Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1886-04-29

while a wave of crimson swept over her
pale face. Then, turning away, she said,
brokenly:
Don't talk about it, Nat; 1 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, my dear!
There was an unconscious tone of re-
proach in his voice and a look of pain in
his face which she could not unde. stand.
"Oh, Nathan, don't imagine that love
you any the less, or that ! am tired OF
our dear little home; but do want to go.
Jxst now there is nothing in the world
want so much as to see father and moth
err" she sobbed with her face hidden on
her husbands shoulder.
swell. then, you shall go, little wife.
Don't cry sos didn't know you cared so
much; but that settles it. You shall GO"
After Mrs. Tracy and the baby were
zone Martha looked around the unorna-
mented rooms and resolved that there
should be something bright and pretty, to
welcome back the hOusekeeper The
front room had never been furnished. but,
after considering her resources, Martha
thought she could manage it If she could
persuade Nathan into buying a carpet
"A carpet? Why Martina he exclaim-
ed at her proposal, too astonished to say
more.
"What was Clara's old home like? You
don't want her TO notice too sharp a con
trast on her return" said the sister, quiet
ly.
| might get carpet, but 50 many other
things would have to follow
Nat, when father and mother died we
were going TO divide things, but you had
no home then, and while John and ]
stayed everything remained the same.
when I came here / sold or packed every
thing and there is big box for you which
il on its way out here. Besides bedding
and clothing there are pitchers, vases, cur
tains a widespread and some Of mothers
nice rugs. / guess you can afford to buy
cane-seat rocker and two chairs and Wen
make the rest
sd like to know hown
"There are two bottOmless chairs in the
granary; / will ebonize the frames, cush-
ion seat and back, and with strips of
embroidery and heavy fringe they will
be handsome The old rocker which is
forever 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
vanished, and covered with the spread,
will do nicely
well, it sounds practicable. I'll help
all can
"There will be ottomans to make,
mantle to put up, and cornice for the
curtains. 1t will take our spare time for
all winter. But how pleased Clara viii
be-"
II intend to have everything nice for
her some day"
yes, Nat; but woman must have some
thing TO live ON in the meantime. There's
a love of the beautiful in every woman's
heart, and il must be satisfied. If sur
rounded by grand scenery the mind can
feed on that; but here in this monotonous
country | believe the homes should be
very bright and attractive
There may be some truth in that, but
/ never Thought of it before replied
Nathan.
1t is not common for n man to think
about the house as q woman does. Clara
had no time to fix up anything; that baby
was a sight Of trouble: but if you and the
children help we can do wonders
And they did when Clara came home
four months later she scarcely knew the
place
Come and look mt your wife" wins
pered Martha, when Nathan had finished
the chores and was ready for happy
evening.
She was in the pretty room, chatting
with the children JOY and gladuess
shoue through her face which had lost its
sharpness, and pallor, and there was an
elasticity in hermoyements which recalled
her girhood
"She looked ten years younger, Martha,
and if | can help it she shall never work
SO again even if we never get big
house,
Martha has made this SO pretty that
We shant want another exclaimed Clara,
hearing his last remarks as they entered
the room. Pm so thankful To you all for
this pleasant homecoming.
Martha deserves the thanks for she
planned it ALL said Nathan, catching up
the baby.
You are a Jewel, Martha; and to think
that | was afraid of you and dreaded to
have you come"
WAS that because / was an old maidg"
asked Martha, laughing.
Yes, that was just it. | didn't know.
You see, that you were such blessed oil
maid"