The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1885-03-05
THE NEW WIFE.

MISS CneFTy, MISS Cnerry, IL Is IlIne
to come in!'
The old stable-clock struck six as
Nurse Nancy stood with her hand
shading her eyes-the sun was sinking
behind the fringe of willows that out
lined the river, and the dead leaves
fiuttered to and fro upon the brick
paved walk that extended beneath the
eSpdtter of pear-trees.
And Cherry Fountain, sitting in
low rustic chair on the river-bank, nev-
er stirred.
Miss Cherry reiterated the old
nurse; cold yourself, you might have
some consideration for Master Will
fred"
Nancy, don't interrupt" cried
Cherry. petulantly; 1--WE are happy
here, Willie and L. Why can't you let
us alone?"
''But your papa is asking for you,
Miss Cherry. He has come home, he
and your mamma"
''He and his new wife, you mean,"
said Cherry with a curl of her lip.
But little Wilfred jumped up and
pulled eagerly at his sisters dress.
Lets go in, Cherry said he; Il
love papa. And l want to see my new
mamma
Cherry rose slowly and reluctantly,
but before she could pick up her books
and shawl, a light figure, dressed in
some glistening white material, came
running out to the river shore.
"Where are the children?n said a
soft voice; Il want to see the child
rem"
Willie, an affectionate little fellow of
eight years old, ran into the arms of
his young stepmother, and overwhelm-
ed her with kisses, which were most
cordially received, but Cherry hung
back with defiant glances.
Come here, darling" said Mrs.
Fountain. ''Why, you are nearly as
tall as | am. Papa" turning archly to
the bridegroom, who had followed
more slowly her flying footsteps, you
never told us that this Cherry of ours
was almost a young lady"
because | didn't realize it myself
said Colonel Fountain, caressing one of
Cherry's long brown curls, and think
ing. even at that inauspicious moment,
how much like her dead mother she
was growing. Cherry. this is your
new mamma. You must be great
friends with hcr!"
The tears brimmed into Cherry's
eyes-her lips quivered.
Mrs. Fountains quick eye saw it all,
but she had too much tact to interfere
She only kissed Cherry and clasped
her hand tenderly, and then began to
talk about the beauty of the river, all
Redeemed in the sunset glow.
"Ihey are beautiful children" she said
to her husband that night. 81 am
sure shall love them if only they will
let mer'
Il don't think there will be any
trouble about that, darling" said the
colonel fondly.
Nor would there have been, if Cher
rvs frank, generous soul had been left
to its own impulses. But the neigh
bors had condoled with her too SYM
pathetically. Miss Darling, who would
herself have been glad to console the
handsome widower, had said plaintive-
ly:
You, dear Cherry, must remember
your mothers memory, although your
father seems to have forgotten it.
And Aunt Frederica, the elder sister
of the deceased lady, had ostentatiously
come to the house to remove all the
personal belongings of the late Mrs.
Fountain. during the absence of the
colonel on his wedding-tour.
Il dare say your new ma will be for
flinging all these in the fire" said she.
Il only hope she will be kind to Willie,
poor childr'
If she is not" flashed Cherry, "she
will have me to settle with.
But Aunt Frederick, only groaned
and shook her head.
And it was in this spirit that Cherry
was prepared to meet her fathers sec
ond wife. Small wonder that Alice
Fountain found it well-nigh impossible
to win her love.
This was your dear mammals favor
ite hower-bed, Cherry said the bride
one morning. willie told me So You
and must make it our care to keep
the place always bright and lovely"
Cherry blushed little as she glanc-
ed down at the weed-grown parterre.
There is no occasion for troubling
you," said she. Il can take care of it
myself"
But should like to helpyou, dear,
l am so fond of gardening
i prefer to do it myself, said Cher
ry stifiiy.
Mrs. Fountain looked at her wistful-
ly, but said nothing more just then. In
the afternoon she came to the little
boudoir where Cherry sat reading.
Where are your books, Cherry?'
said she. Your papa thinks / could
read French and German with you and
help you in your practicing."
Thanks" said Cherry, suddenly
Strengthening herself up; ''but I don't
want any help. Il would rather 60 Oh
with my daily governess, Miss Murray,
just as l did before"
And once more Alice found herself
repelled.
Aunt Frederick came daily to the
house, and sat solemnly in judgment
on the brides new theories of house
hold management. Miss Darling glid-