The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1885-03-20
THE NEW WIFE.

"Miss Cherry. Miss Cherry, it is time
to come in!"
4 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
Incl the river. and the dead leaves
fur cred TO and fro upon the brick
pa ed walk that extended beneath the
espatier of pear-trees.
And Cherry Fountain, sitting in q
low rustic chair on the river-bank, new
er sirrcd.
miss Cherry" reiterated the old
nurse; cold yourself, you might have
some consideration for Master Will
fred"
Nancy, don't interrupt" cried
Cherry. petulantly;' "we arc happy
here, Willie and |. Why can't you let
us aloncp'
''But your papa is asking for you,
Miss Cherry. He has come home, lie
and your mamma.
'.He and his new wife, you mean"
said Cherry with n curl OF her lip.
But little Willrcd jumped up and
pulled eagerly at his sisters dress.
Lets 90 in, Cherry" said he; 81
love papa. And | want to sec my new
mamma"
Cherry rose slowly and reluctantly,
but before she could pick up her books
and shawl, light figure, dressed in
Sonic glistening white material, came
runni q ont to the river shore.
where are the children?' said q
soft voice; Il want 10 see the child
ren.
Willie, an anectionate little fellow of
cignt years old, ran into the arms of
his young stepmotucr, and ovcrwhelm-
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
tail as am. Papa" turning archly to
tie bridegroom. who had followed
more slowly her lying footsteps, ''you
never told us that this Cherry of ours
was almost young lady"
.'Because didn't realize it myself"
said Colonel Fountain, caressing one of
Cnerry's long brown curls, and think
ing. even ut that inauspicious moment,
how much like her dead mother she
was growing. Cherry. this is your
new mamma. You must be great
frien..s with herr'
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
reddcncd in the sunset glow.
~ hey are beaut full children" she said
to her husband that night. II am
sure I shall love them if only they will
let me!''
II 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 condolcd 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 Frederick, the elder sister
of the deceased lady, had ostcntatiously
come to the house to remove all tho
personal belongings of the late Mrs.
Fountain. during the absence of the
colonel on his wedding-tour.
II dare say your new ma will be for
flinging all these in the fire." said she.
al only hope she will be kind to Willie,
poor childp
.If she is not" flashed Cherry, ''she
will have me to settle with"
But Aunt Frederica, 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
tie flower-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 blushc little as she glanc-
ed down at the weed-grown parterre.
There is no occasion for troubling
you," said she. 81 can take care of 1t
myself" =,
..But / should like to helpyou, dear,
am so fond OF gardening"
Il prefer to do 1t 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, ChcrryP"
said she. "Your papa thinks 1 could
read French and German with you and
help you in your practicing."
Thanks" said Cherry, suddenly
Strengthening herself up; "but don't
want any help. II would rather go on
with my daily goyerness, Miss Murray.
lust as did before"