Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-10-03

custom coming to her because OF Ine
beer-house. The very mention of this
obnoxious institution moved her bile
directly. "a pretty gentleman" said
she, 'to brew his own beer and under
sell poor widow that have been here
all her DAYS and her father before her!
But the Colonel won't let me be driven
out altogether, no more will Mr.. Wal
ter: he do manage for the old gentle
man now"
Monckton slipped and waited for the
name of Hope, but it did not come.
The good lady deluged him with the
things that interested her. She was to
have bit of farm added on the Dun
Cow. 1t was to be grass land, and not
much labor wanted. She couldn't
undertake that; was it likely? But for
milking of cows and making butter or
cheese, that she was as good at as here
and there one; and if she could have the
custom of the miners for her milk.
But, la, sir" said she, I'll go bail as
that there BARLEY will take and set up
dairy against me, as he have beer
shop"
"Bartley?" said Monckton, inquir-
ingly.
the beer shop, and all, worse luck for
me-"
BARLEY? Who is hep
"Oh, one of those chaps that rise from
nothing nowadays. Came here to farm;
but that was blind, the Colonel says.
Sunk mine, he did, and built pityil-
lage, and turns everything into brass
money! But there, you are a stranger,
sir; what is all this to your"
why, it is very interesting" said
Monckton. Mistress, l always like to
no 10 h CIR ~ 1ala II
stop at, especially from a sensible Wo-
man like you, that sees to the bottom
of things. Do have another glass. Why
I should be as dull as ditch-water, now,
II had not your company"
La, sir, I'm sure you are welcome to
my company in civil way; and for the
matter of that you are right; life is life,
and there's plenty to be learned in a
public-dO but open your eyes and ears"
''Have another glass with me. I am
praised for my punch"
you deserve it, sir. Better was
never brewed."
She slipped and slipped, and smacked
her lips, till it was all gone.
This glass colOred her cheeks, bright
ened her eyes, and even lOOsened her
tongue, though that was pretty well
oiled by nature.
"We1l, sir" said she, @you are bird
of passage, here to-day ard gone to-
morrow, and it don't matter much what
tell you, SO long as | don't tell no lies.
There oUiI be q r0l0 an this y15Jage."
Having delivered this formidable
prophecy, the coy damepushed her glass
to her companion for more, and leaning
back cOZily in the old-fashiOned high
backed chair, observed the effect of her
thunderbolt.
Monckton rubbed his hands. I'm
glad of it," said he, genially; that is to
say, provided my good hostess does not
suffer by it,"
I'm much beholden to you, sir" said
the lady. you are the civilest-spOken
gentleman l have entertained this many
day. Here's your health, and wishing
you luck in your business, and many
happy days well spent. My service to
you, sir"
"The same to you, ma1am."
"Well, sir, in regard to a row between
the gentlefolks-no that / call that
there BARLEY one-judge for yourself.
You are man of the world and man
of business, and an elderly man appar-
emily"
AT all events, am older than you
madam"
"That is as may be-" said Mrs. Daw-
son, dryly. eve hain% got the parish
register here, and all the better for me.
So once more say, judge for yourself"
well, madam" said MoncktOn, II
will try, if you viii Oblige me with the
facts"
"That is reasonable" said Mrs. Daw-
son, lOftily, but after some little con-
sideration. "The facts Twill declare,
and not lie among 'em."
THAT will be a novelty" thought her
cynical nearer, but he held his tongue,
and looked respectfully attentive.
Colonel Clifford" said Mrs. Dawson,
"hates BARLEY like poisom, and BARLEY
him. The Colonel vows he will have
him off the land and out ofjthe bowels
of the earth, and he have sent him
lawyers letter; for everything leaks out
in this village. along of the servants
chattering. BARLEY he don't value a
lawyers letter no more than that. He
deties the Colonel, and they'll 90 at it
hammer and tongS at the sizes, and
spend mint of money in aaw. That's
one side of the question. But there's
another. Master Walter is ,deepin love
with Miss Mary"
who is She?"
ter, to be sure: not as I'd believe it if [
hadn't known her mother, for she is no
more like him in her looks or.her ways
than tulip is to dandelioa. She is
the loveliest girl in the county, and bet
ter than she's bOnny. You don't catch
her drawing bride at her papa's beer
house, and she never passes mypicture.
It's oh, Mrs. Dawson, am Sc thirsty,
a glass of your good cider, please, anda
little hay and water for Deerfoot.'
That's her way, bless your silly heartL
She amt dry: and Deerfoot, he's full of
beans, and his coats like satin: but
that's Miss Mary'S way of letting me
know that she's my customer, and no
body elSe's in the town. God bless her,
and send her many happy days with the
man of her heart, and that is Walter
Clifford, for she is just as fond of him
as he is of her. / seen it all from the
first day. Twas love at first sight, and
still a-growing to this day. Them old
fogies may tear each other to pieces, but
they won't part such lovers as those.
There's not a girl in the village that
doesn't run to look at them, and admire
them, and wish them joy. Ay, and you
mark my words, they are young, but
they have got spirit, both of them.
Miss Mary, she looks you in the face
like lion and a dove all in one. They
may lead her, but they won't drive her.
And Walter, he's Clifford from top to
toe. Nothing but death will part them
two. Them S the facts, sir, without a
lie, which now I'm awaiting for judg-
ment."
Mrs. Dawson said Monckton, sol
EMMY, since you do me the honor to
ask my opinion, say that out of these
facts row will certainly arise, and
deadly one"
1T must sir: and VIII Hope will have