Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-06-08
misrfllane1ns.
Written for the Kennebec Journal.
TRAVELLERS STORY.
BY GEORGE EMERSON.
rconvr,ohted Aprti. 1886. I

Copyrighted April, 1861
While sitting upon my front porch one
day, man rode up to my gate dressed IN
a travelling suit of gray; he hastily dis
mounted, and, coming up to me asked Inc
without further ceremony, if | remem-
bered himp replied ! did not; where
upon he said, we met. once upon atime. at
State fair in New Hampshire, where he
learned, incidentally that | was at all
times eager to gather up good story,
and, as something of interest had hap
pened in his neighborhood. he had come
all the way from the State above men
toned to tell it to me. together with the
why's and wherefores.
Surprised and delighted by this gener-
osity, ordered his horse to be taken care
of, another easy chair, and box of prime
Havanas, when, after lighting cigar, he
proceded with his narrative in the follow
ing manner:
There lived upon farm adjoining my
fathers a man by the name of Solomon
Jones. He was a good-hearted being, in
easy circumstances, and had one child,
a beautiful daughter. He took great
pains to educate this girl, spending mon
ey lavishly in all sorts OF ways in order
to put her in possession of such knOwl-
edge as was deemed requisite tor her fu-
ture welfare But, with all her accom-
plishments, she failed to gain humility,
and grew up proud, capriciOus beauty,
having all things generally her way, and
perplexing her father at times to such a
degree that he almost wished he had CIV
en- her no education at all.
At length, when she came to woman
hood, he began to cast about to find her
a suitable match-a man who would, in
the main at least, make her happy, for she
appeared, of herself, to have little regard
for all that is true and noble in the oppo-
site sex. In this business he used his or
binary good sense and foresight, over
looking the vain, pretentious characters
of the neighborhood, and fixing his choice
upon plain, honest young man, whom he
knew would make good husband for
any sensible wOman-any woman who
had the least respect for industry and
truth, which is, by the way, the sum of
all the good there is in either man or
woman.
These conclusions he communicated to
his wife, who saw at once the wisdom of
the project. But it remained, to bring
the two young people together in love be-
fore any serious step could be taken in
the matter This had to be done as speed
lily as practicable also. tor the young lady
had taken fancy for a toppish singing
sense. and unless her desires could be
turned about, or at least counteracted. she
would, in all probability manage to mar
ry the noddlehead and so give the whole
house something to repent of the longest
day she lived and herself as we'll.
Having matured this plan, the old gen.
tleman set out for the village just before
hay harvest, and having laid the matter
candidly before the young man whom he
desired for his son-in-law, and who. by
the way, had lived with him once, and at
one time been in great favor with the
daughter, whom he loved yet, secretly, he
instructed him in regard to the part he
was to play. remarking that little de-
ception must be used, which, in case in
volving the happiness of so many persons
of foiling the intentions of one who cared
not for their welfare,as he truly believed,
would not be out of place, so as to make
the scheme successful one; and then he
engaged him to come on in a few days
and work for him the remainder of the
year-all of which was done without the
knowledge of Miss Priscilla Jones, of
course.
Il shall have to get some one to help
me through haying,' said the farmer as
he sat at the breakfast table one morning
81 wonder if John Simpson is employed
anywhere. He was a good, steady hand
when we had him before.'
Il think you may get john" answered
the wife, IF you try. would see him.
he is industrious and trusty, too
Soon on came young Simpson, an ln-
telngent, worthy, but unassuming young
man, with bran new scythe, and went to
work in the hay. Down went swath after
swath, following each other in straight
lines across the broad field, until all was
laid low. Out came the horse rake and
soon little mounds dotted the stubble
Then the oxen slowly brought load after
load. until the whole was slowed away in
the barn. Presently the harvest was done.
and John shouldered his scythe and was
getting ready to depart.
You might stay a week longer" said
farmer Jones. "if you desire The stone
down on the hill wants to be hauled off.
You have no particular need of going
away so SOON"
II don't know" replied John, casting
sly look at Priscilla, who sat sewing
while he stood at the door resting the cor
ner of his scythe upon the sill. las | care
to 60 away particularly, only thought
would rather pass the balance of the sum
mer down on the Blue Fork. have an
uncle there who is short of help. think
| will go to him"
Never mind, young man. stay with
me week longer and then | will talk to
you about that. Take the oxen. John.
and go down on the hill and haul off the
stone. BY the time that job is done, I
guess. may be, can get along without
YOU
Away went John to his work, leaving
Priscilla to wonder if he really did want
to 60 down to the Blue Fork. She won
dered also why he was so changed from
what he used to be in the old times. No
jokes now-no laughter as of old. He
treated her civilly-almost coldly. He
was essentially changed. What was the
reason? She wished she knew-that she
did.
A week passed by and young Simpson
again made ready to 60 away.
Tut, TUT" said the farmer, "go over to
the new ground man, and take out the roots
so that can pillow in the spring. You
may as we'll work for me as any one else
Go over to the new ground for a week; at
the end of that time we will see what wa