Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1890-09-26
The Cartwright Twins.
BY MRS. NJ. A. KIppER.

/ IL was low, TaHlDilnB3 sHcu OF u
house-made, it is true, TO look piciur-
esquc by the wealth of green vines and
! japanese climbing roses that com
! pletely covered the low caves and even
crept across the roof and peepcd over
on the other side. The flowers and
vines were twined d intertwined
till the cottage looked like floral
bower, and fit for fairy princess.
But this was all outside show, like
many another dwelling place. both of
soul and body, in this strange, deceiv-
ing world.
1t took the winds of autumn and
the wild, rude storms of winter to
strip it of its glory.
Inside it was a chccrless, bare place,
consisting of sitting-room, bedroom,
and kitchen, with loft or garret
where the pigeons roasted and the rats
and mice held high revelry.
The sitting-room was parlor and
dining-room as well, except when
James Cartwright. the hard working
tenant, was too busy to tramp a half
own humble board; thea it was that
little Susie put up a leaf in the kitchen
table set against the wall, placed two
plates and a corresponding number of
knives and two-tined forks, cup and
a saucer, p ate of sweet butter, and
a homemade loaf, with some simple
relish thereon, with cup of tea al
ways for mother.
Susie's hands were small, yet very
/ busy. Scarce a head taller than the
table, she was as handy as many a
grown maiden il cutting the bread,
pouring out the tea, and better than
all, in washing the dishes-the dread
of all housekeepers-and tidying up
the room till ii shone.
There were no ottomans, velvet
tapestry, or stuffed furniture, to az
range and keep clean. The well-worn
rag carpet, the half-dozen cane-sea'
chairs, and old-fashioned mahogany
table, that had once belonged tc
ssGranny Cartwright" with the well
filled work basket on the wide win
dow-ledge, comprised the appointments
of the simple "best room"
Mrs. Cartwright was an invalid, bu
she "mourned not as those withou
hope" When the sweet May flower
should blossom and the hills be clad il
green, she prayed that her "hope'
might blossom also in strength ant
beauty-in short, that the little on
they expected would be perfect an'
comely.
If Susie (who was ten years old
had been moro of the hopes and as
pirations of her parents, and had
voice or choice in the matter, sh
would have expressed her longing
for 'little sister," but, as it was
there were devout inward prayers go
ing mp from the hearts of the humbl
pair that the baby might be boy!
"Our prayers are answered, MAJ
tina" said plain James Cartwright, a
he kissed his wife and glanced at til
ul-old, red faced baby in the nurse
arms, two months later than when on
story opens. III would remain vii
you longer, but an important j b
waiting, and the work must be at
tended to now more than ever, for W
have another mouth TO fill. Heave
bless you bothl" and the stalwa
blacksmith started with long stride
for his smithy.
The fourdry bell sounded its 81
measured strokes, and at the la
stroke the blacksmith left his anv
by the forge, and hurriedly creepir
out of his overalls, started for hom
kiss the baby, father" cried Il
delighted Susie, as soon as he had e.
tered the room, holding up the lit
mite for the paternal salute.
Cartright did as his daughter +
quested him, though in rather an awl
ward manner.
.Did you kiss the baby at moo
father?"
eyes, Susie"
"Well, tins isn't the same one "
kissed then, father and Susie laugh
till the tears ran down her cheeks
the choice bit of news she had to t,
him.