bad fracture %
the right leg.
When Mr. Durham arrived, tw,
hours later, the Barker farm wa, uu
of the market; aud week later
Frank was ON his way back 20 knn-l
alone.
On Il pleasant afternoon. some tw
months .rlcr this, Farmer Davis aguii
entered his wilcs domain, where sh
was placdly Swimming milk and sofll
humming CLONE, Sweet Home.
I'VE l. MaNiny, what do You sp1,
I.hcard just now ID
| ,.ANhA. lnm-L L-n...- M -LL-.. - o.