Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-03-13

A LOVE MATCH.

HamDden Was one OF tnOsc NC" cnnu
ished places which requires the brightest
of sunlight. the greenest frame OF qulvei-
| ing leaves to make them at all present.
able. And in the gray, uncompromising
medium of the November dust, Hampden
looked dreary enough. while the dark
4 CHIMNEY of the new silk mill rising out of
the hemlock woods. staring the Queene
/ Anne depot, the church. which bore
strong family resemblance to child's
wooden toy, and the stone quarry to the
left. which reminded the thoughtful look
er-en of q gigantic forti6cation in an un-
finished state.
.Humph!,' said Mrs. Medley as she
looked around her. "a queer place"
Her neice, Phebe, was there to meet
her with box wagon and white-nosed
old horse.
Folks can't always choose where
tbey re to live, said Phebe, who was al
WAYS in state of antagonism to Mrs.
Medley, land Hampden is good enough
for me-"
How is Phillip ?" asked Mrs. Medley.
phillip is WE'LL" said Phebe. as she
helped the depot boy to hoist Aunt Ned.
ley's trunk into the wagon.
Phillip Barrow was Mrs. Nedley's favor
tie nephew. She had paid his bills at
school. superintendent his fortunes. and
finally purchased share for him in the
new silk mills.
He's all I've got," said Mrs. Medley.
except Phebe, and Phebe and never did
hitch horses together. And want him to
succeed in the world"
But within few days new claimant
had arisen to Aunt Nedley's protection
and tender consideration.
ITO be sure. she is no relation to me. :"
said Mrs. Medley. ''But her mother was
my dearest friend and think will adopt
her for my sake"
And it was scarcely an hour from the
time in which she learned that Sylvia
GRAY was an orphan that she wrote kind
letter to the girl inviting her to come to
the east for visit.
IF you like it. my dear. there need be
no occasion for your going back" she
wrote. "We are both alone. Let us be
companions to one another"
She had waited and waited and no re-
ply had arrived; and while she waited a
plan had developed itself in her mind.
'.If she is her mothers daughter, she
cant help being pretty" said Mrs. Ned
| ley. Phil is handsome lad. She shall
marry Phil"
And this explains Mrs. Nedley's pres
ence at Hampden.
81 suppose you are still keeping house
for Philip" said Mrs. Medley, as they
drove along in the chill twilight.
"No," said Phebe. skillfully guiding
the old horse down steep place in the
road.
"He boards. eh ?" said Mrs. Medley.
mo, he don't board" answered Phebe,
his wife keeps house for him."
what !" said Mrs Medley.
HE is married." announced Phebe,
have said ait is a cold evening"" or, 1.-The
train is late"
phillip is married !" repeated the old
lady, Stop, Phebe, don't
drive step further Turn around at
once. Take me back to the station. I'll
return to Concord"
"Ain't you going to see Phillip" asked
Phebe.
mot if he's married." answered Mrs.
Medley. in a choked voice.
"He's got proper nice wife," pleaded
Phebe. you'll like her."
mo, | shan't,r said Mrs. Medley.
.Phillp-married. Phebe, if you don't
turn around. I'll get out and walk"
Mrs. Nedley's will was like adamant,
and Phebe Barrow was forced to succumb
to it.
And so it happened that Phebe and the
white-nosed pony arrived solitary and
alone at the little cottage of the mill su-
perintendent, half an hour laler
Phil came out into the porch, carrying
lamp in his hand.
Mrs Phil ran after him, with pink
apron tied around her trim waist, and her
brown fringe OF hair flowing back from
her forehead.
"Where's my aunt said Phil. as Phebe
Jumped out. Didn't she Gomez"
"She came" said Phebe. CURLY, "but
she's gone back again"
''Gone back again?'
"Yes. She didn't like it because you've
got married; so she's gone back by the
500 train"
"Oh, Phil" cried Mrs. Barrow, who
was round cherry-cheeked little wom-
an, with soft, hazel eyes, and a mouth like
a rosebud. "What shall we dop Why
didn't you consult her before you married
meP''
Phil Barrow broke into great laugh.
my dear" said he, lit wasn't her
consent l wanted. it was yours"
"Oh. but Phil, she has done so much for
you"
"She's good soul. but she's eccentric. :"
said the mill superintendent Go in,
Phebe. and get your tea"
I'm sure can't eat mouthful. said
Mrs. Phil. "And the biscuits mixed my
self; and the fried chicken; and the White
mountain cake-oh. Phil oh Phil ~
Don't fret. dear" said Phil. ;"my aunt
Medley has missed a very good supper,
that can tell her."
but have blighted your future" said
Mrs. Barrow. tragcally Selling the sugar
tongs.
well 60 to Concord tomorrow and
see the old lady" soothed Phil. ..She
must surrender if she sees you, wifey."
Phebe chuckled grimly
That's all very WE'LL" said she. ..but
you forget that an old lady and Young
man don't look at girl with the same
eyes"
Hold your tongue. Phebe," said the
mill superintendent. where's the use
of always croaking2"
And then Mrs. Phil. began to laugh.
and phaha xrho afar ka- o., XIII G.