Connecticut western news., 1888-04-25
A STRANGE GUEST.

"You're sure you won't be lonesome, Jennie7'
 Farmer John Harmon stood in tho glow of tho broad fireplace, wrapped in his great-coat and muffl,r, his fur cap pulled down about his ears, and his whip in his hand, whilo tho paving hoofs of his impatient horses crunched the snow outside. He stopped as he spoke, and lifted his little daughters chin till the clear, brown eyes looked up, with the frank smile which always warmed his heart.
 'tNo, indeed, fatherl How could l be lonesome with such little chatter box as Tonya Hark! I do believe he's waking now, the darlingp
 'Tm sorry that Manda Lawson couldn't havo como to stay with you, but, of course, if Jacks sick, it stands to reason that she can't leave him. But Steve and I'll be back before dark, never fear. Hullo! you were right, Jennie. Here comes the little gen eralr
 A chubby boy of three years old ap- peared in his night-gown from the ad- joining room, with cheeks rosy, and yellow curls tangled from his morning nap. The father caught him in his strong a1ms, and held him, shrieking with laughter, above his head.
 "Father's little man! Walked up to say good-by. He'll take good care ot ,istsr, won't he1"
 The child leaped into the young girl s outstretched arms, and hid his face upon her shoulder.
 "Well, good-by Jenniep He paus ed moment, wistful look creeping over bis strong, sun-browned face. "You're liker your mother every day, my girl"
 "Fatherl Father" called cheery voice outside.
 "Coming, Stevew
 The door opened and let in great wave of frosty air, and, as it closed be- hind him, the sturdy farmer clambered to seat beside his son, and, with crack of whip and jingle of bells, the laden sleigh slipped cheerily away.
 Jennie stood at the window, still hold ing the child. She was just fourteen although her slight, childish figur' made her seem younger than that b, two or three years. The death of he mother when Tony was but 8 helples babe had thrown premature burden upon her young shoulders, burden which she had borne with patient, un selfish courage far beyond her years.
 Jennie was quite used to be left alon with her little charge, while her fathe and brother were away at work, so was with no special sense of lonelines that she watched the moving sleigh un til it was lost at sharp turn of tn forcst-bordered roadway. As tn nearest neighbor lived mile distant she could scarcely expect visitors ol such day.
 She turned away at last, and, takin! her place on a low seat before the fire proceeded to dress the child, makin merry game of the task, as she tol' over and over on his pink toes the stor ? of the five little pigs"
 Then, when she had given him hi breakfast of bread and milk, and place on the floor box of well-worn play things, she went briskly about her ow , household tasks. The market-town
 which her father and brother had gone , was fully fifteen miles away, and, ono there, they must wait for the grindin of their load of grain.
 "We shall have long day to ou ] selves, Tony dear," said Jenny more |
 herself than to the child; "but there'
 be plenty to do, for sister must bak . tho bread and cakos for Sun day.. an - father and Steve will be wanting goo i hot supper tonight"
 } "Tony help sister" lisped the boy. t "Yes, Tony shall help sister, and si ter will fry him doughnut man." , Clipping his chubby hands, the chi l. drew his little cricket to the tabl |. where, by climbing upon it, he cou l overlook his sisters operations at h , moulding board; and thus, with frol J and cheer, the short winter day wore O } But the sky. which had been brig e at early morning, grew gradually owe b cast with clouds, and Jennie saw fro + the window heavy mist filling all u l. air.
 j. A few feathery flakes came foatiI down as she spoke, and these proved } be but the forerunners of mighty hos r as the storm settled over the landscap l Hour after hour passed. There were s longer any tracks to be discerned alo. @ the narrow roadway which was t a only avenue through the forest = It grew presently so dark insile t a cabin that Jennie was fain to rl,ce . lighted lamp upon tho table, and SC
 herseH to lhtsn for the arst sound