The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-07-17

wouldn't go anyhow, Martha"
81 thought you didn't know it, but she
is as homesick as child to see her IA
Their and mother. She hasn't said So
she never complains; but an unutterable
longing fills her eyes and quick tears
when she speaks of them. Sure of your
consent and my willingness to keep
house for her, she would go gladly"
"And you think it would do her good?"
Undoubtedly; it would be the cheap
est medicine you could give her, and the
surest. Think it over day or So"
That evening Martha was not surprised
to see startled, anxious look on her
brothers face, as he closely regarded his
wife whenever he thought himself unob-
served. Husbands are often the blindest
of all persons in regard to their wives,
but Nathan was convinced.
That night, when they were alone, he
suddenly exclaimed:
"Say, Clara, how would you like to Wis
it your mother this fall?"
She looked at him a moment in silence,
while wave Of color swept over her pale
face; then, turning away, she said,
brokenly:
"Don't talk about it, Nat. I know we
can't afford it, and I'd rather not speak
of it."
But we can afford it, and Martha is
willing to keep house for me. Now do
you want to go, dear?"
| There was an unconscious tone of re-
proach in his voice, and look of pain in
his face, which she could not understand.
"Oh, Nathan" she sobbed, with her
face hidden on his shoulder, don't
imagine that love you any the less, or
am tired of our little home; but do want
to go. Just now there is nothing in the
world L want SO much as to see father
and mother"
"Well, then, you shall go, little wife.
Don't cry 80; didn't know you cared go
much; but that settles it: you shall CO."
After Mrs. Tracy and the baby were
gone, Martha looked round the unorna-
mented rooms, and resolved that there
should be something new - something
bright and pretty-to welcome back the
homekeeper. The front room" had
never been furnished, but after consider
ing her resources, Martha thought she
could manage it, if she could persuade
Nathan into buying carpet.
ga carpetl Why, Martial" he exclaim-
ed at her proposal, too astonished to say
more.
"What is Clara's old home like? You
don't want her to notice too sharp con-
trast on her return said the sister quiet
ly.
81 may get = carpet" thoughtfully,
but so many other things would have
to come"
"Nat, when father and mother were
gone, we thought of dividing things; but
you had nc home then, and while John
lived everything remained the same.
When started out here, I sold or packed
everything, and there is large box on
the way for you. Besides bedding and
clothing, there are pictures, vases, cur
tains, table cover, and some of mothers
nice rugs. They will help furnish the
room. You can afford to buy cane
rocker and two chairs, and we'll make
the rest"
I'D like to know how?" incredulously.
"There are two bottomless chairs in
the granary. will ebonize the frames,
and cushion seat and back; with strips of
embroidery and heavy fringe, they will
be handsome. That old rocker which is
tinually coming to pieces, can be
mended and treated likewise-minus the
rockers-and you'll have an easy chair.
A pine table which you can make, stained
and covered with the spread, will do
nicely"
Well, it sounds practicable; I'll help
all I can"
"There will be ottomans to make,
mantel to put up, and cornice for the
curtains. 1t will take our spare time
all winter, but how pleased Clara will
be-"
81 intend to have everything nice for
her some day." said the man, somewhat
proudly.
"Yes, Nat, but woman must have
something to live on in the meantime.
There is love for the beautiful in every
true woman's heart, and it must be sat-
isfed. You cannot think how miss the
grand scenery | have Toasted on all my
life! Nathan, 1 believe, in this level,
monotonous country, the homes should
be very bright and attractive"
al haven't thought anything about it.
at is not common for man to think
about the house as woman does, for he
mingles with the world, while most of
her hours are spent within it's four walls.
Clara had no time to fix up anything
that baby was sight OF trouble-but if
you and the children will help, we will do
wonders"
And they did. When the mother came
home four months later, she scarcely
knew the place.
"Come and look at your wife," whis-
pered Martha, when Nathan had finished
the chores and was ready for happy