Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1888-10-12
Mrs. Holmes Help.

Mrs. Holmes Help.
NO sir said Farmer Holmes as he
energetically knocked the ashes out
of his pipe; no sir. You may marry
the girl if you choose, for l can't pre-
vent that; but l repeat that if you do
she nor you shall never find home
beneath my roof! That's all I've got
to say
But, father, once for all, what is
your objection to Miss Weston"
"Ain't she city girl, sir?''
Granted. But is that a crime or
disgrace?
Doesn't she wear her hair frizzled
and crimped over her forehead like
our two-year-old bull, and waterfall,
DIS you call it (sneeringly), on the top
O. her head, big enough to hold one o
your mothers apple-dumplings?"
Really, sir
"Yes, really, sir, you can't deny it.
What can citybred girl do but paw
the piany and wriggle about in her
finery and turn up her nose at every
thing good and useful? No, sir Go
and marry the girl, if you please; but
she shall never come here to idle about
and give herself airs and be waited
upon like a princess. That's all I've
got to say concluded the old gentle
man, stamping vigorously out Of the
kitchen to look after things in the
barnyard.
All this discourse that is, of course,
the matter of it. merely softened and
doubly refned-did Richard Holmes
find himself compelled to repeat to
Clara Weston on his next weekly Wis
it to the city.
He was young country doctor who
had but recently obtained his diploma
in the city, where he had met with
and become engaged to pretty Miss
Weston.
He had nothing but talent to begin
on; for his father, though rich, was
parsimonious as regarded money.
Yet, living at home on the farm, as
his parents desired he should do, his
expenses would be few and he might
soon get into a good practice.
Clara did not look hurt at all or of
Tended when told Mr. Holmes, Sr. s
idea of the capacities of city girls. On
the contrary, she laughed and seemed
quite amused.
80 your father thinks must be
mere doll? Do you know, Richard,
that papa calls me a famous little
housekeeper, and that it was | who
made the rolls and the cake we had
for tea?'
You! is it possible darling?' ex
claimed the delighted Richard.
"And ! would wager you anything
you please that | could be of more
use to your mother than the most ac
complished help she can hire in the
country" continued the girl
Suppose we try that, suggested
the lover, with sudden bright idea
SO they talked it over, and agreed
to a little plan that was TO effect this
desirable consummation; the first step
to which was a private marriage,
known but to Miss Weston's own fam
ity.
'Humph.' muttered Farmer Holmes
looking askance at the new help which
his wife had engaged "humph. she
don't look fit for much, with such
hands and such waist
Fit? Why you haven't an idea of
all she's done today answered Mrs
Holmes enthusiastically. "She has
swept the parlor carpet with damp
broom, dipped in something or other
a little alum in it, | believe-and
made the colors come out as fresh and
clean as when twas new. She has
cleaned up the old gilt frames that |
wanted regilted, until they shine like
gold; and told Inc how / could make
a better pudding with less eggs-that
very pudding you praised at dinner
and now she's altering the pattern Of
my new dress" And, indeed, poor
Mrs Holmes felt as if burden of dai-
ly care was removed from her shoul-
ders; and she became quite grateful
and attached to the pretty, cheerful
obliging girl. She only wished that
she had such daughter, she added,
signing; and the wonder to her was
that Richard should be so Indifferent
TO Miranda. since he appeared TO have
given up all thought of that city girl
Miss Weston
Dick, said Squire Holmes, poking
in the ashes with the end of his cane,
Dick, you don't go to see that girl,
Miss Weston, now, eh?''
No, sir, said Dick. demurely.
Glad of it. Thought you'd take
sensible view Of the thing in time.
Still, young fellow like you ought to
marry"
Il agree with you, sir" said the
doctor.
If you could find suitable girl
now," suggested the Squire, cautious
ly; "a tidy, industrious, smart, good
tempered, good-looking-"
Dear me, father interrupted Dick,
in a tone of astonishment, where on
earth am TO find such combination
of perfections?"
Why" said on old man, looking up
sharnly. ..there's MirandY. for in