The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-07-11
CHAPTER VII.


CHAPTER VII.
John Harmon was laid in drunkard's
grave, and the tears which were shed were
more for the "might have been and for
the wasted life so suddenly brought to a
close than for sorrow that he had gone.
Indeed, brighter atmosphere was even
now pervading the house. as the fact be-
came more tangible that no more blows or
curses were 10 be dealt out there, and the
children began to look brighter, and lose
their cowed, scared look. and all planned
and looked forward to the future. as il a
great black cloud had rolled OF their hori-
zon, as indeed there had. Alas. that any
man should so conduct himself that the
best and kindest thing he can do for his
family is TO die and free them from his
presence.
The children had gone to bed. and Isabel
and her aunt were alone in the shabby little
room which was dignified by the name of
parlor. Now, auntie, tell me all your
plans," she said, taking the wrinkled, hard
working hand of her aunt in hers.
II don't know rs ! can, child" replied
Mrs Harmon. .sThis has come so sudden
like it seems as IL I'd had no time for any
definite plans. shall 60 along in the same
old way probably, working hard and having
little" She had been unusually respondent
this evening, and life had . hard, far-away
look to her
bells voice had q reassuring business ring.
"Yes, . few that know Of. have strug-
gled hard to keep from debt, but could not
succeed" and she sighed heavily.
didn't Uncle John have any business
orb al
unsettled accounts in the old secretary.
Hadn't we better lookr'
perhaps 50. I'll leave it all with you,
child; some way have neither heart or
courage to do any thing to night" said the
widow, YEARLY.
Isabel rose and, going to the old desk,
drew out from . drawer q bundle Of pa
pers, unpaid bills, contracts for labor and
other unlmportant papers, and lastly long
official envelope, which she eagerly opened.
ssOh. auntie, come aud see,' she cried. JOY
fully; s.Unclc John had life insurance
Are you sure. childs' Mrs. Harmon 8
voice trembled with eager hope. Can it be
possible.'
1t was possible: a glib insurance man had
attacked John Harmon one day when he
was unusually pliable, and had worked upon
him until. partly from q sense of justice
and partly from Q very natural desire To
be rid Of the mans persistence, he had
taken out policy of thousad dollars
"A little fortune in this time Of need.
He had felt ashamed Of the unprcmed-
itated provision as soon as he had made 1t,
and deposited the policy in the old desk
without word.
''Oh, Isabel, what wonderful prov
ldence,r cried Mrs. Harmon, as she read
the paper and took in the welcome Ger.
tainty. Her apathy was all gone now, and
her eyes began to sparkle with the rays oil
new hope. This will pay every debt and
leave quite large sum besides. can plan
now that there seems to be something te
plan with
.'Oh, My dear auntie, you have plenty Il
plan with,' said Isabel, joyfullv. Il have
the very best husband in the world, and
have come prepared to repay you for q little
| Of the love and care you have given me
| from infancy. All there is for you to do i.
to make up your mind what course yor
wish (, pursue, and the means shall not bs
| wanting
.Hay., you. then, married a man who j.
able % allow You TO do thisg' said Mrs
| Harln.h. looking into Isabcrs glad eye.
with prise.
| NO. only able. but willing, auntie,'' ant
| she repeated her conversation with Mr.
| Falco4.e: before starting, and named IN,
large 81 N he had given her.
| ''Isa5el, child, ought not to take it, in
deed 1 ought not cried the widow witt
emotiao; ..your generosity forces me TO tel
4 you y s.oret, which ! have never though
best to J.vnlge until now
"A strret.a said Isabel, surprised in he
/ turn.
| .Ycs, Is secret. ought not TO take you
money, dear Child for really you arc not 70
lated 10 me, and have no claim on you TO
such lisarality.'
Not related to you.' echoed Isabel
"Auntie Harmon, what do you means'
just what | say, Isabel replied Mrs
Harmon. Il have never told you the stor.
Of your pareEtage, fearing it would max
| YOU uneasy and dissatisfied with your hum
Bile Lome, and the hard, humiliating worl
| which l saw no way TO prevent yoEs' doing
| but now that you have husband and pc
sitioL 70 sustain in society it is fitting tina
you should know who you are, and that no
a drop Of my humble blood runs in you
velns."
.Ycu are good and kind. and have been
true mother to me: you shall not under
rate yourself. said Isabel. warmly: ..bui
oh do tell me Of this strange thing
I'VE were just married, John and
Isabel. child, pardon me if continue I
name you as relative"
...inniie.'' interrupted Isabel, dcpreca,
ingly.
.Yoa can not realize, perhaps, that job
was Kind husband, and that was one Q
the happiest Of wives. We lived in Il large
handsome cottage then, and were quite we
to do at the time you were born. The frs
shot had been fired at Fort Sumter tn
previous January. and . young Souther
gentleman came here with his young wife
who was IN invalid, and he had brought he
North not only 10 escape the fierce heat Q
a Southern summer, but to avoid the es
element of the troubled times which shs
in her weak state, was poorly able to beal