Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1885-11-28
youthful days, the tears stole quietly
down her wlthered cheeks.

down her Wlthered cheeks.
81 am glad the piano is here" said
she. 81 only wish we had sent for it
before. l declare to goodness, it
seems to talk to one as if it were
alive"
So the bright year of roses and red
autumn leaves wore itself away. So
the snow came, soft and pearly white,
and the crocus buds and frises lifted
their green spears once again. through
the freshening earth.
81 have been making up my ac-
counts" said Mrs. Grey, one evening,
in tone of triumph. Nov, you
know, Gabrielle, have always told
you what an economy it was to do
our own housework."
'In everything but time," said Gay,
laughing.
ooh, dear me! what is oar time
worth p cried Mrs. Grey. "But
look here, my dear, we have econ
omized exactly two hundred and
nineteen dollars counting a girls
wages and her board. Two hundred
and nineteen dollars. Only think Of
that !"
"But we have worked hard for il"
observed Gay, as she sat with her
cheek resting on her hand, in the
blaze of hickory logs which the
chilly May evening rendered not un-
pleasant.
"Oh, yes, we've risen early, and
laid down late, and stepped briskly
around acknowledged Mrs. Grey.
"There is no denying that there is a
deal Of work to be done on place
like this. And l am not by any
means as young as once was. But
just see what we have saved y
"And now mother" said John,
kindly stroking the wrinkled hand
that lay on the cushioned arm of the
rocking-chair, Gay has been making
up her accounts
eyes, mother" said Gay, 81 have
sent the picture of the trout pond to
New York. And it has been sold.
And for how much do you think p
"Well, l don't know said Mrs.
Grey. cit was not so much bigger
than our parlor fire board. Ten dol
lars, perhaps"
"Oh, more than that!'' said Gay,
with sparkling eyes. at was sent to
the Academy of Design. And it was
sold for three hundred dollars"
'Three-hundred-doIlars !" re
peated Mrs. Grey, in amazement.
"What-a little picture like Mat!
That you painted at odd times up in
the north garret bedroom, when the
housework was done ?"
"Exactly," said gleeful John, put
ting his arm around the waist of
blushing Gabrielle. sour little Girl
here, is genius, mother. And ROW
what do you say about it? Shall it
be housework or art for the future :"
Mrs Grey leaned over and kissed
Gabrielle tenderly on the forehead.
"My DEAR" said she, sit seems like
upsetting all my lifelong ideas and
notions, but old as am, l amt too
old to learn. Wen keep q hired girl
alter this, that you shall have all your
t;ue to paint pictures; for | do believe
it will pay better than making butter"
Il should think So" said John
radiantly:
But you know, added the mother
in-law, "times have changed since |
was IL girl. We women never were
able to earn money like that in my
day. 1t is great gift, Gay, but l
think you deserve it."
"And | have learned how to be a
hrst-class little housekcepcr, too, row
haven't /, mother::' said Gay, nest
Ing up to the old lady.
"Yes, dear" saidMrs. Grey. "And
lm proud of you. l never thought
when John brought You home, that
| should get so fond Of you. You
are like the wife in Scripture, dear
the one of whom the Good Book says;
THE heaat other husband doth satth
trust in her."
For little Gabrielle Grey had con,
querea the domestic citadel, after all