Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1888-01-20

will be tomorrow. Wonder il your
sister. Mrs Cole, will go?''
Il don't know as she's heard of it,
Miss Fanny Bates answered in some
excitement. But III go right around
and see. We never heard she was
sick. or Jane would have gone up TO
see her. though commonly there amt
very much visiting between them.
Mrs. John Cole was busy making
apple dumplings when her sister Fan
ny rushed into the kitchen.
'Jane-oh, my! I'm most out Of
breath. Have you heard of old Mrs.
Coles death over at Barnville?"
Mrs. John Cole dropped the dump
ling which she was rounding symmet-
rically in the palms Of her hands.
Good gracious Fanny. you have
given me turn. When did she die?
And how did you hear it,
she was dying when Mrs. Steb-
bins left Barnville Yesterday, and
Mrs. Miller says the funeral will beto-
morrow.
And they never sent me word Of
message, Well. that beats all. But
then We ought 10 make allowance for
folks when there's death in the fami-
" and so much grief and trouble, and
such a lot OF things TO attend to- Be
side, il mightn't be convenient 10 get
a horse and boy TO come fifteen miles
TO let us know; so, all the old man :
side. Maybe she and her daughter
would like TO go. as they're got ear
ryall Of their own. I'll just run round
and let her know
Mrs. John returned to her rdumplings
with a deep sigh.
1T does seem heartless and unfeel-
ing to be making apple dumplings for
dinner, and ones husband kin lying
dead in her coffin" she said TO her
half-grown daughter Lucky, there :
that cake we made for Sundays meet
ing. I'll take it with me, for there II
be sight of folks from distance come
TO the funeral. and some Of EN- will
have to stay 10 dinner. And you can
get a good basket of grapes out OF the
garden, Lizzie. They are early and
won't come in amiss.
And we must have plenty Of white
flowers, you know, ma, said Lizzie
in lively excitement and anticipation;
and I'll wear black sash with my
white dress. like Judge Martin :
daughters at old Mrs Martins fu-
neral.
We'll all wear our black dresses, ''
said Mrs. Cole. 1T looks more re-
spectful-like; and I'm told it, the fash
ion at funerals. even where there's no
kin.
So the next morning, bright and
early. two vehicles were seen To leave
the little village closely crowded with
black-robed figures. most Of whom
carried wreaths and punches Of white
flowers.
In this part Of the country it was
the custom TO have all buryings pre-
cisely at one o'clock, SO the party had
no fear of being too late for the fu-
neral.
Mr.. John Cole drove his own wagon,
and Mrs Hill hers, containing her
daughter and "A couple Of neighbOrs,
who. having n slight acquaintance
with the Barnville Coles, considered
it but friendly and respectful TO the
family TO attend the funeral
They went at n brisk rate until they
approached Barnville, whose princi-
pal street they entered at proper
and becoming funeral pace.
1T does seem to me as if a sort o
shadder hangs over the place to-day, -
Mrs. Hill observed, as she looked from
under her spectacles at the people
passing. Poor old lady! Her death
will be felt. for better woman never
lived
Look, there's the house with the
parlor window shut, and. ! declare,
little Jenny Cole carrying in cheers!
And just see that pile of ivy rub
bish at the foot of the back stairs.
They've been fixing up the parlor
with earrings on the walls, said an
other.
And yonder's the minister across
at the 'pothecary's talking to Jeem
Cole himself exclaimed Mrs Cole
And he in his everyday clothes, and
looking not a bit downcast Well. ]
suppose he hasn't had time to dress. ="
They alighted al the front door,
where they were met by Master John
ny, who. suddenly boiling out, nearly
knocked down stout Mrs. Hill before
he was aware.
We'll, Johnny. how are you?'' said
Mrs. John. in tone Of commisera-
ton. And how is your poor ma.
Johnny
shes very well. | thank yer
ma am, said the boy, with parrOt-like
politeness, while staring at the visi-
tors with beaming countenance.
We'll. Johnny, show US the way,
and go and let your folks know that
we are here He don't seem to care a
bit. she added, as the boy skipped
off: but then. children never realized
the awfulness Of death. it seems to
me, looking around OH her own eager
eyed offspring.
They walked solemnly into the par
Ior. the door Of which Johnny had
proudly thrown open, and seating
themselves in black row against the
wall. rigidly awaited the appearance
of one OF the family.